Here’s a versatile guide to chicken thighs—juicy, flavorful, and easy to cook 🍗
Basic Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs
Ingredients (for 4 thighs)
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or boneless if preferred)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- Optional: fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, parsley)
Instructions
1. Preheat
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season
- Pat chicken dry with paper towels.
- Rub olive oil over thighs.
- Mix garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper; rub evenly on chicken.
3. Bake
- Place thighs on a baking sheet or in a roasting pan, skin side up.
- Bake 35–45 minutes for bone-in, or 25–30 minutes for boneless, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Optional: broil 2–3 minutes at the end for extra crispy skin.
4. Rest & Serve
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Quick Variations
- Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs: Melt butter with minced garlic and brush over thighs before baking.
- Honey Soy Chicken Thighs: Marinate in soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger; bake 25–30 min.
- Spicy Cajun: Rub with Cajun seasoning and bake.
- Slow Cooker: Add thighs with ½ cup broth and seasonings; cook LOW 4–6 hours.
Tips
- Skin-on thighs stay juicier than skinless.
- Bone-in adds more flavor and keeps meat tender.
- Always check internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
I can also give you a crispy pan-fried version, oven-baked honey garlic version, or a one-pan sheet pan meal with veggies if you want a full dinner idea.
Do you want me to make one of those?
