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Baked Chicken Thighs (Bone-In, Skin-On)

Rich, forgiving bone-in thighs with crackly golden skin — 10 minutes of hands-on work.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course: Main dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • ​ ​ ​ ​
  • 8 ​ bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 3 lbs)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil ​
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt ​
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika ​
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder ​
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder ​
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning ​
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper ​
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder aluminum-free
  • 4 ​ garlic cloves smashed
  • 1 ​ lemon halved
  • ​ ​ Fresh parsley or thyme for serving

Equipment

  • rimmed baking sheet ​

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil.
  2. Pat thighs very dry, including under skin flaps.
  3. Mix salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, pepper, baking powder.
  4. Rub oil over thighs; press seasoning into and under skin.
  5. Arrange skin side up with space between; scatter garlic and lemon halves around.
  6. Bake 40-50 minutes until deep golden and 175°F+ internally.
  7. Broil 1-2 minutes for extra crunch.
  8. Rest 5-10 minutes; spoon pan juices over, squeeze lemon, add herbs.

Notes

Bone-in thighs taste best at 175-195°F — collagen melts into silky gelatin.
Nutrition per serving (approx): Calories 520.