When I was little, Sunday dinner always meant one thing: crispy chicken thighs sizzling in Grandma’s cast iron skillet, the smell drifting through every room like a dinner bell. This easy recipe is back in style thanks to TikTok stans and home cooks who just love golden skin and juicy bites. Takes about 10 minutes to prep, the oven does the rest. No grill, no fuss, no crying into raw chicken.
This cozy little number starts with bone-in, skin-on thighs, a pantry pinch of garlic powder, and olive oil that makes everything crispy and perfect. Nothing weird or fancyjust chicken, seasonings, and a hot oven. Like your favorite roast but simpler. Full details in the blog!
I’ve been making this since the “don’t touch the stove” years, when I could barely reach the knobs. Learned from my mom who learned from herswith tweaks I’ve tested a million ways. I still cook it with my daughter (and sometimes burn it slightly). You’ll love the secret!
Why You’ll Love These Crispy Chicken Thighs
There’s just something magical about chicken that’s both crispy and juicyit’s the unicorn of weeknight dinners. This recipe keeps it simple with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
Nostalgic: It’s the cozy smell of Sunday dinners, minus the stress.
Beginner-friendly: You don’t need fancy toolsjust chicken thighs and a few spices.
Quick prep: Mix, coat, bake. Most of the work happens in the oven while you relax.
Oh, and the best part? That golden skin. It’s crispy perfection that’ll make you want to eat with your hands.
Ingredients and Tools You’ll Need
Before diving in, gather your ingredients and a couple of tools to get the job done with minimal fuss. Here’s your go-to list for the perfect crispy chicken thighs:
Ingredients
Measurement
Chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
8 pieces
Extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons
Garlic powder
2 teaspoons
Onion powder
2 teaspoons
Paprika
1½ teaspoons
Dried oregano
1 teaspoon
Dried thyme
1 teaspoon
Kosher salt
1 teaspoon
Freshly ground black pepper
½ teaspoon
For tools, check you have:
A heavy-duty baking sheet to withstand high heat.
A baking rack for that crucial airflow under the chicken.
An instant-read thermometer for easy temperature checks.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Crispy Chicken Thighs
Making crispy chicken thighs is easier than you think. Here’s the no-fuss breakdown:
Preheat and prep: Heat your oven to 425°F and let the chicken come to room temperature. This step helps the skin crisp up.
Mix your seasoning: In a small bowl, combine all the spicesthis is your secret flavor bomb.
Season the chicken: Pat the thighs dry with a paper towel, then use your hands to coat them in olive oil and ⅔ of the spice blend. Don’t forget under the skin!
Arrange for crispiness: Place the thighs skin-side up on a rack over your baking sheet. Sprinkle the remaining spice mix over the top.
Bake and broil: Roast for 35–40 minutes or until the internal temperature hits 170°F. If you want extra crispy skin, turn on the broiler for 2–3 minutes at the end.
Pro Tip: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before digging in. This keeps all those yummy juices right where they belong.
Skin not crispy? Make sure the chicken was patted dry before seasoning. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
Too salty? Use half the salt next time and taste as you go.
Chicken overcooked? Check the internal temperature early (at 35 minutes). Every oven is a little different!
If you’re feeling creative, you can switch up the seasonings. Swap paprika for smoked paprika or thyme for rosemary. Not a paprika fan? Leave it out!
Serving and Storing Tips
This recipe makes enough for 8 servings, so it’s perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd. Here’s how to serve and store these crispy chicken thighs:
Serving: Pair with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Storing: Cool completely before storing in an airtight container. The fridge is great for up to 4 days.
Reheating: For crispy skin, reheat in the oven at 375°F for 10–12 minutes.
Storage Method
Timeframe
Fridge
Up to 4 days
Freezer
Up to 2 months
Reheating (oven)
375°F for 10–12 minutes
Pro Tip: If freezing, let the thighs cool completely, then wrap them individually before storing to prevent freezer burn.
Expert Insight: Perfecting Crispy Chicken Thighs
Achieving crispy chicken thighs hinges on balancing fat rendering and moisture control. Patting the skin dry and cooking at a high temperature allows the skin to crisp evenly while keeping the meat tender and juicy, making this method a reliable go-to for optimal texture and flavor.
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Kitchen Confessions
Whenever I make crispy chicken thighs, I’m instantly transported back to those chaotic Sunday dinners where Rachel would sneak tastes before they were even out of the oven. Somehow, between my improvisation and her expert timing, we nailed that perfect crunch every timeproof that a little kitchen chaos can lead to crispy chicken magic.
FAQs ( crispy chicken thighs )
What temperature should crispy chicken thighs be cooked to?
Crispy chicken thighs should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety. Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh to check. The juices should run clear when the chicken is fully cooked. Don’t worry if you go a few degrees over – dark meat like thighs stays juicy even when cooked to 175°F.
How do you get chicken thighs extra crispy?
The secret to extra crispy chicken thighs is starting with dry skin and using high heat. Pat the skin completely dry with paper towels and let them air-dry in the fridge for 30 minutes if possible. Cook skin-side down first in a hot pan to render the fat and create that golden crust. You can also try dusting the skin lightly with baking powder or cornstarch for added crispiness.
Should I use bone-in or boneless chicken thighs for crispy results?
Bone-in chicken thighs with skin are the best choice for maximum crispiness and flavor. The bone helps the meat cook more evenly and stay juicy, while the skin renders out fat and becomes beautifully crispy. Boneless thighs can work too, but they cook faster and won’t have quite the same texture. If using boneless, just reduce your cooking time and watch them carefully to avoid overcooking.
Why are my chicken thighs not getting crispy?
The most common reason chicken thighs don’t get crispy is excess moisture on the skin. Make sure to thoroughly pat them dry and avoid overcrowding the pan, which creates steam. Your pan might not be hot enough – you should hear a good sizzle when the chicken hits the surface. Also, resist the urge to move them too early; let that skin develop a proper crust before flipping.
How long does it take to cook crispy chicken thighs?
Bone-in chicken thighs typically take 25-30 minutes total cooking time for crispy results. Start by cooking skin-side down for 12-15 minutes without moving them, then flip and cook another 10-15 minutes. Boneless thighs cook faster, usually 15-20 minutes total. The exact time depends on the size of your thighs and your cooking method, so always check with a thermometer rather than relying on time alone.
Final Thoughts on Crispy Chicken Thighs
Your crispy chicken thighs come together in under an hour, giving you golden, juicy bites that feel like Sunday dinnerwithout the fuss. It’s an easy, cozy recipe that welcomes both beginners and seasoned home cooks, turning simple pantry staples into a family favorite you’ll wanna make again and again.
Feel free to switch up the herbsthyme, rosemary, or even a pinch of smoked paprika adds a fun twist. Leftovers? Pop ’em in the fridge and reheat in the oven to keep that crispy skin just right. A kitchen trick I love for busy nights!
Did this recipe spark any memories for you? Share your photos or clever tweaksI’d love to see how you make this your own. Pass it along to someone who needs a little homemade comfort, and let’s keep these family recipes alive and kicking.
Baked chicken thighs are crispy, juicy, flavorful, healthy and make for the perfect weeknight dinner idea. Watch the video below to see how I make them in my kitchen!
Ingredients
Scale
8 chicken thighs (bone-in skin-on)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons onion powder
1 ½ teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Make the seasoning. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Remove the chicken thighs from the fridge and allow them to come to room temperature. Pat dry with a paper towel to remove any moisture. Then, In a small bowl, mix all of the herbs and spices together.
Season the chicken. Place the chicken in a large mixing bowl. Add the oil and ⅔ of the spice blend. Use your hands to coat all sides of the chicken, and even get it under the skin.
Arrange the chicken. Place the chicken on a rack on top of a baking sheet. Sprinkle the remaining spice mix on top of the chicken.
Bake the chicken thighs for 35 to 40 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 170°F. You can also turn on the top broiler for 2 to 3 minutes to make the top extra crispy. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Sharing a handpicked collection of easy, healthy recipes made in our family kitchen. Rachel brings comforting classics, while Emily adds fresh, modern ideas—together creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly.
