Description
This recipe for baked chicken thighs delivers juicy, flavorful poultry with a crispy skin, perfectly seasoned with garlic, paprika, and fresh rosemary. Oven-baked at a high temperature, the chicken thighs become tender inside while developing a deliciously crisp exterior, making it an easy and satisfying dinner option for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Thighs
- 4-6 bone-in chicken thighs (skin on)
Seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it is hot enough to cook the chicken thighs evenly and develop a crispy skin.
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, then drizzle with olive oil and rub it evenly over the surface to help the seasoning stick and promote crispiness.
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and chopped fresh rosemary. Generously season each chicken thigh with this mixture to infuse the meat with flavor.
- Bake the Chicken: Arrange the seasoned thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Rest Before Serving: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making each bite moist and tender.
Notes
- Using bone-in, skin-on thighs helps retain moisture and adds flavor during baking.
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Feel free to substitute fresh rosemary with dried rosemary, but reduce to 1 teaspoon as dried herbs are more concentrated.
- Serve with your favorite sides such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
