– **Title**: Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs
– **Ingredients**:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness. This step is crucial!
3. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
4. Rub the chicken thighs with olive oil, ensuring they are well-coated.
5. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken thighs, massaging it into the skin for maximum flavor.
6. Place the chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet, skin side up. Arrange them so they are not touching, allowing for even cooking.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 35-45 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
8. Optional: Broil for an additional 2-3 minutes for extra crispiness, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
9. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
10. Serve warm with your choice of sides. Enjoy your crispy baked chicken thighs!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are the star of this dish. The bone keeps the meat moist while the skin crisps up nicely. If you prefer boneless or skinless, just adjust the cooking time—boneless thighs will cook faster!
Olive Oil: Olive oil helps the seasoning stick and aids in crisping the skin. You can swap it out for avocado oil or vegetable oil if you’re looking for a milder flavor or if you have dietary restrictions.
Garlic Powder: It adds fantastic flavor easily. If you don’t have it, you can use fresh minced garlic—just be cautious as fresh garlic cooks faster and can burn easily.
Smoked Paprika: This ingredient gives a lovely smokiness. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika works too, though it won’t have that smoky taste. You can also use a pinch of cayenne for some heat!
How Do I Get the Chicken Skin Extra Crispy?
Crispy chicken skin is the goal, and there are some key steps to help achieve this. The first is drying the chicken well using paper towels. Moisture on the skin will prevent it from crisping up.
- Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 425°F (220°C) before placing the chicken inside. This helps create that initial sizzle.
- Using olive oil not only enhances flavor but also promotes browning. Rub it generously but not excessively.
- For even more crispiness, consider using a wire rack on the baking sheet. This allows hot air to circulate around the chicken.
How to Make Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: Fresh thyme leaves for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 35-40 minutes to bake. So, you’ll have delicious crispy baked chicken thighs ready in about 50 minutes total. Perfect for a tasty dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is key for achieving that perfectly crispy skin on the chicken thighs.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Take the chicken thighs and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps get the skin extra crispy when baking, so don’t skip this step!
3. Mix the Spices:
In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir them together well, so they’re evenly mixed.
4. Season the Chicken:
Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken thighs, making sure to coat them evenly. Then, sprinkle your spice mixture all over the chicken, rubbing it in a bit to ensure every piece is well-seasoned.
5. Bake the Chicken:
Now, place the seasoned chicken thighs skin side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in a lightly greased baking dish. This helps with cleanup and ensures the chicken cooks evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes.
6. Check for Doneness:
Keep an eye on the chicken as it bakes! It’s done when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), and the skin is golden brown and crispy. If you have a meat thermometer, now’s the time to use it!
7. Rest and Serve:
Once the chicken is done, take it out of the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices stay inside the chicken. If you like, you can garnish with fresh thyme leaves before serving. Enjoy your crispy baked chicken thighs!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs! Just keep in mind that they will cook faster, so check for doneness at around 25-30 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
What Other Spices Can I Use?
Feel free to experiment with spices! You can add cayenne pepper for heat, Italian seasoning for a herbier flavor, or even a bit of brown sugar for sweetness. Just remember to adjust the salt accordingly if your new spice mix contains salt.
How To Ensure Crispy Skin?
Patting the chicken dry is essential, as moisture will prevent the skin from getting crispy. Additionally, placing the chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet can allow air to circulate, yielding even crispier skin.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can season the chicken thighs up to a day in advance and keep them covered in the fridge. Just bring them to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure they cook evenly.
