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Home » Blog Posts » Easy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs

Easy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs

by Krystel on Apr 12, 2024 (updated May 21, 2025)
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13 Community Comments

Crispy & Juicy: Mastering Oven Baked Chicken Thighs

Easy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
Easy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs

Hey there! Let’s talk about why chicken thighs are just unbeatable, especially when compared to pricier cuts like chicken breasts. You see, I’m all about getting the best bang for my buck without compromising on taste. And let me tell you, chicken thighs hit the mark every time. Not only are they more affordable (we’re talking big savings here!), but they also bring a richness and juiciness to the table that’s hard to beat. Plus, they’re incredibly forgiving in the oven — you get that gorgeous crispy skin with lusciously juicy meat inside, without the fuss. It’s this beautiful combination of flavor, economy, and ease that makes chicken thighs a go-to for me and my family, and why I think they should be a staple in your kitchen too.

Key Takeaways:

  • Money-Saver: Chicken thighs are more wallet-friendly than chicken breasts, offering great savings.
  • Flavor King: They’re packed with more flavor and juiciness, perfect for a deliciously crispy baked chicken thighs recipe.
  • Easy-Peasy: Forgiving and easy to cook, making them ideal for both beginners and seasoned cooks.

Ingredients & Prepping

Easy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
Easy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs

Gather around, lovely food adventurers, let’s dive into the marvelous world of making crispy baked chicken thighs that’ll have your heart singing and your taste buds dancing! You’ll need to arm yourself with some simple ingredients that are likely lounging in your pantry, making this journey not only a flavorful feast but an economical voyage as well. We’re talking about the most succulent bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, black pepper that’ll add just the right kick, and a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance all those glorious flavors. Now, let’s not forget our aromatic companions: garlic powder and onion powder, which will cozy up beautifully with the chicken, creating a symphony of flavors.

Easy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
Easy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs

Prepping these beauties is a breeze. First, pat your chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to ensure we get that skin as crispy as a golden autumn leaf. Then, let’s charm those thighs with a sprinkle of our seasoning blend – garlic powder, sea salt, and a dash of onion powder, all mingled together for that perfect savory note. Arrange them gracefully on a baking dish, giving each piece the spotlight it deserves. And there you have it! You’re now ready to embark on a baking quest that promises crispy skin and juicy meat, all wrapped up in a simple chicken recipe that’s bound to become a staple at your dinner table. Happy cooking!

Baking Steps to Perfection

Here’s how to guarantee those oven baked chicken thighs come out crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, every single time:

  1. Preheat your oven: First things first, set that oven temperature to a hot 415 degrees F. This high heat is critical for getting that crispy skin we all love.
  2. Get your baking dish ready: Line a baking sheet or dish with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. No one likes scrubbing pans, after all.
  3. Season generously: Combine your spices – think onion powder, garlic powder, a pinch of black pepper, and a hint of Italian seasoning, in a small bowl. Rub this mix all over the chicken thighs, under the skin too, for that great flavor in every bite.
  4. Arrange for success: Place those seasoned chicken thighs skin-side up on the baking sheet. This ensures the skin gets directly exposed to the heat, turning it deliciously crispy.
  5. Bake to perfection: Slide the baking dish into the oven and cook for about 40 minutes. That meat thermometer is your best friend here, so use it to check for an internal temperature of 165 degrees F to ensure they’re fully cooked.
  6. Rest, then serve: Let them rest for a quick 5-10 minutes right out of the oven. This little bit of patience allows the juices to redistribute, making for even juicier chicken thighs.

Tools For This Recipe

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Serving and Storing Suggestions

Easy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
Easy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs

Slide those crispy-skinned chicken beauties right from oven to table and watch the whole family dive in! Your crispy baked chicken thighs pair perfectly with simple side dishes. Think rosemary roasted sweet potatoes or a vibrant green salad tossed in olive oil and lemon zest. But the best part? Stashing away those juicy leftovers. Tuck them into an airtight container, and they’re good for 3-4 days. Reheating is a breeze – just a short stint in a hot oven or air fryer brings back that delightful crispiness we all crave.

Beyond the Basics: Variations and Tips

Embracing kitchen creativity isn’t just fun—it’s a way to make each meal uniquely yours. For those of you in love with our crispy baked chicken thighs but yearning for a twist, let me share some inspiration. Don’t shy away from mixing in your favorite vegetables right into the baking dish alongside the chicken. Sweet potatoes, onions, or a dash of lemon zest can transform the dish with minimal effort. If boneless skinless chicken thighs are more your style, go for it! They’ll soak up the seasonings and still turn delightfully juicy. And speaking of seasoning, if Italian seasoning is in your pantry, it’s a fantastic substitute that complements the chicken beautifully. Keep these little tweaks in your back pocket to keep dinner exciting and tailored to your taste.

As you present this beautiful creation, your loved ones will be drawn in by the irresistible flavors and eye-catching presentation.

Krystel’s Cooking

Your Gateway to Flavorful Dinners

I want you to think of these oven-baked chicken thighs not just as a recipe, but as a gateway. A gateway that opens up to an endless universe of flavorful, easy dinners that you’ll be proud to share with your loved ones. I’ve walked you through each step, from seasoning with just the right amount of garlic powder and Italian seasoning, to achieving that perfectly crispy skin we all crave. But this journey doesn’t end here.

Easy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
Easy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs

Armed with simple ingredients and a little bit of kitchen wisdom, the possibilities are truly limitless. Imagine the aromas filling your kitchen, the sounds of a sizzling baking sheet, and the warmth of gathering at the table. This is not just about cooking; it’s about creating moments, memories, and a little bit of magic. So, I encourage you, play with flavors, mix in your favorite side dishes, and maybe even toss in some sweet potatoes or cayenne pepper for a kick. Cooking is a dance of creativity, and now you’ve got the rhythm.

Looking for other great baked chicken recipes? Check out my Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken!

Easy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
5 from 5 reviews

Roasted Chicken Thighs

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes mins
Cook Time: 40 minutes mins
Total Time: 45 minutes mins
Author: Krystel
Savor succulent Roasted Chicken Thighs: Tender, flavorful, and perfect for a hearty meal. A crowd-pleasing favorite!
Print Pin Rate

Ingredients
 

  • 6 skin-on chicken thighs, bone in
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
  • ¾ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
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Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 415°F. Cover a baking dish with aluminum foil to simplify cleaning.
  • Combine baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, and thyme in a small bowl or jar.
  • Prepare the chicken by gently pulling back the skin from the thigh, ensuring it remains attached on one side.
  • Arrange the chicken thighs upside-down on the prepared pan. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture generously, ensuring thorough coverage.
  • Turn the chicken thighs over. Season the tops generously, ensuring to cover them completely. Carefully fold the skin back over the thigh and season it with the remaining seasoning mix.
  • Place the cut up pieces of butter around the seasoned chicken thighs
  • Bake for 40 minutes.
  • Additional Tips:
  • Ensure the chicken is fully thawed before cooking.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Serving: 1piece, Calories: 565kcal, Carbohydrates: 4g, Protein: 36g, Fat: 45g, Saturated Fat: 15g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g, Monounsaturated Fat: 17g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 235mg, Sodium: 1427mg, Potassium: 507mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 0.2g, Vitamin A: 933IU, Vitamin C: 0.3mg, Calcium: 211mg, Iron: 2mg
Did you make this recipe?Please leave a star rating and review below!
Blog Posts

by Krystel on Apr 12, 2024 (updated May 21, 2025)

13 community comments Leave a comment »

5 from 5 votes

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Recipe Rating




13 comments on “Easy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs”

  1. Julie — May 24, 2024 @ 4:54 pm Reply

    Does the baking soda get mixed in with the other spices for the rub for the oven baked chicken thighs?

    • Krystel — May 24, 2024 @ 7:43 pm Reply

      Hey there! Yes the baking POWDER is mixed in with the rest of the seasonings:). Please make sure you’re using Baking Powder and not baking soda!

  2. Thoreen — November 24, 2024 @ 9:28 pm Reply

    This recipe deserves a lot more than just one comment! I wanted to try something different and the seasoning mix was absolutely amazing. I used smoked paprika because I had it, but everything else was just as the recipe suggested. Talk about crispy on the outside, but still juicy on the inside! Had them with a mixed salad and it was a perfect meal. Now I’m looking forward to trying another one of your recipes.

  3. Kaybee — January 8, 2025 @ 2:01 pm Reply

    Thank you for sharing. I’m looking forward to trying more of your recipes I am now a new follower/ subscriber

  4. Paula — January 23, 2025 @ 8:56 pm Reply

    I love this recipe. It is now part of my regular rotation because it is so easy. I highly recommend you give this a try.

  5. Shon — February 6, 2025 @ 3:34 am Reply

    This recipe was fantastic!! The seasoning was perfect.  My dinner guests loved it.  Thank you

  6. Tammy F — April 1, 2025 @ 12:00 am Reply

    This is my go to crispy chicken thigh recipe! Tastes great easy and the crispy skin is the best….baking powder is key!

  7. Beth — May 13, 2025 @ 4:16 pm Reply

    When do you use the Baking Powder?

    • Krystel — May 21, 2025 @ 10:52 pm Reply

      Hey there! Thank you for bringing this to my attention! It is going to mixed in with the seasoning :).

  8. Liz — May 21, 2025 @ 7:02 pm Reply

    Hello- can I use chicken legs too?

    • Krystel — May 21, 2025 @ 8:34 pm Reply

      Hey there! I have a different recipe for bone in legs, if you search BBQ Baked Chicken it should pop right up!

  9. Joanne — May 21, 2025 @ 10:20 pm Reply

    What is the purpose of the baking powder? I don’t see it in the instructions. Thank you.

    • Krystel — May 21, 2025 @ 10:47 pm Reply

      Hey there! The baking powder helps the chicken to crisp up while it is baking!:)

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Hi, I'm Krystel!

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