Baked Bone in Chicken Thighs

Every time I think about comfort food, one dish that always comes to mind is Baked Bone in Chicken Thighs. There’s something so satisfying about the aroma of chicken roasting in the oven, filling the house with warmth and a sense of homeliness. I remember the first time I made this dish; it was a chilly evening, and I wanted something hearty to warm us up. As the chicken cooked, I gathered my family around the table, the anticipation growing with each passing minute. When I finally served those golden, crispy-skinned thighs, I knew I had created a family favorite. It quickly became a staple in our home, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Everything You Need for Baked Bone in Chicken Thighs

The ingredients for Baked Bone in Chicken Thighs are simple yet impactful. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect balance of flavor and texture. The star of the show is undoubtedly the chicken, with its rich taste and satisfying bite. The spices and seasonings complement the chicken beautifully, creating a dish that’s not only delicious but also deeply satisfying.

• 8 bone-in chicken thighs (skin on): These are the heart of the recipe, providing a juicy, flavorful base.
• Olive oil for drizzling: A little olive oil helps to achieve that crispy skin we all love.
• 1 1/2 tablespoons baking powder: This ingredient helps to crisp up the skin during baking.
• 2 teaspoons each paprika, garlic powder: These spices add depth and a hint of smokiness.
• 1 ½ teaspoons each chili powder, onion powder, salt, brown sugar: This combination creates a well-rounded flavor profile.
• 1 teaspoon each dried oregano, dried basil, pepper: These herbs bring a touch of freshness to the dish.
• 1/2 teaspoon each dried thyme, ground cumin: These spices enhance the overall flavor, adding warmth.

Baked Bone in Chicken Thighs Instructions

Making Baked Bone in Chicken Thighs is truly a rewarding experience. You’ll love how easy it is to follow these steps. Let’s dive in!

1. Prep your pan: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup and place a baking rack on top. Lightly spray the rack with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

2. Bring chicken to room temperature: Take the chicken thighs out of their packaging and pat them dry with paper towels. Arrange the thighs on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side up, and let them sit for about 20 minutes to come to room temperature. This helps in achieving even cooking.

3. Make the spice rub: In a medium bowl, whisk together all the Spice Rub ingredients until well combined. You’re going to love the aroma wafting from this blend!

4. Add olive oil: After the thighs have rested, drizzle them lightly with olive oil, making sure to coat each thigh evenly on both sides.

5. Add the rub: Sprinkle half of the spice rub over the chicken thighs. Pat it in gently—there’s no need to rub too hard, or it might clump. Flip the chicken over so the skin side is up and sprinkle the remaining rub on top, patting it down once more.

6. Bake the chicken: Roast the chicken thighs in the preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 170 degrees F. Use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone, for the most accurate reading.

7. Optional broiling: For an extra crispy skin, turn on the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes at the end of cooking. Just be sure to watch closely to prevent burning.

8. Serve: Once cooked, remove the thighs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This way, they retain their juices and flavor.

Recipe Tips about Baked Bone in Chicken Thighs

To get the most out of your Baked Bone in Chicken Thighs, here are some handy tips that will help you nail this dish every time.

• Storage: Store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container for 4 to 5 days in the fridge. They make for great quick meals!
• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken thighs by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag.
• Reheating: The best way to reheat leftover chicken is in an air fryer at 375 degrees F for about 5 to 7 minutes. This keeps the skin crispy.
• Pairing: These thighs go wonderfully with fresh salads, roasted vegetables, or creamy mashed potatoes. They also make a great filling for wraps or sandwiches.
• Meal prep: You can prep the chicken up to the point of baking, then let it air dry in the fridge before cooking for even crisper skin.
• Experiment: Don’t hesitate to try different spices in your rub, such as cumin, coriander, or even a touch of lemon zest for brightness.

How to Enjoy Baked Bone in Chicken Thighs

Enjoying your Baked Bone in Chicken Thighs can be a delightful experience. Here’s how to make the most of this dish:

• Serve with a side salad: A bright green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of the chicken.
• Try different sides: Consider side dishes like roasted potatoes, steamed broccoli, or a comforting rice pilaf.
• Use for leftovers: The chicken can be shredded and used in tacos, quesadillas, or over rice for a quick meal the next day.
• Great for gatherings: This dish is perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. It’s simple to make in larger batches.
• Seasonal pairings: In fall, serve with roasted root vegetables, while in spring, a fresh asparagus salad complements it nicely.

FAQ

Conclusion

The beauty of Baked Bone in Chicken Thighs lies in their simplicity and the deep flavors they bring to the table. They’re not just a meal; they’re a way to bring your family together and create lasting memories. I encourage you to try this recipe and enjoy the satisfaction of serving a dish that is sure to please everyone. So, preheat that oven and get ready to experience the magic of home-cooked comfort food!

Baked Bone in Chicken Thighs

The ultimate comfort food! Baked Bone in Chicken Thighs are juicy, crispy on the outside, and bursting with flavor. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner that will satisfy everyone at the table. Make it tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 380

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 8 pieces bones-in chicken thighs skin on
• olive oil for drizzling
• 1.5 tablespoons baking powder
• 2 teaspoons paprika EACH
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder EACH
• 1.5 teaspoons chili powder EACH
• 1.5 teaspoons onion powder EACH
• 1.5 teaspoons salt EACH
• 1.5 teaspoons brown sugar EACH
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano EACH
• 1 teaspoon dried basil EACH
• 1 teaspoon pepper EACH
• 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme EACH
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin EACH

Equipment

• Whisk
• Oven
• Baking Sheet
• Frying Pan

Method

 

1. Prep pan: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup and top with a baking rack. Lightly spray the rack with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Bring chicken to room temperature: Remove the chicken thighs from their packaging and squeeze them dry with paper towels. Arrange the chicken thighs on prepared baking sheet, skin-side-up, and let them rest for 20 minutes to come to room temperature.
3. Make spice rub: In a medium bowl, whisk the Spice Rub ingredients together; set aside.
4. Add olive oil: After 20 minutes, drizzle chicken thighs lightly with olive oil, then rub the oil all over of each thigh (top and bottom). Place the chicken skin-side-down.
5. Add rub: Sprinkle half of the rub over the chicken and pat in (don’t rub or it will clump). Flip the chicken over so it’s skin-side up, sprinkle with remaining Spice Rub and pat in.
6. Bake chicken: Roast chicken thighs in the preheated oven at 400 degrees F (without flipping), until they register 170 degrees F on an instant read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken without touching the bone. This will take 35-45 minutes depending on the size of the chicken thighs.
7. Optional: Turn on the broiler and broil for 1 to 2 minutes to add extra crispiness to the skin. Make sure to watch closely so the chicken doesn’t burn!

Notes

• Boneless chicken thighs: These may be used; however, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs will be juicier. Bake boneless chicken thighs for 17 to 22 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 170 degrees F on an instant read thermometer.
• Meal prep: Prep up to the point of baking, then let the chicken air dry in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Before baking, let the chicken come to room temperature for 30 minutes.
• To store: Store chicken thighs in an airtight container for 4 to 5 days.
• To freeze: Place the cooked chicken thighs in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze the tray in the freezer for 1 to 2 hours, or until the chicken is solid. Transfer the chicken to a freezer-safe plastic bag. Thaw individual pieces of chicken or multiple pieces in a single layer in the fridge for 24 hours before reheating.
• To reheat: The best option is to reheat in the air fryer at 375 degrees F until heated through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Alternatively, bake on a baking rack placed in a baking pan at 350 degrees for 15 minutes, or until heated through.

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Meet Audrey Hayes

I’m Audrey! I founded Cozy Daily Recipes to help you find joy in the kitchen every single day. I personally test and approve every recipe we publish to ensure it’s worthy of your table. Whether I'm slow cooking a Sunday roast or whipping up a quick lunch, my goal is to make your cooking life easier and more delicious.