These crispy oven-baked chicken thighs are a real treat! They have a golden, crunchy skin and juicy meat that makes your mouth water. Super easy to make, too!
Who doesn’t love that satisfying crunch? I like to pair these with a simple salad or some roasted veggies. Trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs give the best flavor and texture. If you’re looking for a leaner option, skinless thighs or even chicken breasts work. Just remember, skin-on helps with crispiness!
Olive Oil: This adds moisture and aids in browning. If you’re out of olive oil, you can use vegetable or canola oil. I love using olive oil for its flavor, but any neutral oil will work.
Garlic & Onion Powder: These spices pack a flavor punch without the hassle of fresh ingredients. In a pinch, fresh minced garlic and onion are great replacements. Just be sure to use less, as they’re stronger in flavor!
Paprika: This adds color and a mild smokiness. You can use smoked paprika for a deeper flavor, or switch it for chili powder if you like more heat. Both work wonderfully!
Cayenne Pepper: This is optional for heat. If you prefer milder chicken, skip it or cut down on the amount. You can also substitute with red pepper flakes for a different kind of spice.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Thighs Stay Crispy?
Getting that perfect crispy skin is all about moisture control. Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels; this removes excess moisture. The less moisture, the crispier your skin!
- Preheat the oven thoroughly to 425°F (220°C) for optimal cooking.
- Apply olive oil generously, helping the spices adhere while ensuring even browning.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking dish; air circulation is key to achieving crispiness.
- If you love crunch, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes at the end. Just keep an eye on it to avoid burning!
How to Make Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Spice Mix:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
For Baking:
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or stock (for the baking dish)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 35-45 minutes to bake. In total, you’re looking at about 50-55 minutes from start to delicious finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature will help the chicken skin get super crispy while cooking.
2. Prepare the Spice Mix:
In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if you like a little heat. Mix them together well so they are evenly blended.
3. Prepare the Chicken:
Next, take your chicken thighs and pat them dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is important for getting skin that’s nice and crispy! Then, rub the olive oil all over the chicken, making sure it’s nicely coated.
4. Season the Chicken:
Now, take the spice mix and sprinkle it evenly on both sides of each chicken thigh. Don’t be shy; massage it into the skin for the best flavor!
5. Arrange for Baking:
Place the seasoned chicken thighs in a baking dish with the skin side facing up. Next, pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the dish. This will help keep the chicken moist and juicy while it bakes.
6. Bake the Chicken:
Put the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 35-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the skin looks golden brown and crispy.
7. Optional Broiling for Extra Crispiness:
If you’re feeling fancy, you can broil the chicken thighs for an extra 2-3 minutes at the end to make them even crispier! Just keep a close eye on them to make sure they don’t burn.
8. Rest and Serve:
Once they’re done, take the chicken out of the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. This will keep them juicy. Finally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your crispy oven-baked chicken thighs with your favorite side dishes!
Can I Use Bone-In, Skinless Chicken Thighs?
Yes, you can use skinless chicken thighs, but they won’t be as crispy! To mimic that crispy texture, consider adding a light coating of breadcrumbs or panko after rubbing them with olive oil and spices. Just remember, the cooking time may be a bit shorter, so keep an eye on them!
What If I Don’t Have Chicken Broth?
No problem! You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth, water, or even white wine for a different flavor. If using water, you might want to enhance the seasoning slightly to make up for the lack of flavor in plain water.
How Can I Store Leftover Chicken Thighs?
Store any leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through while trying to revive some of that crispiness!
Can I Marinate the Chicken Overnight?
Absolutely! Marinating the chicken in the olive oil and spice mixture overnight can enhance the flavor. Just be sure to pat them dry before cooking to ensure they crisp up nicely in the oven!
