How To Make Juicy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
Learn how to make mouthwatering, juicy oven-baked chicken thighs with our simple recipes and expert tips. Dinner just got a whole lot tastier!
Ingredients
- 4-6 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme (or any other favourite herb)
- 1 lemon (optional, for zest and juice)
- Fresh herbs (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Prepare the Chicken Thighs:
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a crispier skin.
- Place the chicken thighs in a large mixing bowl.
Season the Chicken
- Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken thighs and rub to coat evenly.
- In a small bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the chicken thighs and rub to coat them thoroughly.
- If using lemon, zest half of the lemon over the chicken thighs and squeeze some lemon juice for an extra layer of flavour.
Bake the Chicken:
- Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminium foil for easy cleanup.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy and golden brown.
Rest the Chicken
- Remove the chicken thighs from the oven and let them rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to be redistributed, keeping the meat tender and juicy.
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve with your favorite sides.