Juicy Herb-Infused Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe For Dinner

Succulent and golden baked chicken thighs promise a mouthwatering dinner that transforms your ordinary evening.

These tender, juicy thighs deliver incredible flavor with minimal effort.

Seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices, each bite offers a perfect balance of crispy exterior and moist meat.

The aroma will fill your kitchen with warmth and anticipation.

Simple ingredients and straightforward techniques make this recipe accessible to home cooks of all skill levels.

No complicated steps or fancy equipment needed.

Savor the delicious results and watch as everyone around the table asks for seconds.

Baked Chicken Thighs – Tasty Seasoning Variations

• Herb-Infused Chicken: Replace basic seasonings with fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Cajun Version: Swap standard spices with Cajun seasoning blend, adding cayenne pepper and dried oregano for a bold, zesty taste.
• Low-Sodium Option: Use dried herbs and reduced-sodium salt substitute, incorporating lemon zest to enhance flavor without extra salt.
• Keto-Friendly Preparation: Keep original recipe intact, ensuring skin remains crispy and using high-quality organic chicken thighs for maximum protein content.

How to Serve Baked Chicken Thighs for Meals

• Family Feast Plate: Serve these golden chicken thighs alongside fluffy mashed potatoes and roasted seasonal vegetables for a comforting dinner that brings everyone together.
• Salad Companion: Slice the crispy chicken and top a fresh green salad with mixed herbs, creating a light and protein-packed meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
• Meal Prep Magic: Cool the chicken completely, then slice and store in airtight containers with quinoa or brown rice for quick, delicious work lunches throughout the week.
• Spice It Up: Drizzle with homemade chimichurri or tangy BBQ sauce to add an extra flavor punch that transforms the simple chicken into a gourmet experience.

Storing Baked Chicken Thighs for Easy Reheating

• Store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerated chicken stays fresh for 3-4 days.
• Wrap individual chicken thighs tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Frozen chicken maintains quality for up to 4 months.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to prevent drying out.
• Warm chicken in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep meat moist and restore crispy skin.

FAQs

• How do I know when the chicken thighs are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C). The meat should be white throughout with no pink areas, and the juices should run clear.

• Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs work great! Just reduce the cooking time by about 5-10 minutes and still check the internal temperature to ensure they’re fully cooked.

• What if I don't have all the specific spices?

You can substitute with an all-purpose seasoning blend or use basic salt and pepper. The key is to add flavor that complements the chicken’s natural taste.

Baked Chicken Thighs – Tender, Juicy, and Simple

• Unlock Crispy Perfection: Achieve golden, crunchy skin that crackles with every bite, creating a restaurant-quality experience right in your kitchen.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Whip up this recipe with just a few simple seasonings and basic kitchen tools, making it ideal for busy home cooks who want delicious meals without complicated techniques.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or casual gatherings, these chicken thighs pair wonderfully with various sides like roasted vegetables, rice, or salad, satisfying different taste preferences.
• Healthy Protein Powerhouse: Packed with lean protein and easily customizable with your favorite spices, this dish offers a nutritious meal that doesn't compromise on taste or texture.

Ingredients for Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs Success

• Chicken Thighs: Juicy and flavorful cut of chicken that becomes crispy when baked.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: A blend of spices that enhances the chicken's natural flavor and creates a delicious savory coating.

• Olive Oil: Helps create a crispy skin and prevents the chicken from drying out during baking.

Stepwise Directions for Baking Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Heat the oven to a toasty 400°F.

This high temperature will help create that irresistible crispy skin we all love.

Step 2: Dry the Chicken

Grab some paper towels and thoroughly pat the chicken thighs until they’re completely dry.

This is the secret to getting that golden, crisp exterior.

Step 3: Season and Oil the Chicken

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Drizzle olive oil over the thighs, then generously sprinkle the spices, massaging them into every nook and cranny of the meat.

Step 4: Arrange on Baking Sheet

Place the seasoned chicken thighs on a baking sheet, positioning them skin-side up to ensure maximum crispiness.

Step 5: Roast to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes.

You’re looking for an internal temperature of 165°F and a beautifully bronzed skin.

Step 6: Optional Crisp Boost

For extra-crispy skin, switch to broil for 2-3 minutes.

Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven.

This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring each bite is moist and delicious.

Chicken Thigh Tips for Juicy Oven Results

• Pat chicken thighs completely dry before seasoning to guarantee ultra-crispy, golden-brown skin that's irresistibly crunchy.
• Leave enough space between chicken thighs on the baking sheet to allow hot air circulation, preventing soggy results and promoting even cooking.
• Always use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature hits 165°F, ensuring safe and perfectly cooked chicken without guesswork.
• Experiment with different spice blends like Italian herbs, Cajun seasoning, or za'atar to transform the basic recipe into exciting new taste experiences.
• Broiling for a few extra minutes creates a restaurant-quality crispy exterior that adds incredible texture and visual appeal to your chicken thighs.

Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Baked Chicken Thighs bring Mediterranean magic to dinner tables with golden-brown, herb-crusted perfection. Crispy skin and juicy meat create a simple yet elegant meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried herbs (thyme, rosemary, or oregano)

Garnish:

• 1 lemon (optional)

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to a robust 400°F, preparing a spacious baking sheet with potential parchment paper coverage for easier cleanup.
2. Thoroughly eliminate excess moisture from chicken thighs using clean kitchen towels, ensuring maximum seasoning adherence.
3. Generously massage extra virgin olive oil across every surface of the chicken, creating a smooth foundation for the spice blend.
4. Craft a robust seasoning mixture combining garlic powder, onion powder, smoky paprika, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper.
5. Distribute the spice blend meticulously, coating each thigh with an even, generous layer that promises deep flavor penetration.
6. Position chicken thighs skin-side up on the prepared baking sheet, allowing sufficient spacing between pieces for optimal heat circulation.
7. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven, roasting for approximately 35-40 minutes until the meat reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
8. For an irresistibly golden and crisp exterior, activate the broiler for a swift 2-3 minute finale, monitoring closely to prevent burning.
9. Remove from oven and permit the chicken to rest momentarily, allowing juices to redistribute and ensuring maximum tenderness before serving.

Notes

• Pat chicken thighs completely dry to ensure crispy, golden-brown skin that’s irresistibly crunchy.
• Try different herb and spice combinations like rosemary, thyme, or za’atar for global flavor variations.
• Use a meat thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked chicken without drying out the meat, ensuring juicy results every time.
• For low-carb or keto diets, skip any additional breading and rely on the natural skin for crunch and flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 270 kcal
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg