Ingredients
- 3 Pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (6–8 pieces)
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil; optionally place a wire rack on the pan.
- Remove chicken thighs from the package and pat each piece completely dry with paper towels.
- Arrange thighs in a single layer on the foil-lined pan or wire rack, leaving space between pieces for air circulation.
- Drizzle olive oil over the thighs and rub to coat all sides evenly.
- In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika; mix well.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mixture generously over all sides of the chicken, covering top and underside.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35–45 minutes, leaving the chicken undisturbed (do not flip or poke).
- Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone, and confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- If using a BBQ or honey-garlic glaze, brush it onto the thighs during the last 8–10 minutes of baking to avoid burning.
Notes
Patting chicken dry is crucial for crispy skin; any wetness prevents properly crisping the skin., Do not overcrowd the pan to allow air circulation and even crisping., Use a wire rack on the baking sheet to keep chicken elevated for extra crispness., Avoid flipping or poking the chicken during baking to maintain crispy crust., Use a meat thermometer to ensure safe and perfect doneness., Variations include swapping seasonings (smoky paprika, lemon-herb, Cajun), using boneless skinless thighs with reduced baking time (20-25 min), and brushing glazes in the last 8-10 minutes., Butter can replace olive oil for a richer flavor but monitor for faster browning., Roast vegetables alongside the chicken for a one-pan meal, adjusting vegetable size for cooking time.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: Approx. 250-300 calories per serving (1 thigh)
- Fat: Approx. 17-20g per serving
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 1-2g per serving
- Protein: Approx. 25g per serving