Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity—no complicated steps, no fancy equipment, and no long marination times. Just a handful of pantry staples and some juicy chicken thighs, and you’re on your way to a delicious meal.
Equipment
- Baking Sheet or Oven-Safe Skillet
- Parchment Paper or Aluminum Foil
- Small mixing bowl
- Tongs
- Meat Thermometer
- Basting Brush optional
Ingredients
For the Chicken Thighs:
- 6 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley chopped
- Lemon wedges for serving
- Suggested Side Dishes Optional:
For Roasted Vegetables:
- 2 cups baby carrots
- 1 cup Brussels sprouts halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For a Simple Green Salad:
- 4 cups mixed greens
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes halved
- ¼ cup red onion thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Pinch of salt and pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easier cleanup.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the skin get crispy.
- Place the chicken thighs in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet or skillet.
Step 3: Season the Chicken
- In a small bowl, mix the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- Drizzle the chicken thighs with olive oil and rub it all over to coat.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over both sides of the chicken thighs, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken—it should read 165°F (74°C).
- For extra crispy skin, switch the oven to broil for the last 2–3 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain its juices.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with your choice of sides, like roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.