Baked Chicken Thighs
Bake tender bone-in chicken thighs with seasoned, crispy skin at high heat on a wire rack. Paprika, garlic, and thyme create rich flavor in 40 minutes.
Equipment
- Instant-read thermometer
- Aluminum Foil
- Wire Baking Rack
Ingredients
- 6 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs approximately 6 ounces each
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon paprika or ¼ teaspoon each sweet paprika and smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme leaves or dried rosemary or basil
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 425°F, then cover a rimmed baking pan with foil and set a wire baking rack over it. The rack should sit level and leave space beneath the chicken for rendered fat to drip away.
- Blot the skin on each thigh thoroughly with paper towels before adding any oil or seasoning. Dry skin begins to sizzle and turn golden rather than steaming in its own surface moisture.
- Coat the thighs with olive oil, then rub in the paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Work the seasoning over the skin until it looks evenly covered with no dry patches of spice.
- Arrange the thighs skin-side up on the rack and roast uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, until they reach 165°F internally. Near the 25-minute mark, the skin should actively sizzle and show deep amber areas with translucent droplets of rendered fat.
- If the skin needs more color, switch the broiler to high and broil for 2 to 3 minutes. Watch closely until the surface looks blistered and crisp, then remove the pan before the spices scorch.
Notes
Crisp skin tip: Pat the chicken dry thoroughly with paper towels before oiling to eliminate moisture that causes steaming.
Doneness: Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part away from the bone. The minimum safe temperature is 165°F, while dark meat becomes especially tender around 175°F to 180°F.
Storage: Keep leftovers chilled in an airtight container with the skin facing up so it does not soften in pooled juices.
Nutrition information is an estimate based on common ingredients and serving sizes. Values may vary depending on brands, portions, and substitutions.