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Baked Chicken Thighs

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Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • Ingredients:
  • - 3-4 lbs bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
  • - 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • - 1 teaspoon salt
  • - 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • - 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • - 1 teaspoon paprika
  • - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • - Fresh herbs optional
  • - Lemon zest optional
  • - Vegetables such as onions and baby potatoes, optional

Instructions
 

  • Cooking Instructions:
  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating, take your chicken thighs out of the refrigerator and pat them dry with paper towels. This step is important for achieving crispy skin.
  • In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning. If you're using fresh herbs or lemon zest, add them to the mixture as well. Mix well to create a seasoning paste.
  • Place the chicken thighs in a 9x13" baking dish, skin-side up. Rub the seasoning paste evenly over each thigh, making sure to coat them thoroughly. If you're adding vegetables, arrange them around the chicken in the baking dish.
  • Bake the chicken thighs in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F (75°C). For more tender results, you can cook them to an internal temperature of 180-190°F. If desired, turn on the broiler for the last few minutes to crisp the skin further.
  • Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is succulent.
  • When cooking baked chicken thighs, remember to adjust the cooking time based on the size of the thighs you're using. Larger thighs may require a bit more time, while smaller ones may cook faster.
  • Always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, and don't skip the resting time before serving—it makes a significant difference in the juiciness of the chicken. Enjoy experimenting with different seasonings and sides for a delicious meal!