Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe
This fast and flavorful baked chicken thighs recipe is perfect for busy end-of-year nights. Crispy skin and juicy meat come together effortlessly with simple seasoning and oven baking, making it an ideal hearty dinner that pairs wonderfully with roasted or steamed vegetables.
- Author: luca
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Chicken
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure crispy skin. Rub 2 tablespoons of olive oil evenly over each piece to coat the skin and help with browning. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper on both sides of each thigh to enhance the flavor.
- Bake the chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side up on a baking sheet or in a baking dish. Place in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy and a meat thermometer inserted in the thickest part reads 165°F (75°C) to ensure doneness.
- Rest the chicken: Remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes on a plate or cutting board. This step helps the juices redistribute within the meat, keeping it tender and juicy.
- Serve warm: Serve the baked chicken thighs immediately while warm, alongside your favorite roasted or steamed vegetables for a complete and satisfying dinner.
Notes
- Drying the chicken skin thoroughly before applying oil is key to achieving a crispy crust.
- Using a meat thermometer ensures the chicken is safely cooked without drying out.
- Resting the chicken after baking helps retain juices and improves flavor.
- Perfect side dishes include roasted root vegetables, steamed greens, or a fresh salad.
- Bone-in, skin-on thighs deliver more flavor and moisture compared to boneless or skinless options.
Keywords: baked chicken thighs, crispy chicken, easy dinner, quick chicken recipe, oven-baked chicken