Baked Chicken Thighs : These baked thighs are seasoned with a blend of spices and baked to golden perfection, the thighs turn out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside for a simple weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week.
Why Choose Chicken Thighs?
Chicken thighs are beloved by many for their rich, flavorful meat and versatility. Unlike chicken breasts, thighs are more forgiving when it comes to cooking, as the dark meat stays juicy even if slightly overcooked. Additionally, they tend to be more cost-effective and flavorful than other cuts.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Baked Chicken Thighs
- Dry the skin well: Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Blotting the skin with paper towels helps it crisp up beautifully in the oven.
- Use a meat thermometer: For perfectly cooked chicken, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This way, you’ll never have to worry about undercooked or overcooked meat.
- Season generously: Don’t be shy with your seasonings. Chicken thighs have a robust flavor that pairs well with bold spices.
- Broiling at the end: If your chicken skin isn’t as crispy as you’d like, broil it for a couple of minutes, but keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.
- Use a wire rack: Placing the chicken thighs on a wire rack set over a baking sheet allows the heat to circulate evenly, ensuring even cooking and crispy skin on all sides.
Variations to Try
Baked chicken thighs are incredibly versatile, so feel free to experiment with different flavors and seasonings. Here are some fun variations:
- Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs: Add fresh lemon zest and minced garlic to the seasoning mix. Squeeze lemon juice over the thighs before serving for a bright, zesty flavor.
- Honey Mustard Glaze: Combine ¼ cup honey, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, and a dash of cayenne pepper. Brush the glaze over the thighs during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Herb-Crusted Thighs: Use a blend of chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano to coat the chicken. The herbs infuse the meat with an earthy, fragrant flavor.
- Asian-Inspired Thighs: Marinate the thighs in a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger for a few hours before baking.
How to Serve Baked Chicken Thighs
Baked chicken thighs are a versatile main dish that pairs well with almost any side. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Mashed potatoes or roasted veggies for a classic comfort meal.
- A simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette for a fresh contrast.
- Rice pilaf or quinoa for a hearty, grain-based accompaniment.
- Pasta dishes like creamy Alfredo or simple garlic and olive oil spaghetti.
How to Store and Reheat Baked Chicken Thighs
Storing:
- Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Place the thighs in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Be sure to label with the date.
Reheating:
- Oven method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the chicken on a baking sheet. Cover with foil and heat for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave: For a quick reheat, use the microwave, but note that the skin may not be as crispy. Heat in 30-second intervals until hot.
- Air fryer: An air fryer is a great option to re-crisp the skin. Heat at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs will cook faster, usually in 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on the internal temperature to avoid overcooking.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C). The juices should also run clear when pierced.
Can I marinate the chicken thighs beforehand?
Yes! Marinating the thighs for a few hours (or even overnight) adds an extra layer of flavor. A simple marinade with olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and herbs works wonders.
How do I make the chicken thighs extra crispy?
Make sure to pat the skin dry, use high heat (400°F or higher), and finish with a quick broil for ultra-crispy skin.
Baked Chicken Thighs
Baked Chicken Thighs : These baked thighs are seasoned with a blend of spices and baked to golden perfection, the thighs turn out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside for a simple weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week.
Ingredients
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 6 ounces each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Seasoning:
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika (or split between sweet and smoked paprika)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme (or swap for dried rosemary or basil)
Instructions
- Crank up the oven to 425°F. Line a rimmed baking pan with foil for easy cleanup, and pop a baking rack on top.
- Pat the chicken skin dry with a paper towel—this step is key for crispy skin!
- Drizzle the thighs with olive oil and sprinkle on the seasoning mix, plus salt and pepper. Rub everything in, making sure the flavors really stick to the skin.
- Arrange the chicken thighs on the rack, skin-side up. Bake them, uncovered, for 35-40 minutes or until they reach 165°F on a meat thermometer.
- For that extra-crispy skin, turn the broiler on high and broil for 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 88Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 28mgSodium: 302mgCarbohydrates: 0gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 5g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Baked chicken thighs are a simple yet mouthwatering dish that every home cook should master. With a few simple ingredients and techniques, you can create a meal that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping meals for the week, this recipe is a sure winner!
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