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Oven Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe

4.6 from 89 reviews

Oven Baked Chicken Thighs are a simple and flavorful dish featuring juicy, crispy skin chicken thighs seasoned with a blend of garlic, onion, paprika, and Italian herbs. Perfectly baked to achieve tender, succulent meat, this recipe is ideal for an easy weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 pounds chicken thighs (68 pieces, patted dry)
  • 1 tablespoon butter (diced)

Instructions

  1. Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet or a large rimmed pan with foil to catch drips and ensure easy cleanup. Place this foil-lined pan in the oven while it heats up to get it hot. A hot pan helps sear and crisp the chicken skin when baking.
  2. Seasoning: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix until these ingredients form a well-blended paste. This paste will coat the chicken thighs evenly, infusing them with flavor.
  3. Season Chicken: Add the chicken thighs into the bowl in batches if necessary so that each piece is generously coated with the seasoning paste. Work individually rubbing the mixture into the skin to maximize flavor and ensure each thigh is well seasoned.
  4. Bake: Carefully remove the hot baking pan from the oven and arrange the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side up in a single layer on the pan. Dot each piece with small cubes of butter. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 20 minutes. Then, carefully remove the pan and baste the chicken with the juices that have accumulated in the pan. Return the chicken to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes. Baste again, and then bake for a final 5 to 15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked and juicy.

Notes

  • Patting the chicken thighs dry before seasoning helps achieve crispier skin.
  • Using the hot pan directly from the oven helps sear the chicken skin, giving it a nice crispy texture.
  • Basting the chicken multiple times ensures it stays moist and flavorful.
  • Adjust the final baking time as needed based on the size of the chicken thighs and your oven’s heat distribution.
  • Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the juices to redistribute.

Keywords: baked chicken thighs, oven baked chicken, crispy chicken thighs, easy chicken dinner, seasoned chicken thighs