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Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe Easy Smoky Garlic Butter Flavor

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A simple and bold recipe for crispy oven-baked chicken thighs with smoky paprika and garlic butter, delivering juicy meat and crackling skin perfect for cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds or 700 grams)
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 3 tablespoons garlic butter, softened
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easier cleanup.
  2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to help the skin crisp up.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Add softened garlic butter and olive oil, stirring until smooth and spreadable.
  4. Rub the garlic butter mixture evenly over each chicken thigh, including under the skin where possible.
  5. Place the chicken skin-side up on a wire rack set over the lined baking sheet. If you don’t have a wire rack, arrange the thighs directly on the baking sheet with space between pieces.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the skin is golden and crisp and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Flip halfway through baking if not using a wire rack.
  7. Remove from oven, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the thighs if using, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Patting the chicken skin dry is crucial for crispiness. Using a wire rack helps air circulate for even crisping. Rest the chicken after baking to keep it juicy. If skin isn’t crispy enough, broil for 1-2 minutes watching closely. For dairy-free, substitute garlic butter with garlic-infused olive oil or plant-based butter. Reheat leftovers in the oven to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken thighs, oven-baked chicken, smoky garlic butter chicken, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, comfort food

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