These Roasted Chicken Thighs are the perfect recipe for meal prep, an easy family dinner, and for when you need good food on the table with next to zero effort. It's incredibly easy to make, full of wonderful flavor, and has the crispiest, most delicious skin!
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If you're in the mood for more easy recipes just like this, I've got several for you to choose from! Try my Instant Pot Chicken Thighs With Orzo, Baked Chicken Tenders, or my Creamy Butter Chicken. All so good, all so easy!
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Roasted Chicken Thighs are my go-to for my weekly proteins prep. I love them so much, and so does my family. I think the bone-in, skin-on chicken thigh is superior when it comes to wonderful, juicy chicken. A sad chicken breast, this is not.
It's almost impossible to overcook this little lovelies. If you find you've gone over the recommended 165° internal temp suggestion, no worries at all. You'll still have a great result!
This recipe is also a minimal effort recipe. The only prep that is required is the seasoning and that takes a mere 5 minutes. The rest of the time, the chicken hangs out in the oven while you can continue on with all the other things you need to do or while you take a breather and kick up those feet! There is no flipping or babysitting. None of that!
Tools of the Trade
You do not need much at all in the way of equipment for this recipe. However, I highly recommend using an oven-safe baking rack (they're also known as a cooling rack). This will elevate the chicken thighs off of the sheet pan allowing air flow under the chicken. By doing so, the skins become crispier and excess fat can drip away.
Just be sure you're not using one that is coated with a nonstick surface. It'll melt in the oven and you will be sad. I don't want you to be sad.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long will the Roasted Chicken Thighs stay good in the fridge?
Chicken thighs will stay good for up to 3 days. Just remember, when reheating, the skin won't be as crispy.
Can you freeze this Roasted Chicken Thighs recipe?
If you remove the skin and debone the chicken thighs, you can freeze the meat in a airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Ideally, I would use a freezer bag or a vacuum sealed bag with the air removed to get the best result.
Is this recipe gluten and/or dairy-free?
Both! No need to worry about either dietary concern here.
Tips and Tricks
- Dry the chicken thighs thoroughly to ensure the best result.
- Cook the Roasted Chicken Thighs at a higher temp to achieve that crispy skin.
- Use a rimmed baking sheet to prevent chicken juices from running off and making a mess in your oven. I shouldn't have to say this, but I have to say this.
- Roast the chicken thighs until they reach an internal temperature of 165°.
- Chicken thighs can greatly vary in size. If you have smaller than a 6 oz thigh, cooking time may be less. If you have larger chicken thighs, cooking time will be longer.
- Use a meat thermometer to take the guess work out of getting to the correct temperature.
- Use the baking rack to help the fat render from the chicken. This also helps with the crispness of the skin.
Variations and Substitutions
- Play with different herbs and spice blends. Sumac is wonderful on chicken. Chinese Five Spice or Curry Powder would be great! Italian seasoning is a all-time favorite and classic option. Use your favorite taco seasoning for a Mexican-inspired Roasted Chicken Thigh!
- Play with different BBQ sauces and brush them on during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking. My Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce or Homemade BBQ Sauce would be phenomenal!
- If you haven't tried my all-purpose seasoning, you should. It would be great on this recipe. We use it for everything!
- Keep the seasonings simple for roasting and toss in fresh dill and lemon juice at the end for a wonderfully fresh option!
- You can also use a chicken breast instead of a thigh. I recommend a skin-on, bone-in cut for optimal flavor and juiciness.
Roasted Chicken Thighs Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4-5 lbs bone-on, skin-on chicken thighs this will be anywhere from 6-10 thighs
- 2 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2-3 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1 teaspoon granulated onion
- ½ teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- cayenne, optional for a little kick
Instructions
Prep
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel.
- Mix the avocado oil, dijon mustard, and lemon juice together. Brush this mixture all over the chicken thighs.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the kosher salt, granulated onion and garlic, smoked paprika, and fresh ground pepper together. Sprinkle this spice blend all over the chicken thighs.
- Grab a sheet pan. Line said sheet pan with parchment paper or foil to make clean up easy. Place an oven-safe rack in the sheet pan and spray or wipe with just a little avocado oil.
- Place the seasoned chicken thighs, skin-side up onto the rack. Roasted in a preheated 425° oven for about 35-40 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°.
- If you would like the skins to be more crisp at this point, simply crank up the broiler and give them a couple of minutes under the high heat.
- Remove the Roasted Chicken Thighs from the oven and let them rest 10-15 minutes.
- Top with a little flaky sea salt and enjoy!
Nutrition
Thank you!
I am so incredibly happy that you are here! I hope you try my Roasted Chicken Thighs recipe and fall in love with it. If you make this recipe, please share and tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok!
If you guys make this Roasted Chicken Thighs, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I absolutely love to hear from you all and always do my best to respond to each and every one of your comments!
Happy Cooking!
-Rufus
Other Fantastic Chicken Recipes
One Pot Chicken and Rice - An all-time classic comfort food. In one pot. So you don't have to clean a ton of dishes. You're welcome.
Roasted Cornish Hens - A "fancy" take on roasted chicken. These become so tender and succulent. I love, love this recipe.
Instant Pot Chicken Bone Broth - If you're not making your own bone broth, it's time to start. With this recipe, you can do it in about an hour.
Cajun Chicken With Orzo - A super flavorful spin on classic chicken and rice.
Instant Pot Taco Chicken - For those days when you need an easy protein that everyone loves, this recipe is perfect.
Mary says
Such an easy recipe! My entire family loved it and perfect for meal prep! Thank you!
Rufus says
Thank you, Mary! That means the world to me!
Janet B says
simple, quick, tasty chicken-as is should be!
Meg says
I used chicken breasts, and didn't have avacado oil, so I opted for olive oil. Also sprinkled some parsley on top after everything else was on before baking. It turned out so well! We were surprised at how great it was, given that it didn't already have skin on it, but it was still incredible. New favorite in our home.
Rufus says
I am so very glad you liked it! Love that you tried a different cut, too! Have a great day!