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Crispy Oven Baked Garlic Herb Chicken Thighs

crispy oven baked garlic herb chicken thighs - featured image

A simple and foolproof recipe for crispy, juicy chicken thighs baked in the oven with a flavorful garlic herb crust. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 46 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 to 2 pounds / 700-900g)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine minced garlic, dried herbs (or fresh if using), olive oil, lemon zest, paprika, salt, and pepper to form a fragrant paste.
  3. Add the chicken thighs skin-side up to the bowl and toss gently but thoroughly with the garlic herb paste, coating the skin well.
  4. Arrange the chicken thighs skin-side up on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet. If you don’t have a rack, place directly on the baking sheet but plan to flip halfway through baking.
  5. Bake for 35-40 minutes, checking after 30 minutes. Chicken is done when skin is golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). For extra crispness, broil for 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.

Notes

Patting the chicken skin dry before seasoning is crucial for crispiness. Use a wire rack for best results or flip the chicken halfway through baking if baking directly on the sheet. A quick broil at the end can enhance crispness but watch carefully to avoid burning. Leftovers reheat best in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes to restore crisp skin. Avoid microwaving to keep skin crispy.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken thighs, oven baked chicken, garlic herb chicken, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, gluten-free chicken