Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs
These crispy and juicy baked chicken thighs make for the perfect weeknight meal. They’re incredibly easy to make and packed with flavor!
- Total time
- 45 min
- Active time
- 5 min
- Yield
- 8, 8 servings
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Equipment
- 3 required
Ingredients and Constraints
Ingredients
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Additional ingredient notes
BAKED CHICKEN THIGHS INGREDIENTS
Chicken Thighs: Grab yourself a package of bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs.
And while yes, you can use boneless skinless chicken thighs in this recipe, I do feel that the skin locks in the moisture and bone-in chicken just tastes better. Chicken seasoning: A simple blend of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper gives the chicken so much flavor.
Required setup
Equipment
This one won't warp or bend!
You can use this for cooking and cooling.
My favorite one!
Before You Cook
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Decisions before cookingDetails1
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Can I swap in different herbs and spices?
The key to this recipe is using lots of herbs and spices (just under one teaspoon of herbs and spices per chicken thigh).
But, if you’d like to switch up the flavor profile, by all means, have fun with it.
Method Overview
Structured method notes that are separate from the step timeline.
HOW TO BAKE CHICKEN THIGHS
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and remove the chicken thighs from the fridge, allowing them to come to room temperature.
Use a paper towel to pat the chicken dry and remove any condensation. Then, in a small bowl, mix all of the herbs and spices together.
How do I prevent dry chicken thighs?
The good news is that it’s really hard to overcook chicken thighs.
The darker meat just stays juicer. And in fact, you want to cook chicken thighs about 5 to 10 degrees higher than chicken breasts, as this allows the connective tissue to breakdown more, resulting in the most tender meat.
Source video
Source video
Method Timeline
Prep
ActivePrep
5 min
Prep time from the source recipe card.
Cook
ActiveCook
40 min
Cook time from the source recipe card.
Total
PassiveTotal
45 min
Total time from the source recipe card.
Step 1
Make the seasoning. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Remove the chicken thighs from the fridge and allow them to come to room temperature. Pat dry with a paper towel to remove any moisture. Then, In a small bowl, mix all of the herbs and spices together.
Image detailsMix SpicesDownshiftology · CRISPY BAKED CHICKEN THIGHSDev reference Checks1
TemperatureInfoTemperature425°F
Target: 425 degree-fahrenheit
Expected state: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Inputs and tools1
Uses
- 8 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
Why and source
This step has reviewed source-backed guidance.
- Source: CRISPY BAKED CHICKEN THIGHS
Step 2
Season the chicken. Place the chicken in a large mixing bowl. Add the oil and ⅔ of the spice blend. Use your hands to coat all sides of the chicken, and even get it under the skin.
Image detailsRubDownshiftology · CRISPY BAKED CHICKEN THIGHSDev reference Inputs and tools1
Uses
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Step 3
Arrange the chicken. Place the chicken on a rack on top of a baking sheet. Sprinkle the remaining spice mix on top of the chicken.
Step 4
Bake the chicken thighs for 35 to 40 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 170°F. You can also turn on the top broiler for 2 to 3 minutes to make the top extra crispy. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Image detailsBakeDownshiftology · CRISPY BAKED CHICKEN THIGHSDev reference Visual cue
until the internal temperature reaches 170°F.
Checks4
TemperatureInfoTemperature170°F
Target: 170 degree-fahrenheit
Expected state: Bake the chicken thighs for 35 to 40 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 170°F.
Visual cueInfoVisualuntil the internal temperature reaches 170°F.
Expected state: until the internal temperature reaches 170°F.
TimingInfoTimingfor 35 to 40 minutes
Target: 35-40 minute
Expected state: Bake the chicken thighs for 35 to 40 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 170°F.
HoldingMain recipeSource holding instruction
Bake the chicken thighs for 35 to 40 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 170°F. You can also turn on the top broiler for 2 to 3 minutes to make the top extra crispy. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Why and source
This step has reviewed source-backed guidance.
- Source: CRISPY BAKED CHICKEN THIGHS
Handling and Storage
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STORAGE TIPS
To store: Leftover chicken thighs will stay good in the fridge for 3 to 4 days in an airtight container.
You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat: To enjoy crispy skin again, you can bake them in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through.
Learn More
Extra cooking notes, tests, and source details kept out of the step-by-step method.
Why this works
Quick kitchen reasons behind the main choices.
Do I really need to use a rack?
The rack allows the air to circulate around the chicken, making it crispier.
If you don’t have a rack, use a larger baking sheet with space between the chicken so that any juices spread out from the chicken.
Article photos
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Source: CRISPY BAKED CHICKEN THIGHS
Recipe structure
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Main recipe
Recipe card ingredients and steps.
8, 8 servings
Recipe Utilities
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Source and Origin
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Adapted from source
Imported from the downshiftology page for dev review.
Copy risk: Unchecked
CRISPY BAKED CHICKEN THIGHS
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