Addictively Good Baked Chicken Thighs

Are you tired of dry, rubbery chicken in your lunch prep containers? It's time to upgrade to these Addictively Good Baked Chicken Thighs. While chicken breasts often get all the "healthy" attention, thighs are the secret weapon of pro meal-preppers because they stay juicy and flavorful even after reheating. This recipe is designed to be made in big batches, giving you a protein base that works perfectly atop salads, inside tacos, or served alongside roasted veggies all week long.

This oven baked chicken thighs bone-in recipe uses boneless skinless chicken thighs in oven or bone-in with the best seasoning for chicken thighs in oven. Learn how long to cook chicken thighs in oven at 400 (35 to 45 minutes) for these 5 star chicken thigh recipes with crispy golden crust and juicy tender center. Perfect for addictively good baked chicken thighs boneless, skinless boneless chicken thigh recipes, and baked chicken thighs in sauce.

Jump to:

• Why You'll Love These Addictively Good Baked Chicken Thighs
• Ingredients for Addictively Good Baked Chicken Thighs
• How to Make Addictively Good Baked Chicken Thighs
• My Top Tips for Perfect Addictively Good Baked Chicken Thighs
• Little Moments in the Kitchen
• Substitutions for Addictively Good Baked Chicken Thighs
• Variations on Addictively Good Baked Chicken Thighs
• Equipment for Making Addictively Good Baked Chicken Thighs
• Storage Tips for Addictively Good Baked Chicken Thighs
• Adam's Tip for Addictively Good Baked Chicken Thighs
• FAQ About Addictively Good Baked Chicken Thighs
• Conclusion
• Related
• Pairing
• recipe

Why You'll Love These Addictively Good Baked Chicken Thighs

• Crispy skin without any frying. The high oven temperature and quick broiler finish create a caramelized crispy exterior that rivals any fried chicken, but it's so much easier.
• Juicy, tender meat every single time. Chicken thighs are naturally more forgiving than breasts. They stay moist and flavorful even if you accidentally overbake them by a few minutes.
• Minimal prep, maximum flavor. A simple homemade seasoning blend and 5 minutes of hands-on time is all it takes to get these bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs in the oven.

Ingredients for Addictively Good Baked Chicken Thighs

These ingredients create the perfect balance of crispy golden crust on the outside and juicy tender center on the inside.

What You'll Need

For the Chicken:

• 6 to 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 to 2.5 pounds total)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Seasoning Blend:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedges

Why These Ingredients Matter

Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are the secret to juicy meat. The bones help the meat stay moist during cooking, and the skin protects the meat while creating that crispy golden crust everyone loves.

Smoked paprika adds depth and color. It gives the chicken a beautiful reddish-brown color and a subtle smoky flavor that makes it taste like it took way more effort than it actually did.

Olive oil or butter helps the skin crisp up. A light coating of fat ensures the skin gets golden and crispy instead of dry and rubbery.

How to Make Addictively Good Baked Chicken Thighs

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup, or lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Pat the chicken thighs completely dry. Use paper towels to remove as much moisture as possible from the skin. This is crucial for getting that crispy golden crust.
3. Make the seasoning blend. In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well.
4. Season the chicken thighs. Drizzle the olive oil or melted butter over the chicken thighs and rub it all over the skin. Sprinkle the salt and black pepper evenly over both sides of the chicken, then sprinkle the seasoning blend generously over the skin side.
5. Arrange the chicken on the baking sheet. Place the chicken thighs skin-side up on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they're not touching each other. Leave a little space between each thigh so the hot air can circulate and the skin can crisp up evenly.
6. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake without moving or flipping the chicken. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh. Larger thighs may take closer to 45 minutes.
7. Check for doneness. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh without touching the bone. If it reads 165°F, the chicken is ready. If not, bake for another 5 minutes and check again.
8. Optional: Broil for extra crispy skin. If you want an even crispier caramelized crispy exterior, turn on the broiler and move the oven rack to about 6 inches from the heat source. Broil for 2 to 3 minutes, watching closely, until the skin is deeply golden and extra crispy.
9. Let the chicken rest. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat extra juicy.
10. Garnish and serve. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges if desired. These one-pan baked chicken thighs are perfect with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad.

Quick Tip: Don't skip the step of patting the chicken dry! Moisture is the enemy of crispy skin.

Little Moments in the Kitchen

The first time I made these, Adam was doing homework at the kitchen table when the smell hit him. He looked up and said, "Mom, what ARE you making? It smells like a restaurant in here!" I told him it was just chicken thighs with some spices, nothing fancy. When I pulled the pan out of the oven, the skin was all golden and crispy, and he practically jumped out of his chair. "Can I have one right now? Please?"

I let them rest for five minutes (barely), and he grabbed the crispiest one. He bit into it and his eyes went wide. "This is SO good! The skin is super crunchy and the chicken is really juicy. Why don't we make this all the time?" I laughed and told him we absolutely can. Grandma Viola tried one and nodded her approval. "This is smart cooking. Chicken thighs are cheaper than breasts, they don't dry out, and you only used one pan. The seasoning is perfect, too. Not too fancy, just good flavor."

If you love simple one-pan dinners, try our Same-Day Focaccia. It's perfect for soaking up those crispy drippings.

Substitutions for Addictively Good Baked Chicken Thighs

• Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: You can use boneless skinless chicken thighs in oven, but reduce the cooking time to 25 to 30 minutes and skip the broiler step since there's no skin to crisp up.
• Olive oil or butter: Either works great. Butter adds a richer flavor, while olive oil is a bit lighter. You can also use avocado oil.
• Smoked paprika: Swap with regular paprika or a pinch of chipotle powder for a different flavor profile.
• Dried herbs: Use fresh herbs if you have them. You'll need about three times as much fresh as dried (so 1.5 teaspoons of fresh thyme instead of ½ teaspoon dried).

Variations on Addictively Good Baked Chicken Thighs

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs in Oven: Use boneless, skinless thighs and reduce the baking time to 25 to 30 minutes at 400°F for quick easy chicken thigh recipes and boneless chicken thigh recipes.
• Addictively Good Baked Chicken Thighs Boneless: Follow the same seasoning method with boneless thighs, perfect for boneless skinless chicken thigh recipes and chicken thigh recipes boneless skinless.
• Baked Chicken Thighs in Sauce: After baking, toss the chicken thighs in a sweet sticky honey garlic glaze or garlic butter sauce for extra flavor, great for healthy chicken thigh recipes and chicken thighs dinner.
• Best Seasoning for Chicken Thighs in Oven: Try different seasoning blends like lemon pepper, Cajun spices, or Italian herbs for variety in your chicken thigh recipes baked and chicken thigh recipes oven.
• 5 Star Chicken Thigh Recipes: Make this recipe with a lemon and olive oil marinade before baking, or serve with roasted fennel wedges for a gourmet chicken dinner, perfect for chicken thigh dinner recipes and easy chicken thigh recipes.

If you love easy weeknight dinners, check out our Cajun Steak Tips in Cheesy Rigatoni Parmesan Sauce. It's another one-pan wonder.

Equipment for Making Addictively Good Baked Chicken Thighs

• Large baking sheet or 9x13-inch baking dish: You need enough space so the chicken thighs aren't touching. A rimmed baking sheet is best for catching any drippings.
• Meat thermometer: Essential for checking doneness. Chicken thighs should reach 165°F internal temperature.
• Paper towels: For patting the chicken dry, which is the secret to crispy skin.
• Small bowl: For mixing the seasoning blend.

Storage Tips for Addictively Good Baked Chicken Thighs

• Refrigerator: Store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The skin will soften, but you can re-crisp it under the broiler.
• Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken thighs in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating tip: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through. For crispy skin, finish under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes.
• Make-ahead tip: You can season the chicken thighs up to 24 hours in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator. Let them come to room temperature before baking.

For more chicken recipes, try our Oven Baked Chicken Thighs. It's a reader favorite.

FAQ About Addictively Good Baked Chicken Thighs

Conclusion

Winning the week starts with a fridge full of these versatile baked chicken thighs. Whether you're eating them fresh out of the oven or sliced cold in a wrap tomorrow, the "addictively good" flavor never fades. Don't forget to save this recipe to your "Meal Prep" board on Pinterest so you never have to settle for a boring lunch again!

These oven baked chicken thighs bone-in with crispy golden crust and juicy tender center are perfect for boneless skinless chicken thighs in oven variations too. Master the best seasoning for chicken thighs in oven and how long to cook chicken thighs in oven at 400 for these 5 star chicken thigh recipes. Try our Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken next. Happy cooking!

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Pairing

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