Description
Succulent Baked Chicken Thighs bring Mediterranean magic to dinner tables with golden-brown skin and juicy, herb-infused meat. Crispy exterior and tender interior promise a delightful meal you’ll savor from first bite to last.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Seasonings and Spices:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
Cooking Liquids and Oils:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Instructions
- Prepare the kitchen workspace and set the oven temperature to a robust 400 degrees fahrenheit, ensuring optimal heat distribution. Gently blot the chicken thighs with absorbent towels to eliminate excess moisture, creating the foundation for an irresistibly crisp exterior.
- Craft a robust seasoning blend by combining aromatic spices like salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and a subtle hint of cayenne for those craving a slight kick. Massage a light coating of olive oil across the chicken surface, then generously distribute the spice mixture, ensuring comprehensive and uniform coverage.
- Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs on a sturdy baking sheet or well-seasoned cast-iron skillet, positioning them skin-side up to maximize crispiness. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and roast for approximately 35-40 minutes, monitoring until the internal temperature precisely reaches 165 degrees fahrenheit and the skin transforms into a golden, crackling shell.
- For enthusiasts of extraordinary crispness, activate the broiler on high setting during the final moments of cooking. Vigilantly observe the chicken to prevent burning, allowing the skin to develop an enhanced, caramelized texture.
- After removing from the oven, permit the chicken to rest peacefully for several minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and flavors to intensify. Optional: Enhance the dish with a bright squeeze of fresh lemon juice, adding a zesty dimension to the richly seasoned meat.
Notes
- Moisture Matters: Pat chicken thighs completely dry to ensure that irresistible crispy skin develops during baking, preventing soggy texture.
- Seasoning Secrets: Massage the spice blend thoroughly into every nook and cranny of the chicken for maximum flavor penetration and even coating.
- Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked chicken, avoiding both underdone and overdry results.
- Flexibility for Diets: Swap regular salt for low-sodium alternatives and adjust spices to accommodate specific dietary needs without compromising taste.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg