Hey y'all! If you're on the hunt for the perfect crispy chicken thighs, you’ve landed in the right spot. This recipe yields irresistibly juicy chicken with ultra-crispy, golden-brown skin—a match made in flavor heaven. Perfect for busy weeknights, family Sunday dinners, or impressing a hungry crowd, these thighs are great with almost any side. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Perfect Crispy Chicken Thighs Recipe
- Super crispy skin every time, thanks to high-heat roasting.
- Juicy, tender meat that stays flavorful and moist.
- Minimal ingredients and effort for maximum taste.
- Versatile for meal prep, leftovers, or special occasions.
- Easy to pair with your favorite sides for a well-rounded meal.
Ingredients for Perfect Crispy Chicken Thighs
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 lbs)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
How to Make Perfect Crispy Chicken Thighs
Step 1: Prep the Chicken Thighs
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels—this is essential for extra crispy skin. Use a sharp knife to trim excess fat if needed.
Step 2: Season Generously
In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and dried thyme. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and rub the seasoning all over each piece, making sure to coat both the skin and the underside.
Step 3: Roast for Crispy Goodness
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange chicken thighs, skin-side up, on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet. Roast for 35-40 minutes or until the skin is golden brown, crisp, and the internal temperature reaches 175°F (80°C).
Step 4: Rest and Serve
Let the chicken thighs rest for 5 minutes before serving. This keeps the juices inside and gives the skin time to crisp up even more.
Notes & Helpful Tips for Perfect Crispy Chicken Thighs
- Make sure your chicken is as dry as possible before seasoning—it’s the key to perfect crispiness. Read more tips here.
- Cooking on a wire rack ensures the hot air circulates all around, crisping up every inch of the skin.
- If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika works just fine for that gorgeous color and a hint of flavor.
Variations: Take Perfect Crispy Chicken Thighs to the Next Level
- Lemon Herb: Add lemon zest and fresh rosemary for a brighter, aromatic flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in cayenne pepper or chili powder with the other seasonings.
- Asian-Inspired: Brush with a mix of soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil before roasting.
Required Equipment for Making Crispy Chicken Thighs
- Rimmed baking sheet
- Wire rack
- Paper towels
- Mixing bowl
- Meat thermometer
Storage Instructions for Perfect Crispy Chicken Thighs
Store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 400°F oven for 8-10 minutes to restore crispiness. For longer storage, freeze cooked thighs (well-wrapped) for up to 3 months—thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Enjoy with buttery mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh side salad.
- Serve on a warm bed of rice pilaf or alongside simple garlic bread.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice on top and garnish with chopped parsley for extra brightness!
Pro Tips for the Best Crispy Chicken Thighs
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; space between each thigh allows hot air to circulate for maximum crispiness. Learn more here.
- Finish under the broiler for 1-2 minutes at the end for extra crackly skin.
- Let the thighs rest before serving so the juices redistribute and skin stays crisp—resist the urge to cut right away!
FAQ: All About Perfect Crispy Chicken Thighs
- Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe?
- You can swap in boneless, skinless thighs, but you’ll lose the crispy skin and juicy flavor—reduce cook time to about 25 minutes.
- How do I know when the chicken thighs are done?
- Your chicken is perfectly cooked when the internal temperature reaches 175°F; always use a meat thermometer for accuracy (FDA guidelines).
- What’s the secret to extra crispy skin?
- Patting the chicken totally dry and roasting at high heat are both key for shatteringly crispy skin every time!
Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 40 minutes | Total time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
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1Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Pat the chicken thighs dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
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2In a small bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and dried thyme.
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3Rub the chicken thighs all over with olive oil, then season evenly with the spice mixture.
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4Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, without moving, until the skin is golden and crisp.
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5Flip the chicken thighs and transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Roast for 25–28 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
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6Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve hot with lemon wedges.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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