Classic Oven-Roasted Chicken Thighs Recipe
This recipe delivers perfectly crispy skin and juicy meat with minimal effort, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Equipment
- Oven-safe skillet
- Baking sheet
- Wire rack
- Small bowl
- Paper towels
- Cutting board
Ingredients
Main
- 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano or thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- lemon juice or fresh chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare an oven-safe skillet or a baking sheet with a wire rack.
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and remove excess fat if desired.
- Combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano (or thyme), salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
Cooking
- Drizzle chicken with olive oil and rub the seasoning mixture all over each thigh.
- Optional: Sear chicken skin-side down in a hot oven-safe skillet for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer skillet to oven or arrange chicken on the baking sheet.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Optional: Increase oven temp to 425°F (220°C) for the last 5-10 minutes for extra crispiness.
Finishing
- Remove chicken from oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes.
- Garnish with a squeeze of lemon juice or fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
For truly crispy skin, don't skip the searing step. Ensure chicken is thoroughly patted dry before seasoning and searing. Resting the chicken after cooking helps keep it juicy. Adjust seasonings to your preference.