Name: Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs – Easy Chicken Recipes for Dinner
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs; 1 tablespoon avocado oil (or olive oil); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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These crispy baked chicken thighs are the ultimate easy chicken recipe! Perfect for weeknight meals, they’re juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside, and bursting with flavor. Great for easy chicken dinner recipes, quick and easy recipes, and even air fryer easy recipes—this dish will become a go-to in your kitchen!

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe
3) Ingredients for Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs
4) How to Make Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs
5) Tips for Making Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs
6) Making Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs
8) Try these Chicken recipes next!
9) Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

Learn how to make easy chicken recipes that are crispy, juicy, and flavorful.
Perfect for quick weeknight dinners and meal prep.
Customizable with your favorite spices or herbs.
Tips for air fryer and oven-baked variations included.

2) Easy Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe

If you’re searching for a go-to meal that checks all the boxes—easy, flavorful, satisfying—this crispy baked chicken thighs recipe from Elena at Elena Cooks is your answer. It’s one of those easy chicken recipes that works just as well for a busy weeknight as it does for meal prep or weekend comfort food. The skin crisps up beautifully in the oven while the meat stays tender and juicy. Best of all, you only need a handful of ingredients and about 45 minutes from start to finish. This recipe highlights everything you want in easy chicken dinner recipes: speed, simplicity, and loads of flavor. Whether you’re new to cooking or just want something dependable in your weekly rotation, this dish brings the goods every time. Plus, the leftovers are just as tasty, making it perfect for lunches or next-day wraps.

3) Ingredients for Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs

Chicken Thighs: You’ll need about 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. The bone helps retain moisture while the skin crisps up to golden perfection. Always pat them dry for optimal crispiness.

Avocado Oil: A tablespoon of avocado oil adds a healthy fat content and helps the seasonings stick. You can also substitute olive oil, but avocado oil has a higher smoke point, making it ideal for roasting.

Garlic Powder: This pantry staple brings a mellow, roasted garlic flavor to the chicken without overpowering it. It’s the kind of subtle spice that takes easy chicken recipes from average to extraordinary.

Onion Powder: Another dry spice that brings depth, onion powder pairs perfectly with garlic powder to add that all-around savory flavor. It’s a key ingredient in many easy recipes for dinner.

Paprika: A teaspoon of paprika gives the chicken a smoky color and flavor. You can also experiment with smoked paprika for added depth or a spicy version for a kick.

Salt: A full teaspoon is recommended to season the meat thoroughly. Salt not only enhances flavor but also helps draw out moisture from the skin, leading to crispier results.

Black Pepper: Just half a teaspoon gives a subtle heat and rounds out the seasoning blend. Use freshly ground pepper for the best flavor experience.

4) How to Make Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature ensures the skin crisps up beautifully while the meat inside stays tender and juicy. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a wire rack for even crispiness.

Step 2: Pat your chicken thighs thoroughly dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting that crispy skin! Removing as much moisture as possible allows the skin to roast, not steam.

Step 3: Drizzle avocado oil evenly over the chicken thighs. Rub it in gently to make sure every surface is coated. This helps the seasoning stick and encourages browning in the oven.

Step 4: In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the spice mix evenly over both sides of the chicken, ensuring each thigh is well seasoned.

Step 5: Place the chicken on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side up. Bake for 35–45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. If you like extra crisp, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.

Step 6: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps redistribute the juices and ensures every bite is moist and flavorful.

5) Tips for Making Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs

If your chicken skin isn’t as crispy as you’d like, don’t be afraid to broil it briefly at the end of the cook time. Just keep a close eye on it to avoid burning. To enhance flavor even further, try marinating your thighs with the seasoning blend a few hours before baking. This will deepen the flavor and make your easy chicken dinner recipes even more delicious. If you’re watching your sodium, consider using a low-sodium spice blend and adjusting to taste. You can also switch out spices for your favorites—Italian herbs, lemon pepper, or Cajun seasoning all work beautifully. These small changes offer new ways to enjoy this quick and easy recipe week after week.

6) Making Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs Ahead of Time

This dish is a fantastic option for meal prep and busy weeknights. Prepare and season your chicken thighs in advance, then refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. You can even store the raw seasoned chicken in an airtight container for up to 24 hours before cooking. Once baked, the chicken keeps well for several days. It reheats nicely in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes or in an air fryer for that second-day crispiness. Just like many easy recipes with rotisserie chicken, this dish holds its flavor and texture well over time, making it a meal prep favorite.

7) Storing Leftover Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs

Store your leftover crispy baked chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, pop them in the oven or air fryer to maintain that signature crunch. You can even shred the chicken and use it in salads, sandwiches, or wraps, just like you’d use leftovers from easy recipes with rotisserie chicken. If freezing, wrap each thigh individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. This flexibility is part of what makes this recipe one of the best easy chicken recipes out there.

8) Try these Chicken recipes next!

9) Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs