Baked Chicken Thighs
These Oven Baked Chicken Thighs are coated in a simple yet flavorful spice rub combination that takes this chicken recipe to the next level. Seared to crispy perfection then baked in the oven, you’re going to love this recipe.
Enjoy these chicken thighs with my Lebanese Orzo Rice, Creamy Mashed Potatoes or my Crispy Roasted Potatoes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crispy. If you love crispy chicken thighs, then you’ll love this recipe. The thighs are bone in and skin on yielding crispy chicken on the outside with a juicy tender center.
Simple ingredients. You only need a few simple ingredients to make this delicious chicken dish.
Customizable. Enjoy this chicken as is or add some cayenne for a hint of spice.
Recipe Ingredients
- Chicken – You’ll need 1 – 1.5 pounds of bone in skin on chicken thighs for this recipe.
- Spice Rub – You’ll need dried oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt and cracked black pepper.
- Avocado Oil – This recipe calls for avocado oil. Option to use olive oil instead.
- Tomatoes – You’ll need 2 Roma tomatoes for this recipe. Sliced in ½ inch pieces.
- Onion – You’ll need 2 small yellow onions for this recipe. Sliced in ½ inch pieces.
- Parsley – Option to garnish with parsley.
Variations
- Swap the onions. If you do not have yellow onion handy, shallots or red onion will work instead.
- Use chicken breasts. Option to use skin on chicken breasts instead of thighs.
- Make it spicy. If you love a little spice add some cayenne powder to the spice rub. Keep in mind that a small amount goes a long way.
Expert Tips
Pat the chicken skin dry with a paper towel before adding the avocado oil and spice rub. This promotes extra crispy skin.
Lightly spray the bottom of an 8×8 ceramic baking dish with avocado oil spray to prevent the tomatoes and onions from sticking.
Boneless skinless chicken thighs will require far less cooking time.
How to Make Baked Chicken Thighs
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Lightly spray the bottom of an 8×8 baking dish with avocado oil. Set it aside.
Step 2: Line the bottom of the baking dish with sliced onion followed by sliced tomato. Set aside.
Step 3: Pat the chicken skin dry with a paper towel to promote an extra crispy skin. Add the thighs to a bowl. Drizzle with half of the avocado oil and spice rub. Toss until well coated.
Step 4: Next heat a nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Add the remaining avocado oil to the pan. Once hot, sear the chicken skin side down for 4-5 minutes.
Step 5: Carefully place the chicken in the baking dish and cover with foil. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165-degrees Fahrenheit.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three to four days. Reheat leftovers in the microwave until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Enjoy these chicken thighs with my Lebanese Orzo Rice, Creamy Mashed Potatoes or my Crispy Roasted Potatoes.
Yes! This recipe can be easily reheated in the microwave until warmed through. However, for the crispiest skin, enjoy immediately.
Other Chicken Recipes to Consider Trying
- One Pan Chicken Cacciatore
- Chicken Enchilada Pasta
- Baked Chicken in Cashew Sauce
- Easy Orange Chicken
- Crispy Chicken Cutlets
Baked Chicken Thighs
Equipment
- 1 8×8 ceramic baking dish
Ingredients
- 1 – 1.5 lbs. chicken thighs, bone in, skin on
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided, or avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon smoke paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- few turns cracked black pepper
- 2 Roma tomatoes, sliced
- 2 small yellow onions, sliced
Instructions
How to Make
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Lightly spray the bottom of an 8×8 baking dish with avocado oil. Set it aside.
Slice the Vegetables
- Line the bottom of the baking dish with sliced onion followed by sliced tomato. Set aside.
Prep the Chicken
- Pat the chicken skin dry with a paper towel to promote an extra crispy skin. Add the thighs to a bowl.
- Drizzle with half of the avocado oil and spice rub. Toss until well coated.
Sear and Bake the Chicken
- Next heat a nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Add the remaining avocado oil to the pan. Once hot, sear the chicken skin side down for 4-5 minutes. Carefully place the chicken in the baking dish and cover with foil.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165-degrees Fahrenheit. Option to remove the foil and broil for 1-2 minutes for extra crispy skin. Boneless skinless chicken thighs will require much less baking time. Serve and enjoy.
