Oven Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Oven Baked Chicken Thighs are not only easy to make but also packed with flavor. The seasoning mix, including garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning, enhances the natural taste of the chicken, while the butter adds a rich, savory touch. The best part is that the chicken stays juicy on the inside with crispy skin on the outside, making it a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults. It's a low-effort, high-reward meal that’s also keto and low-carb friendly!

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 teaspoons garlic powder

• 2 teaspoons onion powder

• 1 teaspoon ground paprika

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

• 2 teaspoons salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 2 pounds chicken thighs (6-8 pieces), patted dry

• 1 tablespoon butter, diced

Directions

1. Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet or large rimmed pan with foil and place it in the oven as it heats up. The pan should be hot when you add the chicken for a crispy finish.

2. Seasoning: In a large bowl, combine olive oil and all the seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, dried parsley, salt, and pepper) until a paste forms.

3. Season chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the bowl with the seasoning paste (you may need to work in batches if the bowl doesn’t hold all the chicken). Toss to coat and rub the seasoning into the skin of each thigh for maximum flavor.

4. Bake: Carefully remove the hot pan from the oven and place the seasoned chicken thighs on it. Dot the chicken with diced butter. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.

5. Baste and continue baking: After 20 minutes, carefully remove the pan and baste the chicken with the juices that have accumulated. Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, then baste again. Continue baking for another 5-15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 35-45 minutes

• Total Time: 45-55 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Chicken Thighs: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix for a spicy kick.

• Herbaceous Chicken: Swap out the Italian seasoning and dried parsley for fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano for an aromatic flavor.

• Citrus Twist: Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the chicken thighs before baking for a zesty addition.

• BBQ Chicken Thighs: For a smoky flavor, brush the chicken thighs with your favorite BBQ sauce during the last 5 minutes of baking.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover baked chicken thighs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken thighs in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, though the skin may lose its crispiness.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?

While you can substitute chicken breasts, thighs are ideal because they remain juicy and tender when baked. Chicken breasts may dry out if overcooked, so you’ll need to adjust the cooking time.

Can I bake the chicken on a different rack position?

Yes, you can place the baking sheet on any rack, but for optimal results, it's best to bake it in the middle of the oven to ensure even cooking.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.

Can I marinate the chicken before baking?

Yes, marinating the chicken for a few hours (or overnight) can enhance the flavor, but it's not necessary for a delicious result with this recipe.

Can I use bone-in chicken thighs?

Absolutely! Bone-in chicken thighs will work, but they may require a bit more cooking time. Just make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Can I prepare the chicken in advance?

Yes, you can season the chicken up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge until you're ready to bake it. This will allow the flavors to marinate and intensify.

Can I use frozen chicken thighs?

For best results, use thawed chicken thighs. Cooking frozen chicken thighs will require a longer baking time, and the texture may not be as tender.

Can I cook the chicken in a cast-iron skillet instead?

Yes, a cast-iron skillet is a great alternative for this recipe and can help achieve a crispy crust on the chicken.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure your seasoning mix does not contain any hidden gluten-based ingredients.

Can I add vegetables to the pan?

Yes, you can add vegetables like potatoes, carrots, or broccoli to the pan before baking. Make sure they are cut into evenly sized pieces for consistent cooking.

Conclusion

These Oven Baked Chicken Thighs are the epitome of an easy, flavorful, and satisfying meal. With a simple seasoning blend, crispy skin, and juicy meat, it's a dish the whole family will love. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or a dish that fits into a low-carb lifestyle, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

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Oven Baked Chicken Thighs are a juicy, flavorful, and easy-to-prepare dish with crispy skin, perfect for weeknights or casual family dinners. The seasoning mix, including garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning, enhances the natural taste of the chicken, while the butter adds a rich, savory touch.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-45 minutes
• Total Time: 45-55 minutes
• Yield: 4-6 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 teaspoons garlic powder

2 teaspoons onion powder

1 teaspoon ground paprika

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon dried parsley

2 teaspoons salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

2 pounds chicken thighs (6-8 pieces), patted dry

1 tablespoon butter, diced

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet or large rimmed pan with foil and place it in the oven as it heats up. The pan should be hot when you add the chicken for a crispy finish.
2. In a large bowl, combine olive oil and all the seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, dried parsley, salt, and pepper) until a paste forms.
3. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl with the seasoning paste (you may need to work in batches if the bowl doesn’t hold all the chicken). Toss to coat and rub the seasoning into the skin of each thigh for maximum flavor.
4. Carefully remove the hot pan from the oven and place the seasoned chicken thighs on it. Dot the chicken with diced butter. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
5. After 20 minutes, carefully remove the pan and baste the chicken with the juices that have accumulated. Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, then baste again. Continue baking for another 5-15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Notes

• Leftover baked chicken thighs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes for best results.
• If using bone-in chicken thighs, adjust the baking time accordingly to ensure they reach 165°F internally.
• You can prepare the chicken up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge for the flavors to intensify.
• This recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 19g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 75mg