Description
These crispy baked chicken thighs are golden on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor from garlic, lemon, and thyme.
Ingredients
4 to 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Zest of 1 lemon
1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)
Optional: A pinch of smoked paprika
Optional: Melted duck fat instead of olive oil
Optional: Cayenne, crushed red pepper, or chipotle powder for heat
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C) and place a cast iron skillet inside.
2. Pat chicken thighs dry thoroughly with paper towels.
3. Drizzle thighs with olive oil and rub in garlic powder, salt, pepper, lemon zest, and thyme.
4. Carefully place thighs skin-side down into hot skillet. Roast for 25 minutes.
5. Flip the thighs, baste with pan juices, and roast another 15 minutes until internal temp reaches 175°F.
6. Optional: Broil for 2–3 minutes for extra crispy skin. Watch closely to avoid burning.
Notes
For added crispiness, use duck fat instead of olive oil.
Add chipotle powder for smoky heat.
Chicken thighs reheat beautifully and make excellent meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 thigh
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: crispy chicken thighs, baked chicken thighs, cast iron chicken