Baked Bone-In Chicken Thighs with Crispy Skin

Name: Baked Bone-In Chicken Thighs with Crispy Skin
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 40 min
Ingredients: 6 large chicken thighs, bone-in with skin; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 to 2 tablespoons chicken seasoning (use your favorite or make your own)

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Baked bone-in chicken thighs are juicy, tender, and have that crispy skin we all love. Packed with flavor, this simple chicken recipe is the perfect budget-friendly option for any night of the week. With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home too!

Perfectly seasoned crispy chicken thighs rest of a platter.

When I'm craving a delicious and budget-friendly meal, I turn to my favorite Baked Bone-In Chicken Thighs recipe. These juicy, tender chicken thighs are a staple in my kitchen, and for good reason! My whole family loves dark meat and this chicken is incredibly flavorful, and the crispy, crunchy skin is simply irresistible. It's the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a busy weeknight, comforting and satisfying but such an easy recipe to make.

What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is to make yet so full of flavor. The combination of olive oil and seasoning gives the chicken thighs a mouthwatering taste that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, the convenience of baking them in the oven means I can set it and forget it while I attend to other tasks. It's the perfect easy dinner.

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Ingredients
How to Make Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs
How to Tell When Chicken Thighs are Done
Seasoning Variations
What to Serve with Crispy Chicken Thighs
Storage and Leftovers
Cooking Tips
FAQ
More Chicken Recipes
RECIPE

Ingredients

Chicken Thighs – Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are preferred for their juicy, flavorful meat. You can use chicken drumsticks or chicken breasts if you prefer, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
Olive Oil – Oil adds flavor and helps crisp up the chicken skin. Use your favorite light, neutral-flavored cooking oil.
Chicken Seasoning – Use your favorite chicken seasoning blend or make your own with a combination of herbs and spices such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Adjust the amount based on your preference for seasoning intensity. My favorite is a roasted garlic and herb seasoning.

See recipe card for quantities.

How to Make Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs

Raw seasoned chicken lines a baking sheet.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Place trimmed chicken thighs on a baking sheet or in an oven proof baking dish. Brush the chicken pieces with olive oil and coat with the seasoning.

Baked bone-in chicken thighs on a baking sheet.

2. Bake in the oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until chicken skin is golden brown and internal temperature of chicken is a minimum of 165 degrees. Juices will run clear and there will be no pink in the middle. Baking time can vary a bit depending how big the chicken thighs are.

Hint: For extra crisp skin, turn the broiler on for the last few minutes of cooking.

How to Tell When Chicken Thighs are Done

There are a few ways to tell when chicken thighs are done cooking. The most reliable method and best way is to use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat. The chicken is cooked through when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Another visual cue is to check the color of the meat: the juices should run clear, with no traces of pink. Additionally, the meat should feel firm to the touch, and the skin should be crispy and golden brown. By using these methods, you can ensure that your chicken thighs are cooked to perfection, juicy and tender every time.

Seasoning Variations

Here are some different ways to season your baked chicken thighs:

Lemon – Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken before serving for a citrusy flavor or use my Lemon Garlic Chicken Marinade.
Fresh herbs – Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary over the chicken before serving for a burst of freshness.
Garlic – Add minced garlic to the olive oil and brush it over the chicken before baking for a savory flavor.
Hot sauce – Drizzle hot sauce over the chicken before serving for a spicy kick.
Honey – Brush honey over the chicken during the last few minutes of baking for a sweet glaze.
BBQ Sauce – Brush with homemade pineapple BBQ sauce or use your favorite store-bought variety.
Seasoning Blends – From chicken taco seasoning to Mediterranean seasoning to lemon pepper and Italian seasoning, you can sprinkle the chicken with your favorite flavors for a tailored meal.

What to Serve with Crispy Chicken Thighs

Baked chicken thighs are incredibly versatile and I can hardly think of a side dish that wouldn't pair beautifully. I often serve this easy chicken recipe with Parmesan Baked Tomato Slices but here are a few of my other standard selections:

Storage and Leftovers

To store leftover Baked Bone-In Chicken Thighs, allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken thighs. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen chicken thighs will maintain their quality for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Chicken thighs are so affordable and it's easy to make a large batch and use the leftovers in a variety of recipes such as:

Cooking Tips

Before seasoning the chicken, pat it dry with a paper towel. This helps the seasoning adhere better and promotes crispier skin.
Don't be afraid to season the chicken thighs generously with your favorite chicken seasoning blend. The seasoning adds flavor to the meat and the skin.
To ensure the chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Line your sheet pan with parchment paper for easy clean up.
For extra crispy skin when cooking chicken thighs, turn on the broiler for the last few minutes of cooking. Keep an eye on the chicken to prevent burning.
Allow the chicken thighs to rest for a few minutes after baking. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier meat.

FAQ

Can I use boneless skinless chicken thighs?

You can use boneless chicken thighs if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time as boneless thighs may cook faster than bone-in thighs. Also boneless thighs do not contain skin so you will have a tender piece of chicken without the crispy skin.

How do I make sure the skin is extra crispy?

To ensure crispy skin, pat the chicken thighs dry before seasoning, and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This allows air to circulate around the chicken, helping the skin crisp up.

How to reheat the leftovers?

To reheat the chicken thighs, place them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave until heated to your liking. The skin will not be as crispy upon reheating.

More Chicken Recipes

Looking for other easy chicken recipes? Try these:

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