Chicken thighs are a popular and versatile cut of meat that can be cooked in various ways. One of the simplest and tastiest methods is baking them in the oven. This recipe yields tender, juicy chicken with a crispy skin that is perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to special gatherings with family and friends. Follow these easy steps to make mouthwatering chicken thighs in the oven.
Ingredients
To make this recipe, you will need the following ingredients: - 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - 2 tablespoons of olive oil - 1 teaspoon of salt - 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper - 1 teaspoon of paprika - 1 teaspoon of garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme - 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano
Optional ingredients:
- Lemon wedges for serving - Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make chicken thighs in the oven: 1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). 2. Rinse the chicken thighs under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. 3. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and dried oregano. 4. Rub the seasoning mixture all over the chicken thighs, making sure to coat them evenly. 5. Place the chicken thighs on a baking sheet with the skin side up. 6. Bake the chicken thighs in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). 7. Remove the chicken thighs from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. 8. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with lemon wedges if desired.
- For extra crispy skin, you can broil the chicken thighs for 2-3 minutes after baking. - You can marinate the chicken thighs in the seasoning mixture for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator for more flavor. - You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer, but adjust the cooking time accordingly as they will cook faster than bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. - You can customize the seasoning mixture to your liking by adding or omitting any of the spices or adjusting the amounts. - You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken thighs to ensure they are fully cooked.