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Close-up of a perfectly roasted chicken thigh with crispy, glazed skin, part of the What I Cook When I Crave Chicken Thigh Recipes.

Simple Baked Chicken Thighs

This recipe provides instructions for baking chicken thighs until they are tender and fully cooked. It is a straightforward method for preparing this cut of poultry.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs About 6-8 ounces each
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Equipment

  • Baking dish
  • Small bowl

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Lightly grease a baking dish.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder to create the seasoning blend.
  3. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up.
  4. Rub the olive oil over all surfaces of the chicken thighs. Then, sprinkle the seasoning blend evenly over the skin side and the underside of the thighs.
  5. Place the chicken thighs skin-side up in the prepared baking dish.
  6. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) when checked with a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone.
  7. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

If you prefer a crispier skin, you can place the chicken on a wire rack set inside the baking dish. For an alternative method, you can sear the chicken skin-side down in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat for 5 minutes before transferring the entire skillet to the preheated oven.

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