Why baked chicken thighs is a good choice
This method for making baked chicken thighs ensures the skin gets perfectly crisp every time. You only need a few minutes to season the meat before putting it in the oven. It is a very forgiving cut of meat that stays moist even if cooked slightly longer. The ingredients are easy to find and the results are consistently good.
How to make baked chicken thighs
Prepare the oven: Preheat your oven to 200C and line a large baking tray with baking parchment. Pat the chicken dry with kitchen paper to help the skin get crispy.
Season the chicken: Mix the olive oil and all the spices in a small bowl until combined. Rub this mixture all over the chicken pieces to coat them evenly.
Bake until golden: Place the chicken on the tray with the skin side facing upwards. Bake for 35 minutes until the skin is golden and the meat is cooked through.
Rest and serve: Remove the tray from the oven and let the meat rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices stay inside before you serve the chicken.
My best tips for baked chicken thighs
Make sure the chicken is at room temperature for about 15 minutes before you start cooking. This helps the baked chicken thighs cook more evenly throughout. Always pat the skin very dry with a paper towel before adding any oil or spices. If the skin is wet it will steam rather than crisp up in the oven.
You can use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 75C. This ensures the meat is safe to eat while remaining juicy. Avoid overcrowding the baking tray so the hot air can circulate around each piece.
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