Juiciest Roasted Chicken Thighs Recipe

Hashtag blessed to share one of my go-to recipes that’s perfect for when you’re feeling fancy but low-key crave that comforting homestyle vibe—crispy, succulent chicken thighs roasted to golden perfection with a kick of smoked paprika and zesty lemon slices.

Recipes that highlight flavorful and juicy meats are my very favorite to create, and this one for Juiciest Roasted Chicken Thighs is just that. I think the combination of olive oil, kosher salt, and smoked paprika with good old garlic and onion powders makes a dish that is both aromatic and nutritious.

It is also well-proportioned in the protein department, not to mention enhanced to the hilt and elevated by a simple finish of lemon juice and fresh parsley.

Ingredients

• Chicken Thighs: High in protein, moist, and flavorful meat source.
• Olive Oil: Healthy fats, adds richness and aids in crisping.
• Smoked Paprika: Provides smoky flavor, enhances visual appeal.
• Garlic Powder: Adds depth and a hint of savory richness.
• Lemon: Brightness and acidity, balances the dish’s rich flavors.
• Dried Thyme: Earthy herb, adds aromatic warmth and depth.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken.

Ingredient Quantities

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• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 lemon, sliced
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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How to Make this

1. Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to warm up while you prepare the next steps. Take a baking sheet and cover it with either foil or parchment paper. This is so that when the food you are baking is done, it can be taken off the sheet with no hassle and no mess.

2. Dry the chicken thighs thoroughly with paper towels to guarantee that the skin is crispy. Then, put the thighs in a large bowl.

3. Sprinkle the chicken with olive oil so that each piece is well covered.

4. In a small bowl, combine kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and dried thyme.

5. Dust the spice blend on top of the chicken thighs, making sure to coat each piece well. Rub the mixture in, if necessary, to ensure it is evenly distributed on all surfaces of the chicken.

6. Place the seasoned chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet, skin side up, ensuring they are spaced apart for even cooking.

7. Make the chicken thighs flavorful and juicy by tucking lemon slices among them on the baking sheet.

8. In the preheated oven, roast the chicken for 35-40 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden and crispy.

9. When finished, take the chicken out of the oven and allow it to rest for several minutes.

10. If desired, garnish with fresh parsley before serving. It will add a lovely pop of color and freshness to the dish. Enjoy your juicy roasted chicken thighs!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Aluminum foil or parchment paper
4. Paper towels
5. Large bowl
6. Small bowl
7. Measuring spoons
8. Instant-read thermometer
9. Knife (for slicing lemon)
10. Cutting board
11. Tongs or spatula (for handling chicken)

FAQ

• Do I need to marinate the chicken thighs?This recipe is meant to be quick. It does not rely on marinating the shrimp to achieve flavor, but if you have the time, you can certainly marinate the shrimp for extra flavor.
• Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead?You can, but the cooking time will be shorter, and the extra flavor and juiciness you get from the skin won’t be there.
• What is the best way to ensure the skin gets crispy?Dry the chicken thighs with a pat before applying oil and seasonings, and make sure they are not crowded in the pan.
• Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried thyme?Certainly, fresh thyme can be used instead. You would employ approximately 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme, chopped.
• What should I do if I don’t have smoked paprika?You can just use normal paprika, or a mixture of paprika with a hint of cayenne, instead.
• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?Utilize a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature hits 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).

Juiciest Roasted Chicken Thighs Recipe Substitutions and Variations

2 chicken breasts, bone-in and skin-on, instead of chicken thighs.
Use 1 tablespoon of avocado oil instead of olive oil.
1 teaspoon sea salt instead of kosher salt
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper instead of smoked paprika for a flavor that bites back
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; it gives a different herbal note than dried thyme.
Using lime slices instead of lemon slices creates a citrusy twist.

Pro Tips

1. Preheat for Success Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 425°F (220°C) before placing the chicken in. This ensures the chicken starts cooking immediately and helps achieve that crispy skin.

2. Patience for Crispiness Take extra time to thoroughly dry the chicken thighs with paper towels. Removing as much moisture as possible from the skin is key to achieving a deliciously crispy texture.

3. Flavor Boost For even more flavor, consider marinating the chicken with the spice blend and olive oil for 1-2 hours in the refrigerator before cooking. This allows the spices to penetrate deeper into the meat.

4. Optimal Lemon Placement Place lemon slices under the chicken thighs as well as around them. The lemons underneath will caramelize slightly, adding a deeper citrus note to the dish.

5. Rest and Restore Allow the cooked chicken to rest for at least 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in tender, juicy chicken thighs.