Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs

Name: Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Canadian
Ingredients: 1.8 kg bone-in chicken thighs (skin on); 2 tsp salt; 1 tsp black pepper (freshly ground); 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp paprika

50 min 4 servings Easy

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Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs

Savour deliciously crispy chicken thighs with shatter-crisp skin, baked to perfection in your oven. Perfect for a family dinner or a quick weeknight meal.

Prep

10 min

Cook

35 min

Total

50 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

There’s something irresistibly satisfying about biting into a piece of chicken with perfectly crispy skin. Achieving this delightful texture might seem elusive, but with a few simple techniques and the right oven temperature, you can master the art of crispy oven-baked chicken thighs at home. Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are a fantastic choice for this recipe. They remain juicy and flavourful, while the skin crisps up beautifully under high heat. By baking at a specific temperature and ensuring the right conditions, you’ll be guaranteed to enjoy a meal that’s as delicious as it is easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Servings

Chicken

Seasoning

Instructions

Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and position a rack in the middle. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.

Pro tip: A wire rack helps the hot air circulate around the chicken, ensuring all sides are crispy.

Prepare the chicken

Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving crispy skin.

Pro tip: Moisture is the enemy of crispiness, so the drier the skin, the better.

Season the chicken

In a small bowl, mix together salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Sprinkle the seasoning evenly over the chicken thighs.

Pro tip: For even seasoning, sprinkle from a height of about 30 cm (12 inches).

Arrange the chicken

Place the chicken thighs skin-side up on the prepared wire rack.

Bake the chicken

Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone.

Pro tip: If the skin isn't as crispy as you'd like after 35 minutes, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Rest the chicken

Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute.

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Tips & Tricks

<ul><li>Pat the chicken skin dry with paper towels to enhance crispiness.</li><li>Use a wire rack to allow air circulation and even cooking.</li><li>Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking for juicier meat.</li><li>Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).</li></ul>

Serving Suggestions

These crispy oven-baked chicken thighs are best served hot, straight from the oven. Pair them with a light salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. If you wish to prepare in advance, you can season the chicken and store it in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat the thighs in the oven at 375°F (190°C) to maintain crispiness.