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Baked Chicken Thighs

These baked chicken thighs are super easy to make, deliciously seasoned with a crisp skin and juicy interior, for perfect results every time. An essential recipe for any home cook!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 120
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 8 count bone-in skin-on chicken thighs (about 3.5 - 4 lbs)
  • 0.25 cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from 1 large lemon; remainder of lemon cut into wedges for serving)
  • 5 cloves garlic (minced, or 1.5 teaspoons garlic powder)
  • 4 teaspoons Italian seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Position oven rack one level above center. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
  2. Line a rimmed 18 by 13-inch baking sheet with aluminum foil and top with an oven-safe wire cooling rack. Spray cooling rack with non-stick cooking spray.
  3. In an extra-large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon zest, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
  4. Pat chicken thighs well dry with paper towels. Add chicken thighs to the bowl with the oil mixture. Toss well to evenly coat with the seasoning mixture.
  5. Transfer thighs to the rack on the baking sheet, turning skin side down. Season with salt and pepper, then turn skin side up and season again with salt and pepper. Leave space between thighs so heat can circulate evenly.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven until the skin is browned and thighs register 175 degrees F (79 degrees C) in the thickest portion, about 35 - 45 minutes. If desired, broil during the last minute or two for crispier skin (keep a close eye on it to prevent burning).
  7. Serve warm with lemon wedges for spritzing. If desired, you can garnish with 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley.

Notes

For an extra crispy skin, ensure your chicken thighs are very dry before seasoning. The lemon zest adds a bright flavor, don't skip it! If you don't have fresh garlic, 1.5 teaspoons of garlic powder can be used as a substitute.