Baked chicken thighs are a staple in many kitchens due to their simplicity and deeply savory results. This particular recipe elevates the humble chicken thigh to new heights, combining robust seasoning with a perfectly crisp finish. Ideal for a family dinner or a cozy meal, the preparation is straightforward, ensuring that even novice cooks can achieve culinary success with minimal fuss.

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Recipe Tips

Choosing the Best Chicken Thighs: For the best results, opt for fresh, high-quality chicken thighs. Look for pieces that are roughly the same size to ensure even cooking. The skin should be intact and slightly elastic, and the meat should have a firm texture.
Ensuring Perfectly Crispy Skin: To achieve that desirable crispy skin, make sure the chicken skin is thoroughly dried before seasoning. The oven should be fully preheated to the correct temperature as a consistent, hot environment is crucial.
Adjustments for Oven Temperatures and Cooking Times: Oven strengths can vary, so use a meat thermometer to check doneness rather than relying strictly on cooking time. If the skin isn’t as crispy as desired, a brief broil can lend that golden crunch.

Ingredient Breakdown

Each ingredient in this recipe has been chosen to enhance the natural flavors of the chicken. Extra virgin olive oil serves as the base for the seasoning, ensuring the spices adhere well and helping to crisp the skin. The combination of garlic and onion powders, salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning creates a balanced and aromatic profile, infusing the chicken with flavors that are both bold and comforting. If you’re looking to experiment, consider swapping paprika for smoked paprika for a deeper smoky flavor, or adding a pinch of cayenne for heat.

Preparation Guide

Begin by preheating your oven and preparing your baking dish. Removing the chicken from the packaging, trim any excessive skin and thoroughly pat dry each thigh. This ensures maximum crispiness. As you arrange the chicken in the dish, leave space between each thigh to allow the heat to circulate freely, promoting an even cook.

Cooking Process

Once seasoned and arranged, bake the thighs in the preheated oven. The high heat interacts with the fatty skin, rendering it down slowly, allowing it to crisp up without burning. For those who prefer an extra crunch, the optional broiling step at the end of baking can add a delightful texture contrast to the tender meat beneath.

What to Serve With This Recipe

Baked chicken thighs are incredibly versatile, pairing well with a variety of sides. Lighter options such as a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables balance the richness of the meat, while heartier accompaniments like mashed potatoes or a creamy polenta can make the meal more substantial. For a rustic touch, consider a side of roasted root vegetables seasoned with herbs that complement the chicken’s flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it necessary to wash chicken thighs before cooking? No, it’s actually recommended not to wash poultry as it can spread bacteria around your kitchen.
What if my chicken thighs are undercooked? If the internal temperature is below 165 degrees Fahrenheit after the suggested cooking time, continue baking and check every few minutes until the proper temperature is reached.
How do I store leftover chicken thighs? Cool the leftovers before refrigerating them in an airtight container. They should be consumed within 3-4 days.

Recipe Wrap-Up and Serving Suggestions

After removing your chicken from the oven, let it rest for about 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring that each bite is succulent and rich. When serving, consider adding a garnish such as fresh herbs or a light drizzle of olive oil to enhance the presentation and add a fresh contrast to the rich flavors.

INGREDIENTS:

1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
3 — 4lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (7-8 thighs)

For the seasoning mix:

1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon Italian Seasoning

Instructions:

Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan by setting it aside.

Next, remove the chicken thighs from their packaging. If there is excess skin, trim it off. Ensure the thighs are thoroughly dried by patting them down with paper towels, then arrange them in the baking pan.

In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients listed under ‘seasoning mix’. Stir these together until well mixed. Next, evenly drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the chicken thighs. Generously apply the seasoning mix over the oiled thighs. It’s crucial to massage the seasoning evenly across both sides of each thigh to ensure flavors permeate.

Place the seasoned thighs in the oven to bake for 30-40 minutes. The chicken is done when the thickest part of the thigh registers between 180-190 degrees Fahrenheit on a meat thermometer. While 165 degrees is the minimum safe internal temperature for chicken thighs, allowing them to reach a slightly higher temperature ensures they become exceptionally tender.

Optionally, to achieve a more crispy skin, broil the thighs for a few minutes after baking. Once done, allow the chicken to rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting period helps the juices redistribute, enhancing the flavor and texture of the meat.