Crispy and Tender Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe

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Cook Time: 60 minutes

These crispy chicken thighs will quickly earn a permanent place in your dinner rotation. Seasoned bone-in chicken thighs are baked to crispy perfection on the outside, but remain wonderfully juicy on the inside. This budget-friendly main dish features a homemade spice rub (made with garlic salt, onion salt, oregano, thyme, paprika, and black pepper) that will impress even your pickiest dinner guests.

Tips and Tricks:

• Double the seasoning for even more flavor.
• If you wish to broil the chicken for the last part of cooking, do so for only 1 to 2 minutes and watch carefully as the spices burn very quickly!

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise:

"I've made this many, many times," says Alyssa. "Delicious!! I usually double the seasoning and try to get some under the skin as well as on top. The thighs are always moist and flavorful."

"Very easy," says Kathy. "I roasted some potatoes and peppers with it in the same baking pan. Made a yummy one-dish meal."

"This is now my go-to seasoning for chicken," raves KatieD. "In fact, I've even put it into an empty paprika shaker so I always have it on hand."

Ingredients:

• Cooking spray
• 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• teaspoon garlic salt
• teaspoon onion salt
• teaspoon dried oregano
• teaspoon ground thyme
• teaspoon ground paprika
• teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350F (175C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray it with cooking spray.
2. Arrange the chicken thighs, skin-side up, on the prepared baking sheet.
3. In a small bowl, combine the garlic salt, onion salt, oregano, thyme, paprika, and black pepper. Mix well.
4. Sprinkle the spice mixture liberally over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are evenly coated.
5. Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the skin is crispy, the thighs are no longer pink at the bone, and the juices run clear. An instant-read thermometer inserted near the bone should read 165F (74C).
6. Serve hot and enjoy!

Recipe Tips:

• Double the seasoning for an extra punch of flavor.
• If you wish to broil the chicken during the last part of cooking, do so for only 1 to 2 minutes. Watch carefully as the spices can burn very quickly.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 190
• Total Fat: 12g (15% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 3g (17% DV)
• Cholesterol: 71mg (24% DV)
• Sodium: 178mg (8% DV)
• Total Carbohydrates: 0g (0% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 0g (0% DV)
• Protein: 19g (38% DV)
• Vitamin C: 0mg (0% DV)
• Calcium: 11mg (1% DV)
• Iron: 1mg (6% DV)
• Potassium: 174mg (4% DV)

Recipe by: Nicole Burdett

Origin and History

The history of baked chicken thighs traces back to ancient culinary traditions where roasting and baking meats was a common method of cooking. Chicken has long been a staple in global cuisines, from Europe to the Americas, but the use of thighs specifically became popular in the modern home kitchen due to their affordability and flavor. Thighs are dark meat, known for their tenderness and juiciness, which makes them ideal for baking at high temperatures. This dish, using a simple blend of spices, is a more recent American adaptation, becoming a favorite due to its ease of preparation and satisfying results.

Regional Variations

While this baked chicken recipe is typically associated with American home cooking, the use of chicken thighs can be found in many cultures across the globe. In the Southern United States, for example, fried chicken thighs are a signature comfort food, often seasoned with a bold mix of spices. In Mediterranean cuisine, similar cuts are marinated in olive oil, garlic, lemon, and herbs before being grilled or roasted. The spice blend in this recipe is simple yet universal, drawing from Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences, where oregano, thyme, and paprika are commonly used to season poultry.

How It Differs From Other Chicken Dishes

Unlike other common chicken recipes, such as baked chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken, this recipe focuses on bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. The skin adds a crispy texture that contrasts beautifully with the tender, juicy meat underneath. Baking the thighs allows the fat to render slowly, ensuring moistness while the high heat crisps up the skin, which is something other cuts like breasts simply cannot achieve. Additionally, this recipe avoids complicated marination or frying, focusing instead on simple seasoning and an easy baking method that retains all the flavor without the mess or extra time.

Where Its Typically Served

This dish is a versatile main course that is perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or even weeknight meals. It pairs well with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice. In American cuisine, it is often served as part of a home-cooked meal, enjoyed during a Sunday roast or a holiday dinner. Its ease of preparation makes it a go-to option for busy families, while the rich flavors and crispy skin ensure its always a crowd-pleaser. Its equally suitable for a weekday dinner or a weekend BBQ, depending on the season and the side dishes.

Fun Facts

• Chicken thighs are often cheaper than chicken breasts, making them a budget-friendly option without sacrificing flavor or texture.
• The key to crispy skin on baked chicken thighs is drying the skin thoroughly before applying the seasoning. This allows the skin to crisp up beautifully in the oven.
• Oregano, thyme, and paprika are not just for chicken! These herbs and spices are used in a wide range of Mediterranean and Latin American dishes, adding rich flavor to everything from stews to grilled meats.
• This recipe can easily be adapted for different tastes by adding a variety of spices or marinades. For example, adding smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne pepper can introduce a subtle heat that complements the savory flavors of the chicken.

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