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Crispy Baked Bone-In Chicken Thighs Easy Pantry Spice Rub Recipe

crispy baked bone-in chicken thighs - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for crispy baked bone-in chicken thighs using a simple pantry spice rub. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish delivers juicy meat and crackling skin with minimal ingredients and effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 3 pounds / 1.4 kg)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
  2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove moisture.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, onion powder, salt, pepper, and chili powder if using. Mix until it forms a paste-like rub.
  4. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and coat each piece evenly with the spice rub, including under the skin where possible.
  5. If using a wire rack, place it on the baking sheet and arrange the chicken thighs skin side up. Otherwise, place them directly on the foil-lined sheet spaced out.
  6. Bake for 35-40 minutes. Around the 20-minute mark, check for even cooking and flip the thighs if not using a rack, being careful not to tear the skin.
  7. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should reach at least 165°F (74°C). If no thermometer is available, pierce near the bone to ensure juices run clear.
  8. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices.
  9. Serve immediately for best crispiness.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure crispy skin. Use high heat (425°F) for best results. If no wire rack is available, flip chicken halfway through baking. Let chicken rest before serving to keep it juicy. Reheat leftovers in oven or skillet to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy baked chicken thighs, bone-in chicken, pantry spice rub, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, crispy chicken skin