Baked Chicken Thighs
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
35 mins
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Total Time
50 mins
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Servings
8
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Baked Chicken Thighs
Description
Baked Chicken Thighs are coated with an herbaceous blend of olive oil, lemon zest, garlic, Italian seasoning, and paprika. The preparation involves drying the thighs and seasoning them thoroughly before baking at 400°F on a wire rack set inside a foil-lined baking sheet. This setup helps air circulate around the thighs, promoting a crisp skin and evenly cooked meat. The thighs are baked until they reach an internal temperature of 175°F and the skin is browned. Optional broiling at the end can add extra crispness but should be monitored to avoid burning.
Serving the thighs warm with lemon wedges allows for fresh acidity that complements the savory, garlicky, and herb flavors. This recipe is well suited for a main course paired with vegetables or grains.
Homemade Italian seasoning can be used, combining basil, oregano, thyme, marjoram, and rosemary. If broiling, it’s advised to drain excess fat to reduce smoke. Removing browned garlic bits after broiling helps avoid bitter flavor notes. Overall, this method provides flavorful crispy chicken thighs with balanced seasoning.
Ingredients
- 8 large chicken thighs about 3.5 - 4 lbs, bone-in, skin-on
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- lemon 1 Tbsp), remainder of lemon cut into wedges for serving, zest of 1 large
- 5 garlic minced, or 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder, cloves
- 4 tsp Italian seasoning store-bought or homemade, see notes
- 2 tsp paprika
- salt Kosher salt and freshly ground
- black pepper Kosher salt and freshly ground
Instructions
- Position oven rack one level above center. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Line a rimmed 18 by 13-inch baking sheet with aluminum foil and top with an oven safe wire cooling rack (I like THIS ONE). Spray cooling rack with non-stick cooking spray.
- In an extra large mixing bowl whisk together olive oil, lemon zest, garlic, Italian seasoning and paprika.
- Dab chicken thighs well dry with paper towels and add chicken thighs to bowl with oil mixture. Toss well to evenly coat with mixture.
- Transfer thighs to rack on baking sheet turning skin side down. Season with salt and pepper then turn skin side up and season with salt and pepper. Leave space between thighs so heat can circulate evenly.
- Bake in preheated oven until skin is browned and thighs register 175 degrees in thickest portion, about 35 - 45 minutes. If desired broil* during last minute or two for crispier skin (keep a close eye on it).
- Serve warm** with lemon wedges for spritzing. If desired you can garnish with a 1 Tbsp chopped parsley.
Notes
- Make your own Italian seasoning by mixing 1 tsp basil, 1 tsp oregano, 1 tsp thyme, 1/2 tsp marjoram, and 1/2 tsp rosemary for the best flavor.
- When broiling, drain excess fat from the baking sheet to prevent smoking.
- After broiling, brush away any browned garlic bits on top as these can taste bitter though they flavor the chicken during baking.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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