I have a secret weapon when it comes to busy weeknights: oven baked chicken thighs . Whenever I’m pressed for time but still want to serve a delicious meal, this recipe comes to the rescue. The best part? You only need a handful of ingredients, and it’s a family-pleaser every single time. I can still remember the first time I made it, my youngest even gave it a thumbs-up, which rarely happens!
If you’re looking for more simple dinner ideas, you might want to check out my easy crescent roll breakfast recipes .
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Easy and quick: With a prep time of just 10 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy evenings.
- Delicious flavor: The combination of garlic, paprika, and Italian seasoning infuses the chicken with a savory taste.
- Juicy results: The method ensures that the chicken remains moist and tender on the inside with a crispy skin.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 2 teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 pounds chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon butter
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F, and line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. Place it in the oven while it heats up.
- In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, parsley, salt, and black pepper until a paste forms.
- Add the chicken thighs to the bowl, tossing them to coat well. Take each thigh and rub the seasoning into the skin thoroughly.
- Place the seasoned chicken thighs on the heated baking sheet and dot them with the butter.
- Bake for 20 minutes, then carefully baste the chicken with the juices from the pan. Return to the oven for another 10 minutes and baste again.
- Continue baking for another 5-15 minutes, until the chicken thighs reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Recipe tips & variations
- Variation: Swap out the Italian seasoning for your favorite spice mix for a personal touch.
- Tip: If you prefer extra crispy skin, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
- Substitution: You can use chicken breasts if that’s what you have on hand, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Storage & reheating
- Storage: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or use a microwave for a quicker option, though it might not be as crispy.
FAQs
Do I need to marinate the chicken thighs beforehand?
Nope, you don’t need to marinate them. The seasoning paste is flavorful enough to skip that step, making it faster for those last-minute dinners.
Can I use skinless chicken thighs?
Yes, you can use skinless thighs. They’ll still be tasty, but you might miss out on that crispy texture the skin provides.
Is it okay to use frozen chicken thighs?
You’ll want to thaw the chicken thighs before cooking to ensure even cooking and the best texture.
Recipes you may like
- Try these breakfast potatoes recipe easy crispy for a delightful side dish.
- For a fun twist, our breakfast pizza recipe easy cheesy is a great alternative for dinner.
Oven baked chicken thighs are a staple in our home, providing a comforting meal with minimal fuss. Give them a try, and I’m sure they’ll make their way into your regular dinner rotation too!
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Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
- Total Time: 45-55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A simple and delicious recipe for oven baked chicken thighs that are juicy and flavorful, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 pounds chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F, and line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. Place it in the oven while it heats up.
- In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, parsley, salt, and black pepper until a paste forms.
- Add the chicken thighs to the bowl, tossing them to coat well. Take each thigh and rub the seasoning into the skin thoroughly.
- Place the seasoned chicken thighs on the heated baking sheet and dot them with the butter.
- Bake for 20 minutes, then carefully baste the chicken with the juices from the pan. Return to the oven for another 10 minutes and baste again.
- Continue baking for another 5-15 minutes, until the chicken thighs reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Notes
- Variation: Swap out the Italian seasoning for your favorite spice mix for a personal touch.
- Tip: If you prefer extra crispy skin, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
- Substitution: You can use chicken breasts if that’s what you have on hand, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 thigh