– **Title**: Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs
– **Ingredients**:
– 6 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
– Fresh parsley or herbs for garnish (optional)
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will help achieve crispiness.
3. In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
4. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss until they are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
5. Place the chicken thighs skin-side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased wire rack, ensuring they are not touching.
6. Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. If you want extra crispiness, you can broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
8. Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or herbs if desired, and serve.
Enjoy your deliciously crispy baked chicken thighs!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs are perfect for this recipe because they stay juicy and have flavorful skin. If you prefer, boneless skinless thighs will work, but they may not be as crispy. Drumsticks are also a delicious alternative!
Olive Oil: I like using extra virgin olive oil for its flavor, but you can substitute with avocado oil or melted butter if you prefer. Both options work well for achieving that crunchy texture.
Spices: Garlic and onion powders are essential for flavoring. If you’re out, fresh minced garlic or onion can be used, just adjust the amount to taste. Smoked paprika is key for a smoky flavor, but sweet paprika will also do if you prefer less smokiness.
Herbs: Dried thyme and oregano are staples in this recipe. If you have Italian seasoning, it’s a great all-in-one substitute. Fresh herbs are lovely, but remember to use about three times the amount if you’re using fresh instead of dried.
How Do You Ensure Crispy Chicken Skin?
Achieving that desired crispy skin is all about moisture control and cooking technique. First, make sure to pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This step is crucial as excess moisture can make the skin soggy.
- Rub olive oil generously on the chicken. This not only helps the spices stick but also contributes to crispiness.
- Cook in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C). High heat is key for perfect crisping.
- Always place the chicken skin-side up on a baking sheet or skillet. This positioning allows the fat to render out and baste the meat, enhancing flavor and texture.
How to Make Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Spice Mix:
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Optional: Fresh thyme for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take you about 10 minutes to prep and 35-40 minutes to bake, plus an extra 5-10 minutes to rest the chicken afterwards. All in all, you’ll have crispy, flavorful chicken thighs ready in just about an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is essential for getting that perfect crispy skin on your chicken thighs!
2. Mix the Spice Blend:
In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to make sure everything is mixed together nicely.
3. Prepare the Chicken:
Use paper towels to pat the chicken thighs dry. This step helps remove moisture, which is key for achieving a crispy texture. Next, drizzle the olive oil over the chicken thighs, rubbing it in to ensure they are well coated.
4. Season the Chicken:
Take the spice mixture and sprinkle it generously over both sides of each chicken thigh. Make sure all sides are well-seasoned for maximum flavor!
5. Arrange for Baking:
Place the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in a cast-iron skillet. This will help with the cleanup and allow for even cooking.
6. Bake the Chicken:
Put the baking tray or skillet into the preheated oven. Bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the skin turns crispy and golden. To be sure it’s cooked through, check that a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F (75°C).
7. Rest and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making your chicken even tastier! If you’d like, garnish with fresh thyme before serving.
Enjoy your crispy baked chicken thighs! They’re perfect for dinner any night of the week!
Can I Use Skinless Chicken Thighs for This Recipe?
You can, but you’ll lose that wonderful crispy skin that makes this dish so special! If you prefer skinless, consider lowering the baking time slightly (about 25-30 minutes) as skinless thighs cook faster. You might also want to add a breadcrumb topping for extra crunch!
What Can I Substitute for Olive Oil?
If you don’t have olive oil on hand, you can use melted butter, canola oil, or avocado oil instead. Each will offer a slightly different flavor, but they all work well for ensuring the chicken stays moist and flavorful while baking.
How Do I Store Leftover Chicken Thighs?
Store any leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes to help restore some crispiness. If you prefer using the microwave, be aware that the skin won’t stay crispy!
Can I Marinate the Chicken Before Baking?
Absolutely! Marinating the chicken thighs in the olive oil and spice mixture for a few hours or overnight can enhance the flavor significantly. Just remember to pat them dry again before baking to achieve that crispy skin!
