Crispy Garlic & Herb Baked Chicken Thighs

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## Crispy Garlic & Herb Baked Chicken Thighs

  • Prep time: 10 minutes

  • Cook time: 30–35 minutes

  • Servings: 4

  • Difficulty: Easy

### Ingredients

Ingredient Amount Notes
Bone-in, Skin-on Chicken Thighs 4–6 large Pat dry with paper towels
Olive Oil 2 tbsp Helps the skin crisp up
Smoked Paprika 1 tsp For color and woodsy flavor
Garlic Powder 1 tsp Even coverage without burning
Onion Powder 1 tsp Adds savory depth
Dried Oregano or Thyme 1/2 tsp Earthy herbal notes
Salt & Black Pepper To taste Don’t be shy with the salt

### Instructions

  1. Preheat & Prep: Heat your oven to 218°C (425°F). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.

  2. Dry the Chicken: This is the most important step! Use paper towels to pat the chicken skin bone-dry. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness.

  3. Season: In a small bowl, mix the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, herbs, salt, and pepper.

  4. Coat: Place thighs in a bowl or on the tray. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat. Rub the spice mix thoroughly over the skin and the underside of the meat.

  5. Roast: Arrange the thighs skin-side up on the tray. Bake for 30–35 minutes.

  6. The Finish: The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F), though thighs can handle up to 80°C (175°F) and remain juicy.

  7. Rest: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

    ### Tips for Success

  • Use a Rack: If you want 360-degree crispiness, place a wire cooling rack on top of your baking sheet and set the chicken on the rack. This allows hot air to circulate under the meat.

  • Don’t Crowd: Give the thighs space. If they are touching, they will steam instead of roast.

  • High Heat is Key: Don’t drop the temp below 400°F. You need that high heat to render the fat in the skin quickly.

### Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: ~320 kcal

  • Protein: 24g

  • Fat: 22g

  • Carbs: 1g

  • Net Carbs: 0g (Keto/Paleo friendly!)

### Health Benefits

  • High Protein: Essential for muscle repair and metabolic health.

  • Rich in Minerals: Thighs contain more iron and zinc than white meat, supporting your immune system.

  • B-Vitamins: Particularly B12, which is vital for nerve function and energy levels.

### Common Q&A

Q: Can I use boneless thighs?

A: Yes! However, they cook faster. Reduce the oven time to about 18–22 minutes. Keep in mind you won’t get that same “crunch” without the skin.

Q: Why is my skin rubbery?

A: This usually happens if the chicken wasn’t dried properly before seasoning or if the oven temperature was too low.

Q: How do I store leftovers?

A: Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in an air fryer or oven to bring back the skin’s crispiness; microwaves tend to make the skin soft.

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