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Easy Crispy 5-Ingredient Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe for Perfect Dinner

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A simple, quick, and reliable recipe for crispy, golden baked chicken thighs using just five pantry staples. Perfect for busy weeknights and cozy dinners with minimal prep and maximum flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 46 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 to 2 pounds / 700 to 900 grams)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Β½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425Β°F (220Β°C). Use convection mode if available for even better results.
  2. Pat each chicken thigh dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
  3. Place the thighs in a large bowl or on a tray. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and black pepper evenly over all sides. Rub the seasoning into the skin and meat using your hands or tongs.
  4. Arrange the thighs skin side up on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet, spacing them at least 1 inch apart for air circulation. If you don’t have a wire rack, place them directly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
  5. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes. Check at 35 minutes for golden, crisp skin and an internal temperature of 165Β°F (74Β°C). If no thermometer is available, pierce the thickest part to ensure juices run clear.
  6. Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices.
  7. Serve warm and enjoy the crispy skin and tender meat.

Notes

Patting the chicken skin dry is crucial for crispiness. For extra crispy skin, air-dry the chicken uncovered in the fridge for a couple of hours before baking. Avoid overcrowding the pan to allow proper air circulation. Let the chicken rest after baking to keep it juicy. If desired, swap garlic powder for smoked paprika or add herbs like thyme or rosemary for variation. Baking at high heat (425Β°F) is key to rendering fat and crisping skin.

Nutrition

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