Description
This Juicy Baked Chicken Thighs recipe yields crispy, golden brown chicken with flavorful seasoning. Baked at a high temperature, the meat stays tender and juicy while the skin becomes perfectly crisp. Easy to prepare and ideal for a hearty family meal, this dish is finished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for added brightness.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 8 bone-in chicken thighs, with skin on (about 4 pounds / 1.8 kg)
Seasoning
- ½ cup (120 ml) olive oil
- 4 teaspoons (24 g) kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon (1 g) paprika, smoked or sweet
- 1 teaspoon (2 g) garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon (1 g) black pepper
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon (1 g) chopped parsley
- 8 lemon wedges
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Adjust the oven rack to the middle position and preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Grease the rack with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Pieces: Trim off any excess skin and fat from the edges of the chicken thighs. Use paper towels to thoroughly dry each piece, which is essential for achieving crispy skin during baking.
- Season the Pieces: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, kosher salt, dried Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Add the chicken thighs to this mixture and turn them to coat evenly and thoroughly with the seasoning blend.
- Bake the Chicken: Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs evenly spaced on the prepared wire rack within the baking sheet. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Check doneness by ensuring the internal temperature reaches about 175°F (79°C) using a meat thermometer.
- To Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and lemon wedges, then transfer to a serving platter and enjoy.
Notes
- Drying the chicken thoroughly is key for crispy skin — do not skip this step.
- Using a wire rack allows heat to circulate evenly around the chicken, promoting crispiness.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking and drying out the thighs.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
