Yummy and Easy Baked Chicken Thighs
Making dinner every night can be a challenge but these yummy baked chicken thighs are so easy to prepare that you will love adding them to your weekly menu.
With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, this scrumptious easy chicken dinner recipe will soon become a family favorite. This easy dinner recipe requires five minutes of prep time!
As I mentioned, preparation is a breeze – just add a touch of olive oil and a blend of seasonings to the chicken, and let your oven do the rest. In just 45 minutes, you’ll have a mouthwatering dish that pairs perfectly with rice (traditional or cauliflower), roasted Brussels sprouts, a fresh green salad, green beans, sweet potatoes, baked potatoes or your favorite side dishes. It might be a simple chicken recipe but it’s so good I promise it will be on heavy rotation. Even if you’re cooking chicken thighs for the first time, this easy recipe is totally foolproof.
These crispy chicken thighs are also a huge hit on Pinterest. The juicy tender baked chicken thighs recipe pin I shared has over 50,000 saves and close to half a million clicks.
It’s also full of flavor, budget-friendly and allows you to feed the whole family. I used bone-in thighs, but you can also use boneless chicken thighs. Just follow the simple steps in the recipe card and get ready to enjoy the best baked chicken thighs.
Baked Chicken Thighs Cooking Tips
- Temperature and timing: Preheat your oven to the recommended temperature (in this case, 400 degrees F) before placing the chicken thighs inside. Cooking times may vary depending on the size of the thighs, so it’s essential to monitor the internal temperature using a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F for safe consumption.
- Seasoning: Enhance the flavor of your baked chicken thighs by using a blend of seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. You can customize the seasoning blend to suit your taste preferences. Additionally, consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for added aroma and taste.
- Olive oil and rub: Coat the chicken thighs with a thin layer of olive oil to help seal in moisture and prevent them from drying out during baking. This also helps the seasonings adhere to the chicken. Use your hands or a brush to evenly distribute the oil and rub the seasoning blend into the chicken for optimal flavor.
- Baking sheet and foil: Line your baking sheet with aluminum foil for easier clean-up. This prevents the chicken from sticking to the pan and makes post-cooking clean-up a breeze.
- Even spacing: Arrange the chicken thighs on the baking sheet with some space between them. This allows for proper air circulation, resulting in even cooking and crispy skin.
- Optional additional ingredients: While the basic recipe calls for olive oil and seasonings, you can add extra ingredients for variety. For example, you can include sliced lemons, onions, or garlic cloves on the baking sheet alongside the chicken for added flavor.
- Resting time: Once the chicken thighs are cooked, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a more flavorful and tender result.
By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to creating delicious and perfectly baked juicy chicken thighs. Trust me, this is the only baked chicken thighs recipe you need even on the busiest of weeknights.
Best oven-baked chicken thighs
Serves 4
Ingredients
- 3 to 4 pounds chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: fresh thyme
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Prepare a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easier clean up.
- Mix seasonings together.
- Rub chicken thighs in olive oil and then rub the seasoning blend into the chicken.
- Place chicken thighs on the baking sheet and sprinkle with any remaining seasoning. Optional: add fresh thyme for added flavor.
- Bake in the oven for 45 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees without the thermometer touching the bone.
Let me know if you end up making this easy chicken thigh recipe and whether your family enjoyed this simple yet flavorful dish! Is it one of your favorite new recipes?
Baked Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 3 to pounds chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Prepare a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easier clean up.
Mix seasonings together.
Rub chicken thighs in olive oil and then rub the seasoning blend into the chicken.
Place chicken thighs on the baking sheet and sprinkle with any remaining seasoning.
Bake in the oven for 45 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees without the thermometer touching the bone.
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