Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs

These crispy baked chicken thighs are a simple and delicious main dish for a meal. Seasoned with paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. They lack no flavor. Let's make these oven baked chicken thighs together!

When I think of Fall cooking, I think of making warm and nourishing meals. Ones that are comforting yet full of nourishment. A good pan of crispy baked chicken thighs is on that Fall meal list of mine.

I love using chicken as the main protein to a dinner meal. Whether it be a whole oven baked chicken, chicken breasts, or some good old chicken thighs. Chicken is just so versatile. Although, I think one of my favorites is bone in and skin on chicken thighs. Bone in thighs create so much flavor when baked at an ideal heat and having crispy skin on top of it all never gets old.

Growing up, when my mother would make chicken with the skin on, that was always the first part to go. It was the best part. I especially love a crispy skin on the chicken. There are a few secrets to getting that crispy chicken skin. In this recipe, we don't shy away from those secrets, we tell you all of them! From having dry chicken to avoiding overcrowding in your pan.

This chicken thigh recipe is baked at a high heat and seasoned with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt and pepper, leading to a dish not lacking in any flavor.

Keep on reading to learn more about making crispy baked chicken thighs. Let's make this simple and delicious dish together!

The Secret to Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs

Pat the Chicken Dry - In this recipe, we first pat our chicken thighs with a paper towel until they are as dry as possible. When there is too much moisture on chicken, it creates steam which leads to even more moisture. That moisture leads to a soggy skin instead of that crispy skin we are going for. Patting it dry will get rid of this issue!

Sprinkle with Baking Powder - I first learned the baking powder trick when making chicken wings. Adding a bit of baking powder into the rub helps break down the proteins and fats of the chicken. This process ultimately leads to the skin drying out and in turn becoming crispier.

Don't use Oil - I don't know about you, but I often think oil leads to crispiness. However, putting the rub directly onto the dry chicken with no oil leads to the nicest crisp on the chicken.

Bake at a High Heat - Baking at a high heat helps to render down the fat of the chicken which leads to that crisp as well. This recipe is made at 425 degrees Fahrenheit.

Avoid Overcrowding - Overcrowding your pan leads to the chicken sitting in their grease which causes soggy skin. Choose a larger dish to really space out the chicken. Bonus, use parchment paper for no stickiness and easy clean up!

Why You Will Love These Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs

Oven Method - There is also a way to get crispy chicken thighs on the stove top. However, the oven method is so nice because it is hands off. You are not standing at the stovetop constantly watching the chicken. You can simply place them in the oven and walk away.

Endless Sides - With a protein like chicken thighs, I love the endless options for sides. Really anything can go with chicken thighs. Leading to a very versatile main dish.

Delicious - These baked chicken thighs truly lack no flavor. The chicken is seasoned with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. These spices lead to a flavorful chicken thigh.

Simple - While there are a few key things within this recipe, (high heat, dry chicken, and baking powder) this really is a simple recipe with simple ingredients. The spices within this recipe you probably already have in your pantry.

FAQs

Is it better to bake chicken at 350 or 400 in the oven?

It is not like there is a "better" temperature for cooking chicken in the oven. It is more so what you are going for. When it comes to wanting crispy chicken, the higher temperature is better. That is why we go with 425!

Should you bake chicken covered or uncovered?

Baking chicken uncovered is another way to achieve that crispiness. Covering chicken to bake really isn't a necessary step.

How long do chicken thighs take in the oven?

When baking chicken thighs at 425, they take about 25 to 30 minutes to fully bake. However, it is not about the time as much as the internal temperature. Chicken is fully cooked through at an internal temperature of 165 degrees.

Ingredients

Chicken thighs - bone in, skin on

Baking Powder - helps get that crispy skin

Garlic powder

Onion powder

Paprika

Salt

Pepper

Parsley (optional for garnish)

Tools You May Need

Baking dish

Parchment paper (easy cleanup and no stick)

Measuring spoons

Small bowl

How to Make Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs Step-by-Step

To start, preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.

Next, using paper towels, pat your chicken thighs as dry as possible.

Once they are patted dry, place them in a dish and set aside.

Measure out your baking powder and distribute that on the chicken thighs first. Make sure that evenly coats the skins.

Then, measure out all your seasonings and place in a bowl. This includes the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Once the seasonings are measured out, sprinkle them over the dry chicken thighs. Using your hands or a spoon, mix around the chicken in the seasonings. Making sure to really coat the thighs in the spices.

Place on a baking sheet that is lined with parchment paper. Being sure to space the thighs out so they have room to crisp up.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Serve immediately with your favorite sides. Enjoy!

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