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Oven Baked Chicken Thighs

Oven baked chicken thighs with crackly, lacquered skin and juicy interior—seasoned simply and baked on a wire rack for crisp results. Bone-in, skin-on thighs roast at 425°F until deeply golden and reach 165°F internal temperature.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
resting 5 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken thighs
  • 0.5 lb bone-in skin-on chicken thighs Use 4 to 6 thighs.
Seasoning and oil
  • 2 tbsp olive oil For brushing the chicken skin and helping it crisp.
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
Serving
  • 1 Fresh parsley and lemon wedges For serving.

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan
  • 1 cast iron skillet

Method
 

Prep
  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F, then pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels (this is key for crispy skin).
  2. Brush both sides of the chicken with olive oil so the seasoning and skin crisp properly.
  3. Mix the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, then rub all over the chicken including under the skin.
Bake
  1. Place the chicken skin-side up on a wire rack set inside a rimmed baking sheet so hot air can circulate for crisping.
  2. Bake for 35-40 minutes at 425°F until the skin is deeply golden and crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Rest and serve
  1. Rest the chicken for 5 minutes so juices settle, then serve with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.

Notes

For the crispiest skin, dry the thighs extremely well and keep them uncovered while preheating the oven. Refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container for up to 3-4 days; reheat in a 400°F oven until hot and the skin re-crispens. Freezing is yes—freeze up to 2 months, thaw in the fridge, and reheat in the oven. Dietary swap: use your preferred low-sodium salt blend to reduce sodium while keeping the same seasoning method.