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A close-up of golden brown, juicy and tender baked chicken thighs, garnished with fresh herbs, ready to serve.

Juicy and Tender Baked Chicken Thighs

Discover a fuss-free recipe for incredibly juicy chicken thighs with perfectly crisp skin. With simple ingredients and minimal effort, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights and a delicious addition to any family meal rotation. Enjoy succulent results every time!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Dinner, Main Dish
Calories: 360
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 6 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs (approximately 6 ounces each)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon paprika (or ¼ teaspoon each sweet paprika and smoked paprika)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon dried thyme leaves (or dried rosemary or basil)

Equipment

  • Large, rimmed baking sheet
  • Wire rack (oven-safe)
  • Paper towels
  • Instant-read meat thermometer

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a rimmed baking pan with foil and place a baking rack on top.
  2. Dab the chicken skin dry with a paper towel to remove any moisture.
  3. Drizzle the chicken with olive oil and season generously with the seasoning, salt and pepper. Rub the seasoning and oil into the chicken skin.
  4. Place the chicken thighs on the rack, skin side up, and bake uncovered 35-40 minutes or until the chicken reaches 165°F.
  5. Turn the broiler on high and broil the skin for 2-3 minutes to crisp if needed.

Nutrition

Calories: 360kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 24gFat: 29gSaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 250mgSugar: 1gCalcium: 10mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For best results, always pat chicken thighs thoroughly dry before seasoning and bake them on a wire rack to ensure maximum crispiness. An instant-read meat thermometer is essential for perfectly cooked and juicy chicken, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Allow the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to keep the meat tender and flavorful. Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator and reheated in a 350°F (175°C) oven. Feel free to experiment with seasonings, adding cayenne for heat, fresh herbs like rosemary, or a touch of lemon zest. These versatile thighs pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.
Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.

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