4-Ingredient Baked Bone-In Chicken Thighs
This simple baked chicken thigh recipe uses just a few basic ingredients and produces juicy, flavorful chicken with beautifully browned skin. It is an easy choice for a comforting weeknight dinner and pairs well with roasted vegetables, rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Ingredients
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with foil for easier cleanup.
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the skin become nicely browned and crisp during baking.
- Season the thighs: Place the chicken thighs in the baking dish with the skin side facing up. Drizzle them with olive oil, then sprinkle evenly with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub the seasonings gently over the chicken so each piece is well coated.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 35–45 minutes. The exact cooking time can vary depending on the size of the chicken thighs.
- Check for doneness: The chicken should be fully cooked and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when measured in the thickest part without touching the bone.
- Rest before serving: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to settle and helps keep the meat tender.
Serving Ideas
Serve these flavorful chicken thighs with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, roasted carrots, rice, or a simple green salad. Spoon some of the flavorful juices from the baking dish over the chicken before serving for extra flavor.
