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Baked chicken thighs with golden crispy skin and fresh herbs in a white baking dish on a kitchen counter

Easy Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe

5 from 4 votes
Aliana Recipes
Golden-brown chicken thighs with crispy skin and tender, juicy meat that practically falls off the bone. This recipe transforms simple pantry spices into restaurant-quality comfort food that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings:8 pieces
Course:Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine:American, Comfort Food
Calories:285kcal
Cost:$12
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 pieces Chicken thighs Bone-in, skin-on for maximum flavor
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil For coating and moisture
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder Adds savory depth
  • 1 teaspoon Onion powder For sweet, aromatic base
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika Provides color and mild sweetness
  • ½ teaspoon Dried thyme Earthy, herbaceous notes
  • ½ teaspoon Dried rosemary Pine-like aroma, pairs perfectly
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Enhances all flavors
  • ½ teaspoon Black pepper Adds subtle heat and complexity
  • ½ teaspoon Smoked paprika Optional but adds smoky depth

Equipment

  • 1 Rimmed baking sheet To hold chicken thighs with space between pieces
  • 1 Parchment paper To line baking sheet for easy cleanup
  • 1 Small mixing bowl To combine spice blend
  • 1 Paper towels Essential for drying chicken before seasoning
  • 1 Meat thermometer To check internal temperature reaches 165°F

Method
 

  1. Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels, inside and out. This step is crucial for achieving crispy skin—moisture is the enemy. Drizzle olive oil over each thigh and rub thoroughly, getting under the skin where possible.
  2. Mix all spices (garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, smoked paprika) in a small bowl. Sprinkle evenly over both sides of the thighs, pressing gently to help spices adhere. Don't be shy—bold seasoning creates bold flavor.
  3. Place seasoned thighs skin-side up on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave adequate space between each piece—crowding causes steaming instead of roasting, preventing that coveted crispy skin.
  4. Preheat oven to 425°F. Place baking sheet on middle rack and roast for 35-40 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. The skin should be gorgeously golden brown, and juices should run completely clear. Resist opening the oven door frequently—each peek releases heat.
  5. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes after removing from oven. This allows juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is perfectly moist and tender. Serve immediately while skin is still crispy.

Nutrition

Serving: 150gCalories: 285kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 26gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 135mgSodium: 380mgPotassium: 285mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 0.3gVitamin A: 180IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 18mgIron: 1.2mg

Notes

The secret to perfectly crispy skin lies in two simple steps: pat the chicken completely dry before seasoning, and resist flipping during cooking. Let the high heat work its magic undisturbed, and you'll be rewarded with golden, crackling skin that rivals your favorite restaurant. The resting period after baking isn't just a suggestion—it allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is tender and flavorful.