This flavorful chicken thighs recipe is a lifesaver for busy nights! Just season, pop them in the oven, and dinner is ready in 30 minutes.
These thighs are super juicy and crispy on the outside—perfect for any side dish you fancy! I often serve mine with veggies or rice, making cleanup a breeze!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs are perfect for extra flavor and moisture. If you prefer, you can use boneless thighs, but adjust the cooking time since they cook faster.
Olive Oil: Use olive oil for flavor and to help crisp the skin. If you don’t have it, feel free to substitute with melted butter or even vegetable oil.
Spices: Garlic powder, smoked paprika, and oregano create a tasty blend. You can switch smoked paprika for regular paprika, or if you want a spicy kick, add cayenne pepper instead!
Fresh Parsley: This is just for garnish, but it adds a nice pop of color and freshness. Any fresh herb like thyme or cilantro would work well too, or you can skip it entirely.
How Can I Make Sure the Chicken Skin is Crispy?
To achieve crispy skin, starting with dry chicken is essential. Patting the thighs dry helps the skin crisp up in the oven. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Preheat your oven well. A hot oven helps the skin get crispy quickly.
- Make sure to rub olive oil evenly over the chicken. This not only adds flavor but helps the skin crisp up.
- If you’re in a hurry, broiling for 2-3 minutes at the end gives an extra crunch—just keep a close watch to avoid burning!
Easy 30-Minute Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 5 minutes for preparation and 25-30 minutes for cooking. In total, you’ll have delicious, juicy chicken thighs ready in just 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to get it nice and hot while you prepare the chicken.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Use paper towels to pat the chicken thighs dry. This step is super important! A dry chicken surface will help the skin become crispy when baked.
3. Make the Seasoning Mix:
In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This will be your flavor booster!
4. Season the Chicken:
Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken thighs, ensuring they’re well coated. Then, sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over all sides of the chicken to get that delicious flavor.
5. Arrange on Baking Sheet:
Place the chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper, skin-side up. This makes for easier cleanup later!
6. Bake the Chicken:
Pop the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the skin is beautifully crispy.
7. Broil for Extra Crispiness (Optional):
If you love extra crispy skin, switch the oven to broil for another 2-3 minutes. Just keep an eye on it to prevent burning—every oven is different!
8. Let it Rest:
Once out of the oven, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making for tender chicken!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
If you like, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve your juicy, flavorful chicken thighs alongside your favorite sides and enjoy!
FAQ for Easy 30-Minute Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs! Just keep in mind that they will cook faster than bone-in thighs, so check for doneness around the 20-minute mark, aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
What Can I Substitute for Olive Oil?
If you don’t have olive oil on hand, you can use melted butter or vegetable oil instead. Both work well to keep the chicken moist and help the skin crisp up nicely.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes.
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
While this recipe is best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the chicken thighs by seasoning them up to a day ahead. Just keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake—this can enhance the flavors even more!
