Baked Chicken Thighs

These crispy oven baked chicken thighs are rubbed with a caramelized seasoning of paprika, onion powder, garlic salt, pepper, and brown sugar. The results are juicy and flavorful dark meat with crisp skin!

Why this recipe works

Baked chicken thighs are one of the easiest dinners to throw together with only 7 ingredients. You simply rub the chicken with a mixture of classic seasonings then pop it in the oven until it’s golden and crispy on the outside and juicy tender on the inside, just like our baked chicken legs. There’s nothing complicated about it!

Ingredients you will need

Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.

Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions

CHICKEN – We are using bone-in skin-on chicken thighs, but you can also use boneless. If you use boneless thighs, you may need to cook them a little longer. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, when it reaches an internal temperature of 165F they are done.

RUB – The rub is a mixture of olive oil, pepper, garlic salt, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and onion powder. You can of course sub in any of your favorite seasonings if desired. The olive oil will help bind the seasonings to the skin and the brown sugar adds extra depth of caramelized flavor, it does not make the skin sweet.

How to Make Baked Chicken Thighs

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.

1. Preheat oven to 400 F.
2. Rinse chicken thighs and pat dry with paper towels.
3. Mix together olive oil, pepper, garlic salt, brown sugar, paprika, and onion powder.
4. Using gloved hands, massage oil and spice mixture all over both sides of the chicken thighs.
5. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165 F on an instant read thermometer.
   
   EXPERT TIP – If you would like your skin crispier, place the baked chicken under the broiler for about 2 minutes. Watch carefully so as not to burn the thighs.
   
   

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips

Store any leftovers in an air-tight container kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer.

You do not need to cover chicken thighs when baking. Leaving them uncovered while in the oven is what gives the chicken its crispy skin.

Yes, check out our air fryer chicken thighs recipe!

Serving Suggestions

Serve oven baked chicken thighs with a side of mashed potatoes, garlic green beans, carrots, macaroni and cheese, potato wedges, Brussels sprouts, or a salad. Enjoy warm from the oven! Leftover chicken thigh meat can be added to salads, pasta dishes, wraps, and tacos.

More Chicken Recipes

• Oven Fried Chicken
• Koren Fried Chicken
• Baked Chicken Legs
• Air Fryer Fried Chicken
• Crispy Baked Chicken Wings
• Skillet Chicken Thighs

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