🍗 Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4)
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6–8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp salt
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp paprika (smoked paprika for extra flavor)
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1/2 tsp onion powder
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1/2 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
🔪 Instructions
1️⃣ Prep
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Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
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Pat chicken thighs very dry with paper towels (this helps crisp skin).
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Place on a lined baking sheet or rack.
2️⃣ Season
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Rub chicken with olive oil.
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Mix all spices together.
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Sprinkle evenly over both sides.
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Place skin-side up.
3️⃣ Bake
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Bake 35–45 minutes until:
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Skin is crispy and golden
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Internal temperature reaches 175°F (80°C) for best tenderness
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(No need to flip.)
4️⃣ Rest
Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.
🔥 Extra Crispy Tip
For ultra-crispy skin:
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Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
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Or bake on a wire rack so heat circulates underneath.
🍽 Serving Ideas
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Roasted potatoes
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Steamed veggies
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Rice or quinoa
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Side salad
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Garlic butter green beans
🌿 Flavor Variations
🍋 Lemon Garlic
Add zest + juice of 1 lemon before baking.
🍯 Honey Mustard
Brush with mix of 2 tbsp honey + 1 tbsp Dijon before baking.
🌶 Spicy
Add 1/2 tsp cayenne or chili flakes.
🧄 Herb Butter
Top with a small pat of butter mixed with herbs before baking.
❓ Q & A
Q: Why 175°F instead of 165°F?
A: Thighs are more tender at 175–185°F because connective tissue breaks down better.
Q: Can I use boneless thighs?
A: Yes. Bake at 400°F for 25–30 minutes.
Q: How do I keep them juicy?
A: Don’t overcook and always let them rest.
Q: Can I marinate first?
A: Yes! Marinate 2–24 hours for deeper flavor.
Q: Can I meal prep these?
A: Absolutely. Store in fridge up to 4 days.