These easy oven-baked chicken thighs are juicy and full of flavor! Just season, pop them in the oven, and relax while they bake to perfection. Your home will smell amazing!
I love how simple this recipe is—no fuss and no mess. Serve them with your favorite veggies or a light salad. You’ll feel like a kitchen superstar without the stress! 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs yield juicy and flavorful results. However, if you want a healthier option, use skinless, boneless thighs. Just reduce cooking time slightly.
Olive Oil: This adds moisture and helps the skin crisp up. You can substitute with avocado oil or melted butter if preferred.
Garlic Powder: For a fresh flavor, minced garlic works well. Use about 2-3 cloves for a stronger taste. If you’re a garlic lover, go for it!
Smoked Paprika: This gives a nice smoky flavor. If you don’t have it, regular paprika works fine, or you could use chili powder for a bit more heat.
Dried Thyme or Italian Seasoning: These herbs add depth. For a fresh twist, try using fresh herbs instead—just double the amount since they’re less potent.
How Do You Get Crispy Skin on Baked Chicken Thighs?
Achieving crispy skin is key to delicious baked chicken thighs. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start by patting the chicken thighs dry. This removes excess moisture, helping them crisp up.
- Coat the thighs with olive oil; this promotes browning. Consider using a higher oven temperature.
- Bake them skin-side up on a lined baking sheet. This allows the skin to crisp without sticking to the pan.
- For an extra crispy finish, broil them for the last few minutes, but keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Following these steps will ensure you have wonderfully crispy and tasty chicken thighs every time!
Easy 30-Min Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 5 minutes to prep and 25-30 minutes to bake, so you can have perfectly cooked chicken thighs in just 30 minutes! Easy peasy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature will help get the skin nice and crispy!
2. Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This step is super important because dry skin gets crispier. Don’t skip this!
3. Add Olive Oil
Rub the olive oil all over the chicken thighs, making sure they are well coated. This not only adds flavor but also assists in crisping the skin.
4. Make the Seasoning Mix
In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix it all up to create a delicious seasoning blend.
5. Season the Chicken
Sprinkle your seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken thighs, ensuring each piece is flavorful.
6. Place on Baking Sheet
Arrange the thighs skin-side up on a baking sheet or in an oven-safe pan. If you want an easy cleanup, line the pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
7. Bake the Chicken
Put the chicken in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. They are ready when the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
8. Broil for Extra Crispiness
If you like, for even crispier skin, you can switch to the broil setting for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Just keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t burn!
9. Let It Rest
Once baked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps keep the juices inside, making them even tastier.
10. Serve and Enjoy!
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if you like, and serve warm. Enjoy your juicy and flavorful oven-baked chicken thighs!
Bon appétit!
FAQs for Easy 30-Min Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs! Just be aware that the cooking time will be shorter—aim for about 20-25 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
What Can I Substitute for Olive Oil?
If you don’t have olive oil, you can use other oils like avocado oil or melted butter. Each will add a slightly different flavor, but they all work well in this recipe!
How Do I Store Leftover Chicken Thighs?
Store any leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through to keep the skin crispy.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can add veggies like carrots, potatoes, or broccoli to the baking sheet. Just chop them into even-sized pieces, toss them with some olive oil and seasoning, and bake alongside the chicken for a complete meal!
