Name: Juicy Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 bone-in chicken thighs, with skin on (about 4 pounds/1.8 kg); ½ cup (120 ml) olive oil; 4 teaspoons (24 g) kosher salt; 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon (1 g) paprika, smoked or sweet; 1 teaspoon (2 g) garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon (1 g) black pepper; 1 tablespoon (1 g) chopped parsley; 8 lemon wedges

This incredible Baked Chicken Thighs recipe delivers the perfect balance of crispy, golden skin and tender, succulent meat that will have everyone asking for seconds. Ready in under an hour with minimal hands-on time, these chicken thighs are seasoned with a mouthwatering blend of herbs and spices that infuse every bite with amazing flavor. Whether you’re planning a weeknight family dinner or a weekend gathering, this foolproof recipe is guaranteed to become a staple in your cooking rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredible Texture: The contrast between the crispy, perfectly seasoned skin and the juicy, tender meat underneath is absolutely divine.
Simple Ingredients: Everything you need is likely already in your pantry – just grab some chicken thighs and you’re good to go!
Minimal Effort: The oven does all the work for you, leaving you free to prepare side dishes or simply relax while dinner cooks itself.
Budget-Friendly: Chicken thighs are not only more flavorful than breasts, they’re typically more affordable too, making this a wallet-friendly dinner option.
Versatile: These chicken thighs pair beautifully with almost any side dish, from roasted vegetables to fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: The star of the show! The bones add flavor while helping the meat stay juicy, and the skin crisps up beautifully.
Olive oil: Helps the seasonings stick to the chicken while promoting that gorgeous golden-brown skin. Don’t skimp here!
Kosher salt: Essential for bringing out the chicken’s natural flavors. Kosher salt has a cleaner flavor than table salt and adheres better to the meat.
Italian seasoning: This herb blend adds wonderful Mediterranean flavor without having to measure multiple dried herbs.
Paprika: Contributes a beautiful color and subtle smoky or sweet flavor, depending on which variety you choose.
Garlic powder: Provides consistent flavor throughout without the risk of burnt fresh garlic.
Onion powder: Adds a sweet, savory depth that complements the other seasonings perfectly.
Black pepper: Gives a touch of heat and complexity that balances the other flavors.
Fresh parsley: Optional but recommended for a pop of color and fresh flavor before serving.
Lemon wedges: The bright acidity cuts through the richness of the chicken thighs and wakens up all the flavors.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Try these delicious variations:

Lemon Herb: Add lemon zest to the seasoning mix and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken before baking.
Honey Garlic: Brush the chicken with a mixture of honey, minced garlic, and soy sauce during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Cajun Style: Substitute the Italian seasoning with Cajun seasoning for a spicy kick.
Mediterranean: Add oregano, lemon zest, and a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese after baking.
BBQ Glazed: Brush your favorite barbecue sauce on the chicken during the last 10 minutes of cooking for a sticky, sweet finish.

How to Make Baked Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet

Position your oven rack in the middle and preheat to 425°F. This high heat is crucial for achieving that crispy skin! Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup, then place a wire rack on top. Give the rack a light coating of olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prep the Chicken

Take a moment to trim any excess skin or fat hanging off the edges of the thighs. Then thoroughly pat each piece dry with paper towels. This step is absolutely essential for crispy skin – moisture is the enemy of crispiness!

Step 3: Season Generously

In a large bowl, combine the olive oil with all your seasonings: salt, Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Add the chicken thighs to this flavorful mixture and turn them several times to ensure they’re completely coated on all sides.

Step 4: Arrange and Bake

Place the seasoned chicken thighs on your prepared rack, making sure to leave some space between each piece for even heat circulation. Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, until the skin is gorgeously golden brown and crispy. For food safety and optimal texture, the internal temperature should reach about 175°F.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Allow the chicken to rest for about 5 minutes after removing from the oven. This gives the juices time to redistribute throughout the meat. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Skip Drying the Chicken: Thoroughly patting the chicken dry is crucial for achieving crispy skin. Any moisture left on the surface will create steam in the oven.
Use a Meat Thermometer: For perfectly cooked chicken every time, invest in a good instant-read thermometer. Dark meat chicken is best at 175°F for the perfect texture.
Season Under the Skin: For even more flavor, gently loosen the skin and rub some of the seasoning directly onto the meat beneath.
Let the Chicken Come to Room Temperature: Taking the chill off by letting the chicken sit out for 15-20 minutes before baking helps it cook more evenly.
For Extra Crispy Skin: After the chicken is fully cooked, switch your oven to broil for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.

How to Serve

These versatile chicken thighs can be paired with countless sides to create a complete meal:

Starchy Sides:

Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice pilaf, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.

Vegetables:

Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or broccoli complement the chicken beautifully. For a time-saver, add vegetables to the same pan during the last 20 minutes of baking.

Salads:

A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich chicken.

Sauce Options:

While these chicken thighs are flavorful on their own, they’re also delicious with a drizzle of pan sauce, pesto, or even a spoonful of salsa.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavor actually improves overnight, making leftovers something to look forward to!

Freezing

Cooked chicken thighs freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating

For the best texture when reheating, cover the chicken with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, microwave on high in 15-30 second increments until heated through, though the skin won’t stay crispy with this method.

FAQs

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs will cook faster, typically requiring only 20-25 minutes at the same temperature. Without the skin, they won’t get crispy, but they’ll still be delicious and juicy. You might want to add a bit more olive oil to prevent them from drying out.

Why are my chicken thighs not getting crispy?
There are a few culprits when chicken skin doesn’t crisp up properly. First, make sure you’re patting the chicken completely dry before seasoning. Second, check that your oven is truly at 425°F (some ovens run cooler than their display indicates). Lastly, if the thighs are too crowded on the baking sheet, they may steam rather than roast—give them some space!

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can season the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. This actually allows the seasonings to penetrate the meat more deeply. Just be sure to let the chicken sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking.

What’s the best way to tell when chicken thighs are done?
While the recommended cooking time is usually accurate, the most reliable method is using an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh (without touching bone). For dark meat chicken, 175°F is ideal—this is slightly higher than the safe minimum of 165°F, but results in better texture as the connective tissues break down more completely.

This Baked Chicken Thighs recipe strikes the perfect balance between effortless preparation and incredibly satisfying results. With its crispy, golden exterior and tender, juicy interior, it delivers restaurant-quality chicken with minimal effort. The versatile seasoning blend complements the rich dark meat perfectly, while the simple cooking method ensures success even for beginner cooks. Next time you’re wondering what to make for dinner, reach for this recipe—your family will be impressed, and only you’ll know how easy it was!

Juicy Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe