Garlic Paprika Baked Chicken Thighs
Juicy, tender baked chicken thighs with incredibly crispy skin, seasoned perfectly with a simple blend of garlic, paprika, and herbs. An easy and flavorful main course perfect for any weeknight dinner.
For 4 servings
Preheat oven and prepare the chicken.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for crispy skin.
TIPFor extra crispy skin, you can place a wire rack on the baking sheet and arrange the chicken on top.Mix the spice rub and season the chicken.
- In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Place the dry chicken thighs in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat evenly.
- Sprinkle the spice mixture over the chicken, making sure to rub it all over and under the skin.
Bake the chicken thighs.
Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side up, leaving some space between each piece. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
TIPThere's no need to flip the chicken. Baking it skin-side up the entire time ensures the best crispy skin.Rest the chicken before serving.
Once cooked, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the chicken rest on the pan for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bite.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Patting the chicken skin very dry with paper towels is the most important step for achieving a crispy finish.
- 2Ensure your spices, especially paprika, are fresh for the best flavor. Old spices lose their potency.
- 3Use an instant-read thermometer to guarantee the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- 4For easy cleanup, don't skip lining your baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- 5Feel free to experiment with other dried herbs like thyme or rosemary in the spice blend.
Adapt it for your goals.
Healthy
Use skinless, boneless chicken thighs to reduce the fat content. Reduce baking time to 20-25 minutes.
spicySpicy
Add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the spice mixture for a kick of heat.
quickQuick
Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs which cook much faster, typically in about 20-25 minutes.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Use sweet paprika instead of smoked paprika for a milder flavor and omit the black pepper.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Chicken is a high-quality protein source, essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Rich in B Vitamins
Chicken thighs provide important B vitamins like niacin and B6, which help convert food into energy and support brain health.
Contains Essential Minerals
This dish is a good source of selenium, a powerful antioxidant, and phosphorus, which is vital for healthy bones and teeth.
Frequently asked questions
One baked chicken thigh, prepared according to this recipe, has approximately 360 calories, primarily from the chicken and a small amount of oil.
