My whole family loves this crispy and juicy oven baked chicken thighs. Nothing beats delicious comfort food. With just a few minutes of prep, you can have a satisfying meal in the oven that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
What I love most about this is that it is a simple recipe. It’s a great option for any night of the week because it’s not only easy to make but also pairs well with a variety of sides. From brussels sprouts and root vegetables to creamy mashed potatoes.
Why This Oven Baked Chicken Recipe Works
There are so many reasons this is one of my favorite chicken recipes.
First, this works on any cut of chicken, no matter if it is a chicken breast, wing, thigh, or leg.
The best way to achieve crispy, juicy chicken is to bake at 400 degrees F in a preheated oven. This high temperature renders the fat from the skin-on chicken thighs, giving you that perfect crisp without losing the moisture from the meat.
Plus, using a few pantry staples like garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and Italian seasoning makes the chicken both flavorful and fragrant.
For a touch of sweetness and extra depth of flavor, the addition of paprika works wonders.
Crispy and Juicy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe
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Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
- 8 Chicken Thighs I used bone-in chicken thighs
- 2 Teaspoons Seasoned Salt divided, I use Lawry's Seasoned Salt
- 2 Teaspoons Paprika
- ½ Teaspoon Black Pepper
- ½ Teaspoon Onion Powder
- ½ Teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ½ Teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- 1 Cup Water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray with cooling spray for easy cleanup and set aside.
- Arrange the chicken thighs on a prepared baking sheet with the skin side down.8 Chicken Thighs
- Sprinkle 1 Teaspoon of seasoned salt. Add the cup of water to the pan. I pour it on the side of one of the thighs, so I don’t wash off the seasoned salt. This helps keep the chicken from burning, adds moisture, and helps make a base for a delicious gravy after.2 Teaspoons Seasoned Salt, 1 Cup Water
- Bake chicken uncovered in preheated oven for 35 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix the remaining seasoned salt, paprika, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.2 Teaspoons Paprika, ½ Teaspoon Black Pepper, ½ Teaspoon Onion Powder, ½ Teaspoon Garlic Powder, ½ Teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- Remove the pan from the oven. Using a tongs, flip the chicken over and sprinkle the remaining spices over the chicken evenly.
- Continue baking for another 40 minutes. Your chicken should be golden brown with a nice crispy skin. To make sure it is done, you can temp it. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees to be safe for eating.
Your Own Private Notes
Notes
Check the Internal Temperature
To ensure the chicken is cooked perfectly, use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature. The thickest part of the thigh should register 165°F (degrees F) when it’s ready. This is a great way to avoid undercooking or drying out the chicken.
Nutrition
Tips for Perfect Crispy Chicken Thighs
Pat Chicken Dry
Before seasoning the chicken, make sure to pat chicken dry with a paper towel. This helps to remove excess moisture, allowing the skin to crisp up during baking.
Extra Crispy Chicken
For extra crispy skin, you can place a wire rack over a baking pan or rimmed baking sheet. This allows air to circulate under the chicken, ensuring an even crisp on all sides. If you don’t have a rack, simply place the chicken directly on a sheet pan. Just be sure to pat chicken dry with a paper towel before baking to remove any excess moisture that might prevent the skin from crisping up.
Serving Ideas
This crispy chicken recipe is not only a hit on its own, but it’s also the base for so many other meals. Pair it with roasted root vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots for a complete, wholesome dinner.
You can even serve it alongside mashed potatoes and a rich gravy made from the pan drippings for extra flavor.
Can I use an air fryer instead of the oven?
Yes, if you prefer using an air fryer, this recipe can easily be adapted. Simply reduce the cooking time and check the internal temperature to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
For air-frying bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, I would suggest cooking them at 375°F (190°C) for about 22-25 minutes.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Place the chicken thighs in a single layer, skin side up, in the air fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd them.
- Cook for 22-25 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through cooking. This will help the skin crisp up evenly on both sides.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature at the thickest part of the thigh. The chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- If you want extra crispy skin, you can increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
Boneless thighs will cook faster, usually taking about 18-20 minutes, but always ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
These times may vary depending on your air fryer model, so it’s always a good idea to check the chicken early and adjust as needed.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in a sealed container or airtight container. You can enjoy it for up to 3-4 days, and the chicken stays juicy even after reheating.
If you’re looking for a crispy chicken recipe that the whole family will love, this crispy baked chicken thighs dish is it. With just a little bit of olive oil and your favorite spices, you can create flavorful chicken thighs that are juicy, crispy, and packed with flavor.
It’s truly a great recipe for those who crave crispy, golden brown chicken skin and juicy dark chicken meat.
This worked exactly as written, thanks!