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Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe Easy Juicy Tender Meat Hack

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This recipe delivers crispy, golden skin and juicy, tender chicken thighs with a simple dry brine and seasoning. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds or 700 grams)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt or sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano (fresh if available)
  • Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove moisture.
  3. In a mixing bowl, toss chicken with olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme. Add lemon zest if using.
  4. Arrange thighs skin side up on a wire rack set atop a rimmed baking sheet.
  5. Bake for 35-40 minutes. Around 20 minutes in, flip thighs skin side down for about 2 minutes to crisp the underside, then flip back skin side up.
  6. Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F (74°C). If no thermometer, pierce the thickest part and ensure juices run clear.
  7. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Dry the chicken skin thoroughly before seasoning to ensure crispiness. Use a wire rack to allow air circulation and fat drainage. Flip thighs halfway through baking for even crisping. Let the chicken rest after baking to keep it juicy. If skin isn’t crispy enough, broil for 1-2 minutes watching closely. Avoid overcrowding the pan.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy baked chicken thighs, easy chicken recipe, juicy chicken thighs, oven baked chicken, comfort food, weeknight dinner

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