Baked Chicken Thighs

Tender, juicy Baked Chicken Thighs are coated in a flavorful dry rub and baked until perfectly seasoned and delicious. A simple, budget-friendly chicken dinner that’s ideal for busy weeknights or entertaining.

Course Chicken, Main Course

Cuisine American, Southern

Keyword baked-chicken-thighs-recipe, chicken-thighs

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 35

Stand time 5

Total Time 1

Servings servings

Calories 352kcal

Ingredients

8 bone-in chicken thighs skin intact
2-3 Tbsp olive oil
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp granulated garlic or garlic powder
1 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning or herbes de provence
1 1/2 tsp paprika
1 tsp lemon pepper or black pepper
1 tsp onion powder
chopped parsley for garnishing

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425°F. Fit a rimmed sheet pan with an oven safe wire rack. Spray rack with cooking spray.
Pat dry chicken thighs with paper towels. Loosen the skin and rub the chicken thighs with olive oil on all sides.
In a small bowl mix together salt, granulated garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, lemon pepper or black pepper and onion powder. Season chicken thighs on all sides and under the skin with seasoning blend.
Arrange on the rack skin side up on wire baking rack, leaving space between each to allow for air to circulate.
Roast in the preheated oven until golden about 25-35 minutes. Roast until juices run clear and internal temperature of 165°F is reached (test with an instant-read thermometer). You can quick broil at the end of cooking to brown further, if desired.
Let stand for 5 minutes, then serve with a salad, veggies, baked potato or any of your favorite side dishes drizzled with the pan juices.
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs:
Follow the recipe instructions for coating the chicken thighs with olive oil and seasonings.
Arrange chicken in an air fryer basket sprayed with cooking spray skin side down. Don't crowd the air fryer, cook in batches if needed.
Cook at 400°F for 12 minutes per side stopping to flip halfway through.
Cook chicken thighs until juices run clear and an internal temperature of 165°F is reached.
Keep chicken thighs warm on a sheet pan in a preheated 200°F oven between batches.

Notes

Chicken Breasts - You can make this recipe with bone-in chicken breasts. White meat and dark meat both cook differently so check the internal temperature to ensure doneness. You could also make chicken drumsticks.
Lemon Pepper - The addition of lemon pepper to the rub gives it a slight and delicious citrus flavor. You can use black pepper in place of lemon pepper, if that's your preference.
Check with a Meat Thermometer - When checking the temperature of the chicken thighs for doneness insert a meat thermometer into the thickest portion without touching bone. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F or continue to bake until the juices run clear.
Italian Seasoning - You can use dried oregano in place of Italian seasoning for the rub.
Toothpick Hack -While baking, should you note the skin folding back, use a toothpick soaked in water to secure the skin. Insert it through the skin and into the chicken thigh pinning it flat for even cooking.
Fresh Herbs - You can add fresh herbs like thyme, chives or parsley.

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