Delicious Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe for Easy Weeknight Meals Recipe
This Delicious Baked Chicken Thighs recipe offers a simple and flavorful way to prepare juicy, crispy chicken thighs perfect for easy weeknight meals. With a blend of aromatic spices, a touch of olive oil, and optional lemon juice and honey for brightness and sweetness, this dish is both versatile and satisfying. The high-temperature baking method ensures a crispy skin and tender meat inside, making it a crowd-pleaser with minimal effort.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Thighs
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds)
Seasoning & Marinade
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter or avocado oil)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (or bottled lemon juice or vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional, or sugar substitute like stevia)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure a high heat environment that crisps the chicken skin beautifully.
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry thoroughly with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is key to achieving a crispy skin during baking.
- Season the Thighs: In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the lemon juice and honey if using. Toss the chicken thighs in this seasoning mixture until they are evenly coated on all sides.
- Arrange in a Baking Dish: Place the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side up in a baking dish. Avoid overcrowding – ensure space between pieces for even cooking and browning.
- Bake: Bake the chicken thighs in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the juices run clear when pierced.
- Broil for Extra Crispiness: For a crispier skin, switch the oven to broil for the last 3-5 minutes of cooking. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Rest Before Serving: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This helps redistribute the juices and ensures a moist, tender bite.
- Serve: Serve the baked chicken thighs with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Bone-in, skin-on thighs yield the best flavor and texture, but boneless, skinless can be used with adjusted cooking time.
- If omitting honey or syrup, the dish will be less sweet but still flavorful.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness and prevent overcooking.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- Feel free to customize the seasoning with herbs like thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning for different flavor profiles.
Keywords: baked chicken thighs, easy chicken recipe, weeknight meals, crispy chicken, oven baked chicken
