Description
Classic crispy oven baked chicken thighs promise golden, juicy perfection with minimal effort. Herb-seasoned skin crackles delightfully, delivering restaurant-quality results right from home kitchens.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2.5 lbs / 1.13 kg total)
- 2 tbsps olive oil (or melted butter for extra richness)
- 1.5 tsps salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 0.5 tsp dried oregano or thyme
- 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 425F (220C), positioning a wire rack over a foil-lined baking sheet to enhance air circulation and promote even cooking.
- Seasoning: Pat chicken thighs completely dry, then craft a robust spice blend combining salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and cayenne. Thoroughly massage olive oil across the chicken, then meticulously coat with the aromatic seasoning mixture, pressing spices deeply into the meat’s surface.
- Roasting: Arrange seasoned chicken thighs skin-side up on the prepared rack, ensuring adequate spacing between pieces. Roast for 35-40 minutes until skin turns rich golden-brown and internal temperature reaches 165F (75C).
- Finishing: Activate broiler on high for 2-3 minutes to create an ultra-crispy exterior, monitoring closely to prevent burning. Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.
- Serving: Plate the crisp chicken alongside complementary sides like roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a refreshing garden salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Master Moisture Removal: Pat chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels to guarantee ultra-crispy skin. The drier the surface, the crunchier the result.
- Customize Spice Blend: Experiment with different herbs and spices like smoked paprika, thyme, or za’atar to personalize flavor profile while maintaining core seasoning ratios.
- Position for Perfection: Use a wire rack on the baking sheet to elevate chicken, allowing hot air to circulate evenly and prevent soggy bottom surfaces during roasting.
- Check Internal Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165F (75C) for safe consumption, preventing undercooking while maintaining juicy meat texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg