Best Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs – Easy Recipe

If you’re looking for the best way to cook chicken thighs, this Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs recipe is crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor. Perfectly seasoned and baked to golden-brown perfection, this dish is easy to make, budget-friendly, and great for meal prep.

Chicken thighs are naturally more flavorful and tender than chicken breasts, making them an excellent option for a healthy, high-protein, family-friendly dinner. Plus, with simple seasoning and minimal effort, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or weekend meal prep.

Let’s dive into this crispy, juicy, and delicious baked chicken thighs recipe and learn how to make it step by step!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Crispy & Juicy: The skin crisps up beautifully, while the inside stays tender and moist.

✔️ Simple & Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable ingredients and minimal prep.

✔️ Flavor-Packed: A savory spice blend adds amazing taste without marinating.

✔️ Healthy & High-Protein: A low-carb, high-protein meal perfect for any diet.

✔️ Great for Meal Prep: Leftovers store well and reheat easily.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these crispy oven-baked chicken thighs, you’ll need:

• Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: 6 pieces
• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
• Salt & Black Pepper: To taste
• Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon
• Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon
• Paprika (Smoked or Regular): 1 teaspoon
• Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon
• Cayenne Pepper: ¼ teaspoon (optional for heat)
• Lemon Wedges & Fresh Parsley: For garnish

🔄 Ingredient Swaps & Variations:

• Use Boneless Chicken Thighs: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes instead.
• Add a Marinade: Try lemon juice, soy sauce, and honey for extra flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Increase cayenne pepper or add chili flakes.
• Herb Infused: Mix in fresh rosemary or thyme for a fragrant twist.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

To make this oven-baked chicken thighs recipe, you’ll need:

• Large Baking Sheet or Oven-Safe Skillet (for even cooking)
• Parchment Paper or Aluminum Foil (to prevent sticking)
• Mixing Bowl (for seasoning the chicken)
• Measuring Spoons (for precise seasoning)
• Tongs or a Spatula (for flipping the chicken)

How to Make Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat helps crisp the skin while keeping the meat juicy.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel—this step is essential for crispy skin.

Place the thighs in a mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

In a small bowl, mix together salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, and cayenne pepper.

Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over the chicken thighs, making sure to coat both sides.

Step 4: Arrange on Baking Sheet

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and place the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side up.

Make sure there is space between each piece so the hot air circulates and crisps up the skin.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden & Crispy

Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

For extra crispy skin, broil for the last 2-3 minutes, but keep an eye on it to prevent burning.

Step 6: Rest & Serve

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving—this keeps the juices inside.

Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for a burst of flavor.

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Expert Tips for the Best Baked Chicken Thighs

✅ Pat the Chicken Dry: Removing excess moisture helps the skin crisp up in the oven.

✅ Use High Heat: Baking at 425°F (220°C) creates golden, crispy skin.

✅ Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Giving space between each thigh ensures even cooking.

✅ Check the Internal Temperature: Chicken thighs are safe to eat at 165°F (75°C) but taste best around 175-180°F (80-82°C) for extra tenderness.

✅ Broil at the End: If you want extra crispy skin, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Using Wet Chicken: Not patting the chicken dry results in soggy skin.

❌ Baking at Too Low a Temperature: Baking at low heat (under 375°F/190°C) won’t give you crispy skin.

❌ Skipping the Resting Step: Cutting into the chicken too soon lets all the juices escape.

❌ Overcooking the Chicken: Check the internal temperature to avoid dry chicken.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

These crispy baked chicken thighs pair well with:

• Mashed Potatoes – A comforting, creamy side dish.
• Roasted Vegetables – Try Brussels sprouts, carrots, or zucchini.
• Garlic Butter Rice – Absorbs the chicken juices beautifully.
• Fresh Garden Salad – A refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating:

• Oven: Warm at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes.
• Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals (less crispy but still tasty).

Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken thighs for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Recipe Variations & Ingredient Swaps

🔥 Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs: Drizzle honey and minced garlic over the thighs before baking.

🍋 Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs: Add lemon zest and rosemary for a bright, aromatic flavor.

🌶 Spicy Cajun Chicken Thighs: Use Cajun seasoning and a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.

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FAQs About Baked Chicken Thighs

Can I bake chicken thighs from frozen?

Yes! Increase the baking time to 50-55 minutes and check the internal temperature.

How do I make boneless, skinless chicken thighs crispy?

Coat them in a light layer of olive oil and breadcrumbs, then bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes.

Can I marinate the chicken beforehand?

Absolutely! Marinate in olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for up to 24 hours for extra flavor.

What’s the best way to get extra crispy skin?

Broil the thighs for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.

Conclusion

These Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs are a crispy, juicy, and flavorful dinner option that’s incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight meal or meal prepping for the week, this foolproof recipe guarantees perfect results every time!

Try this recipe today and let me know how it turns out! If you loved it, share it with friends and subscribe for more delicious recipes.

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