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+ servings
Four perfectly cooked, crispy skin chicken thighs resting in a buttery pan sauce.

The Ultimate Chicken Thigh Recipes Guide for Beginners

This guide provides simple instructions for cooking chicken thighs suitable for beginners.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

Chicken Thighs
  • 4 Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs About 6-8 ounces each
Seasoning
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Black pepper
  • 1 tsp Garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp Paprika

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking sheet

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easier cleanup.
  2. Pat the chicken thighs dry using paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up during cooking.
  3. In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
  4. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over all sides of the chicken thighs, including under the skin if possible.
  5. Place the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side up on the prepared baking sheet. Arrange them so they are not touching.
  6. Bake for 25 to 30 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.
  7. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute.

Notes

For serving suggestions, pair these chicken thighs with roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus, or serve them over rice or mashed potatoes. If you prefer a crispier skin, you can broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.

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