Crispy and Juicy Baked Chicken Thighs

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Sink your fork into these crispy and juicy baked chicken thighs, where every bite bursts with flavor. Golden brown, seasoned to perfection, and bathed in buttery herbs, this dish is a go-to for weeknight dinners or laid-back entertaining. With a simple prep and an oven doing most of the work, it’s all the satisfaction of fried chicken without the mess.

Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this baked chicken recipe delivers consistent, succulent results every time. The skin crisps up just right, while the meat stays impossibly moist. It’s comfort food at its finest with very little fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Crispy and Juicy Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe

This recipe is the perfect combination of ease and excellence. With minimal ingredients and no fancy techniques, you’ll achieve that coveted golden, crackly skin. The seasoning blend delivers savory depth, and the chicken roasts in its own flavorful juices—making every bite rich, juicy, and unforgettable. It’s versatile, budget-friendly, and reheats like a dream.

What Kind of Chicken Thighs Should I Use?

For this recipe, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are essential. They offer the best texture and flavor. The skin crisps beautifully in the oven, while the bone helps retain moisture, ensuring juicy, tender meat. Avoid boneless or skinless cuts here—they won’t deliver the same crispy finish or full-bodied taste.

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Ingredients for the Crispy and Juicy Baked Chicken Thighs

Chicken Thighs (bone-in, skin-on): The star of the dish, these stay moist during roasting and develop a deliciously crispy skin.

Olive Oil: Helps the skin crisp and the seasonings stick.

Garlic Powder: Adds bold, savory depth without overpowering.

Onion Powder: Enhances the umami richness in every bite.

Paprika (smoked or sweet): Brings a beautiful color and mild smoky undertone.

Dried Oregano: Adds earthy, herby notes that pair well with poultry.

Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing flavor and drawing out moisture to help the skin crisp.

Butter: Melted and poured over at the end to amplify juiciness and flavor.

Chopped Parsley: Optional, but adds a touch of freshness and color for garnish.

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How To Make the Crispy and Juicy Baked Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Pat the chicken thighs dry thoroughly with paper towels—this is crucial for crispy skin. Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C).

Step 2: Season Generously

In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Rub olive oil all over the chicken, then coat evenly with the seasoning blend.

Step 3: Bake to Crispy Perfection

Place the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side up in a baking dish or oven-safe skillet. Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 175°F (80°C) and the skin is crisp and golden.

Step 4: Add Buttery Finish

Once out of the oven, spoon melted butter over each thigh and let rest for 5 minutes. This final touch adds shine, richness, and even more flavor.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh finish, and serve hot.

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How to Serve Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs

This dish serves 4 to 6 people, depending on portion size. Pair with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a balanced, satisfying meal. For something cozy, try it alongside Cheesy Creamed Spinach or Old-Fashioned Goulash.

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How to Store Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs

Let leftovers cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake at 375°F until warmed through and the skin re-crisps (about 15 minutes). Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that crispy texture intact.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use boneless thighs instead?
Yes, but you’ll lose the crispy skin and may need to reduce cooking time. Bone-in, skin-on is best for this recipe.

2. Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! Season and refrigerate the thighs up to 24 hours in advance. Bring to room temperature before baking.

3. What internal temperature should chicken thighs reach?
For juicy thighs, aim for an internal temp of 175°F (not just 165°F). The extra degrees break down connective tissue for tender bites.

4. Do I need to flip the chicken during baking?
Nope. Keeping the skin side up the entire time helps it stay crispy and beautifully browned.

5. Can I make this recipe spicy?
Definitely. Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix to bring some heat.

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Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you love this baked chicken thigh recipe, check out these savory favorites:

• Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Bake for something saucy and rich.
• Runza Casserole if you love meaty, hearty baked dishes.
• Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce for a cheesy pasta twist.
• Shrimp Broccoli Alfredo if you’re craving creamy seafood vibes.
• Cowboy Butter Dipping Sauce as a bold side dip for your chicken.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use smoked or sweet paprika? Try it with herbs de Provence instead of oregano?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook better, every day.

For more recipes like this, visit my Pinterest collection at Life With Livia.

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