5 Best Baked Chicken Thigh Recipes

delicious baked chicken thighs

When it comes to preparing delicious and satisfying meals, baked chicken thighs can be a game changer for your weeknight dinners. You might find that the right recipe not only simplifies your cooking but also enhances the flavor profile of your dish. From the aromatic Classic Herb Roasted Chicken Thighs to the sweet notes of Honey Garlic Glazed variations, there's a range of options to investigate. And if you're in the mood for something with a kick, the Spicy Cajun Baked Chicken Thighs could just be what you need. Curious about what else is in store?

Classic Herb Roasted Chicken Thighs

herb seasoned chicken thighs

Indulge in the savory delight of Classic Herb Roasted Chicken Thighs, a simple yet flavorful dish that can uplift any dinner table. The combination of fresh herbs, garlic, and a touch of lemon creates a mouthwatering experience that complements the juicy, tender chicken thighs perfectly.

This recipe isn't only easy to prepare but also allows the natural flavors of the chicken to shine through, making it an ideal choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Ingredients:

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.

Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss well to coat them evenly with the herb mixture. Place the thighs skin-side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they're spaced apart for even cooking.

Roast in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving with lemon wedges.

Extra Tips:

To improve the flavors even further, consider marinating the chicken thighs in the herb mixture for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator before roasting. This allows the herbs to penetrate the meat more deeply.

You can also experiment with different herbs such as oregano or parsley to create your unique flavor profile. For a complete meal, serve the roasted chicken thighs alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.

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Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken Thighs

sweet and savory chicken

Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken Thighs are a delightful dish that combines the savory richness of chicken with the sweet and tangy flavors of honey and garlic. This recipe is simple yet packed with flavor, making it a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

With juicy chicken thighs baked to perfection and coated in a luscious glaze, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients:

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Cooking Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and sesame oil until well combined.

Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, and place them skin-side up in a baking dish. Pour the honey garlic mixture over the chicken, ensuring they're evenly coated.

Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). For an extra crispy skin, broil the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end, watching closely to prevent burning.

Extra Tips:

For even more flavor, marinate the chicken thighs in the honey garlic mixture for a few hours or overnight before baking. This allows the chicken to absorb the flavors more deeply.

If you prefer boneless chicken thighs, adjust the cooking time to about 25-30 minutes. You can also add vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers to the baking dish for a complete meal, just be sure to toss them in a little olive oil and season with salt and pepper before adding them to the dish.

Enjoy your delicious Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken Thighs!

Spicy Cajun Baked Chicken Thighs

zesty baked chicken thighs

Spicy Cajun Baked Chicken Thighs are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that packs a punch of flavor with every bite. The combination of Cajun spices gives the chicken a delightful heat and depth, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends.

This recipe isn't only simple but also allows the chicken to retain its juiciness while developing a crispy skin in the oven. Serve it with your favorite sides for a complete meal that everyone will love.

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Ingredients:

  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Cooking Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper to create a marinade.

Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss well to guarantee they're evenly coated with the spice mixture.

Arrange the seasoned thighs skin-side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy.

Extra Tips:

For an added kick, consider marinating the chicken thighs in the spice mix for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator before baking. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat more deeply.

Additionally, if you prefer a less spicy version, you can reduce the cayenne pepper or omit it entirely.

Serve the chicken thighs with a cooling side like coleslaw or a creamy dip to balance the heat, and don't forget to garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Enjoy your flavorful meal!

Teriyaki Chicken Thighs

savory grilled chicken thighs

Teriyaki chicken thighs are a delicious and flavorful dish that brings a taste of Japan to your dinner table. Marinated in a savory-sweet teriyaki sauce, these chicken thighs become tender and juicy as they bake in the oven. Perfectly paired with steamed rice and vegetables, this dish isn't only easy to prepare but also a crowd-pleaser for family gatherings or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients:

  • 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
  • 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Cooking Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a medium bowl, whisk together the teriyaki sauce, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger to create the marinade.

Place the chicken thighs in a large zip-top bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring they're well coated. Allow the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.

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Once marinated, arrange the chicken thighs in a baking dish, skin side up, and pour any remaining marinade over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is crispy, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.

Extra Tips:

For an extra layer of flavor, consider searing the chicken thighs skin-side down in a hot skillet for a few minutes before baking to achieve a golden-brown crust.

You can also experiment with adding vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli to the baking dish for a one-pan meal. If you want a thicker sauce, reserve some of the marinade before adding the chicken and simmer it in a saucepan over medium heat until it reduces.

Serve the chicken with fluffy rice to soak up the delicious sauce!

Lemon Parmesan Chicken Thighs

lemon flavored chicken thighs

Lemon Parmesan Chicken Thighs are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that brings together the bright acidity of fresh lemon and the rich, nutty taste of Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, these chicken thighs are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The combination of herbs and cheese creates a delightful crust that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients:

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 lemon (zest and juice)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Cooking Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a paste.

Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and then rub the Parmesan mixture all over the thighs, ensuring they're well-coated. Place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and drizzle with lemon juice.

Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown and crispy.

Extra Tips:

For an extra burst of flavor, consider marinating the chicken in lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs for a few hours before cooking. This will improve the juiciness and infuse more lemony goodness.

If you prefer a crispier skin, you can broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, but keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

Serve the chicken with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Enjoy your delicious Lemon Parmesan Chicken Thighs!


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