You’ll Love These Easy Oven Chicken Thighs
I love chicken thighs for dinner, and luckily so does the family. They are affordable, nearly foolproof, and just dang delicious. Over the years I’ve perfected my version of this easy oven chicken thighs recipe. They are rubbed with a heady dose of garlic, studded with rosemary, and thoroughly coated with both smoked and sweet paprika. It’s a recipe we have on repeat, especially during the colder months.
Jump to RecipeThis gluten-free chicken recipe was inspired by one of Rozanne Gold’s favorite “emergency meals,” Chicken Thighs with Smoked Paprika and Rosemary. It was from her that I learned that chicken, especially skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs are excellent when roasted at a higher temperature. In this recipe, the thighs are roasted at 450 °F, and in close quarters in the roasting dish. This allows the juices to self baste the chicken thighs so they stay tender and juicy. At the same time, this method creates the most delicious and crispy skin!
Frequently Asked Questions about How to Cook Chicken Thighs in the Oven
Chicken thighs are more forgiving when it comes to time in the oven because of their higher fat content. I recommend cooking them for about 45 minutes, or until the skin is crisp and the meat registers 170 °F with an instant read thermometer.
For this recipe, it’s not recommended. Covering chicken as it bakes creates steam which makes the skin soggy.
Baked chicken thighs typically have more fat than chicken breasts. If you are watching your calories, I recommend removing the skin AFTER it’s baked so the meat doesn’t dry out. And please give it to someone who will appreciate how delicious and crispy it is!
The crispy skin in this recipe comes first from patting the skin dry to remove excess moister, then from a higher heat while roasting. Be sure to carefully watch the chicken to ensure it doesn’t burn.
How to Make This Easy Recipe for Oven Chicken Thighs
This recipe is very easy to put together. Even though it seems fancy enough for a dinner party, it doesn’t require any “fancy” ingredients. I consider smoked paprika to be an essential pantry item because it adds so much incredible flavor to savory dishes. Rosemary is practically and invasive species in Southern California where I live so I have access to it year round. But if you don’t, dried rosemary will work in a pinch.
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 450 °F. Place 5-6 chicken thighs skin side up in a 10.25″ cast iron skillet, or similar dish that can handle a hot oven. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. Using a sharp knife, score the chicken thighs through the skin all the way to the bone in two places, across the width of the thigh.
Step 2
Chop up about 10 large cloves of garlic, divide evenly between the thighs, and press into the slits you’ve made in the chicken.
Step 3
Slide a sprig of fresh rosemary under the skin of the thigh, between the two slits.
Step 4
Generously season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on the tops and bottoms of the thighs.
Step 5
Sprinkle about 1 tablespoon each smoked and sweet paprika evenly over the tops of the chicken thighs.
Step 6
Drizzle about 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil evenly over the top of the chicken thighs. Place in a preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. Watch the chicken carefully towards the end of the bake time to ensure the skin isn’t burning. If it’s getting too dark, cover it loosely with foil. Serve with mashed potatoes, polenta, or buttered noodles.
I think that this oven chicken thighs recipe will become as much a favorite in your family as it is in mine! It’s fast and easy to put together, and is so flavorful and juicy. It’s a recipe I turn to again and again, especially in fall and winter.
Looking for more delicious gluten-free recipes with chicken? We’ve got you covered!
- Gluten-Free Chicken Pot Pie
- Lemon Lavender Roasted Chicken
- Chicken Arugula Meatball Platter
- Sostanza Italian Butter Chicken Recipe from my friends at Salt & Wind
- Herby Feta Lemon Chicken & Veggie Sheet Pan Dinner from Baking the Goods
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Easy Oven Chicken Thigh Recipe with Paprika & Rosemary
Equipment
- 10" cast iron skillet
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 pounds chicken thighs bone in, skin on (about 6 thighs)
- 10 garlic cloves finely chopped
- 6 sprigs rosemary
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450 °F. Place 5-6 chicken thighs skin side up in a 10″ cast iron skillet, or similar dish that can handle a hot oven. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. Using a sharp knife, score the chicken thighs through the skin all the way to the bone in two places, across the width of the thigh.
- Chop up garlic, divide evenly between the thighs, and press into the slits you’ve made in the chicken.
- Slide a sprig of fresh rosemary under the skin of the thigh, between the two slits.
- Generously season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on the tops and bottoms of the thighs.
- Sprinkle about 1 tablespoon each smoked and sweet paprika evenly over the tops of the chicken thighs.
- Drizzle about 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil evenly over the top of the chicken thighs. Place in a preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. Watch the chicken carefully towards the end of the bake time to ensure the skin isn’t burning. If it’s getting too dark, cover it loosely with foil. Serve with mashed potatoes, polenta, or buttered noodles.
Nutrition
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Delicious and flavorfulI I love chicken thighs are a money-saving option. Although a little high in fat, we appreciate they are more moist than chicken breasts. We love the rosemary, garlic, and smoked and sweet paprika.
The best chicken recipe we have had all year!