Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Paprika Recipe
Introduction
Baked chicken thighs are a simple and flavorful dinner option perfect for any night of the week. Crispy on the outside and juicy inside, this dish combines basic seasonings to create a comforting meal that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to help achieve crispiness.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture evenly over the chicken thighs.
- Step 3: Place the seasoned chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased pan.
- Step 4: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the skin is crispy and an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is reached.
- Step 5: Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken thighs in the seasoning mixture for 1 hour before baking.
- Try adding smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.
- Serve with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Storage
Store leftover baked chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to keep the skin crispy, or microwave until heated through if convenience is preferred.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in or boneless chicken thighs for this recipe?
Both bone-in and boneless chicken thighs work well; bone-in will take slightly longer to cook but often has more flavor and juiciness.
How do I know when the chicken thighs are fully cooked?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). The juices should run clear, and the skin should be crispy and golden brown.
PrintCrispy Baked Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Paprika Recipe
This baked chicken thighs recipe features succulent, crispy-skinned chicken thighs seasoned with garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper, then oven-baked to perfection. The result is a simple yet flavorful dish ideal for a hearty dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness when baking.
- Season the chicken: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture evenly over the chicken thighs, coating both under and over the skin.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare it for baking.
- Bake the chicken: Place the chicken thighs skin-side up on a baking sheet or in a baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Bone-in, skin-on thighs retain moisture better than boneless versions.
- You can add other herbs such as thyme or rosemary for additional flavor.
- Make sure chicken reaches safe internal temperature to avoid foodborne illness.
Keywords: baked chicken thighs, crispy chicken, oven-baked chicken, garlic chicken, easy chicken recipes
