Growing up, Sundays at my grandmother’s house were synonymous with the aroma of crispy baked chicken wafting through the house. The warmth of family laughter and the comforting embrace of home-cooked meals formed my earliest memories. It was a cherished family recipe, passed down through generations.
Last summer, my neighbors dropped by for an impromptu evening gathering. On a whim, I decided to prepare these crispy baked chicken thighs, reminiscent of my family’s heritage. The result? Plates wiped clean, requests for seconds, and a room filled with satisfied smiles. It was an instant hit, and I knew then that this recipe was too special to keep to myself.
How to Prepare Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs
Ingredients for Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs
- 6 pieces of chicken thighs with skin and bone
- Seasonings:
- Salt – to preference
- Freshly ground black pepper – as per taste
- Garlic powder – a hint or more, as desired
Directions for Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs
- Begin by preheating the oven to a temperature of 475°F (245°C). In the meantime, place a wire rack inside your choice of a baking tray or broiler pan.
- Using paper towels, dab the chicken thighs to ensure they are dry. Proceed to gently lift the skin and sprinkle your mix of salt, pepper, and garlic powder. After seasoning, lay the skin back in place.
- Season the outer skin as well as the underside of the chicken thighs with the aforementioned seasonings. Following this, place them neatly on the prepared rack.
- Allow the chicken to roast in the oven until they take on a rich golden hue, which should be around 20 minutes. At this point, adjust the oven’s temperature to 400°F (200°C) and let the thighs continue roasting till they ooze clear juices. This would typically be another 30 minutes.
- Once done, take them out and let them rest for about 5 minutes. Your crispy baked chicken thighs are ready to be savored!
Can I use skinless chicken thighs?
While you can, the skin contributes significantly to the crispiness of the recipe. However, if you prefer skinless, you can still follow the same steps but expect a slightly different texture.
How long can I store the leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in a sealed container or wrapped in foil, placed in the refrigerator for up to four days. Always reheat before serving.
What temperature should the chicken be internally?
The internal temperature of the chicken thigh should reach 165°F (74°C) when checked with a digital thermometer.
Can I add other seasonings?
Absolutely! This recipe is quite flexible. Feel free to experiment with spices like paprika or cayenne pepper to give it a smoky or spicy kick.
What sides pair well with these chicken thighs?
The beauty of these thighs is their versatility. Pair them with fries, mac n’ cheese, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. The possibilities are endless!
Can I cook them at a constant temperature instead of changing it midway?
Adjusting the temperature ensures the skin gets crispy without overcooking the inside. If you prefer to cook at a constant temperature, monitor closely to prevent drying out.
Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 6 skin-on bone-in chicken thighs
- salt and ground black pepper to taste
- 1 pinch garlic powder or to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 475 degrees F. Set a wire rack inside a broiler pan or baking pan.
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Lift up skin gently; sprinkle salt, pepper, and garlic powder under the skin. Replace skin. Season skin and underside of the thighs with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Arrange on the rack.
- Roast in the preheated oven until golden, about 20 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 400 degrees F. Continue roasting until juices run clear, about 30 minutes more. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
