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Baked Chicken Thighs

Baked chicken thighs with crackly, golden skin and juicy, tender meat baked on a rack so the skin crisps evenly. Simple baked chicken method uses basic pantry seasonings and a hot 425°F oven for reliable results.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Resting 5 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken thighs
  • 5 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs Use thighs about 6 to 8 oz each for even cooking.
Seasonings
  • 2 tbsp olive oil Helps skin crisp and carries spices.
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
  • 0.75 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
To serve
  • 1 lemon wedges Squeeze over hot chicken.
  • 1 fresh parsley Chop and sprinkle on top.

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan
  • 1 cast iron skillet

Method
 

Prep and season
  1. Preheat oven to 425F, then pat bone-in skin-on chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels so the skin crisps.
  2. Rub both sides of chicken with olive oil, then mix garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper and rub the seasoning all over including under the skin.
Bake
  1. Place chicken thighs skin-side up on a rack set over a baking sheet to let heat circulate under the skin.
  2. Bake 35-40 minutes, until deeply golden and the internal temperature reaches 165F in the thickest part of the meat.
Rest and serve
  1. Rest the baked chicken thighs for 5 minutes to keep the meat tender and juicy, then serve with lemon wedges and fresh parsley.

Notes

For the crispiest skin, make sure the thighs are very dry before seasoning and use a rack over the baking sheet so fat can drip away. Refrigerate leftovers in a covered container for up to 3 days (reheat to 165°F). Freezing is yes: freeze cooked thighs for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge and reheat until hot. For a dairy-free meal, this recipe already qualifies; for a lower-sodium option, reduce the salt to 1/2 tsp and adjust seasoning to taste.