Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs (Juicy, Flavor-Packed & Easy!)
These oven-baked chicken thighs are tender, juicy, and seasoned to perfection with garlic, onion, smoked paprika, and Italian herbs. Ready in just 30 minutes, they’re the ultimate easy weeknight dinner packed with flavor.
When it comes to weeknight dinners, chicken thighs are one of the most underrated stars of the kitchen. While chicken breasts often get the spotlight, thighs bring something special to the table: juicy, flavorful meat that stays moist even after baking.
This recipe for Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs is simple, straightforward, and completely foolproof. With just a handful of pantry spices, a drizzle of olive oil, and a quick bake in a hot oven, you’ll have perfectly seasoned, golden-brown chicken that pairs beautifully with just about any side dish.
The best part? It takes less than 10 minutes to prep, and you can have dinner on the table in about half an hour. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving a comforting protein-packed dish, these chicken thighs will quickly become a favorite in your rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fast and Easy: Minimal ingredients, minimal effort, maximum flavor.
Juicy Every Time: Unlike chicken breasts, thighs stay moist even at higher oven temps.
Versatile: Pair them with rice, roasted vegetables, pasta, or salad.
Meal-Prep Friendly: Great for making ahead and reheating during the week.
Flavor Boosted with Spices: Garlic, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning create a savory blend that makes the chicken irresistible.
Ingredient Breakdown (Why Each Matters)
Let’s talk about why these specific ingredients work together to make this recipe shine.
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs (5–6)
Chicken thighs are known for their natural tenderness and rich flavor thanks to their slightly higher fat content. Unlike chicken breasts, they’re almost impossible to dry out when baked properly. Boneless and skinless thighs cook faster and make serving easy.
Tip: You can also use bone-in thighs if that’s what you have on hand. Just add about 5–7 minutes to the cooking time.
Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon)
A kitchen staple! Garlic powder infuses the chicken with earthy, savory flavor without overpowering it.
Onion Powder (1 teaspoon)
Onion powder complements garlic beautifully, adding subtle sweetness and depth to the spice blend.
Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon)
This herb mix (often a blend of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary) gives the chicken that classic Mediterranean flair. It brightens the dish and layers in complexity.
Smoked Paprika (1 teaspoon)
Smoky, slightly sweet, and vibrant red, smoked paprika gives the chicken its gorgeous color and warm flavor. Regular paprika works too, but smoked makes the dish special.
Celtic Salt (½ teaspoon)
Celtic sea salt is less processed than table salt and often retains trace minerals, giving it a more complex flavor. It enhances every other seasoning in this recipe.
White Pepper (½ teaspoon)
White pepper is milder and slightly earthier than black pepper. It blends beautifully into dishes where you don’t want visible black specks but still crave peppery warmth.
Olive Oil (1 tablespoon)
Coats the chicken to lock in moisture, helps the seasoning stick, and creates a slight crisp on the outside as it bakes.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). A hot oven ensures the chicken develops a lightly crisp, golden exterior while staying juicy inside.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
In a medium mixing bowl, add your chicken thighs. Sprinkle on garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, Celtic salt, and white pepper. Drizzle olive oil over the top. Toss well until every piece of chicken is evenly coated in the flavorful mixture.
Step 3: Bake
Arrange the seasoned thighs in a single layer in an oven-safe baking dish or on a parchment-lined sheet pan. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is tender and flavorful.
Tips for Perfect Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs
Check Temperature, Not Just Time: Every oven is different. Use a digital thermometer for accuracy.
Pat Chicken Dry First: If your thighs have extra moisture, pat them dry with paper towels before seasoning. This helps the spices stick better.
Let Them Rest: Resting after baking keeps them juicy. Don’t skip this step!
Double Batch for Meal Prep: Make extras and store for quick lunches during the week.
Serving Suggestions
These chicken thighs are incredibly versatile. Here are some ways to enjoy them:
Over Rice: Classic pairing—try jasmine, basmati, or brown rice.
With Roasted Veggies: Carrots, zucchini, and Brussels sprouts roast well at 425°F, so cook them alongside the chicken.
On a Salad: Slice the chicken and layer it over a fresh green salad with balsamic vinaigrette.
With Pasta: Toss with garlic butter noodles for a simple, satisfying dinner.
As Meal Prep Protein: Pair with quinoa, sweet potatoes, or sautéed greens for healthy make-ahead lunches.
Storage and Freezing
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooled chicken in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Meal Prep Tip: Store chicken with sides in individual meal containers for grab-and-go lunches.
Variations
Spicy Kick: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or red chili flakes.
Lemon Herb: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken before baking for brightness.
BBQ Style: Swap Italian seasoning for a BBQ spice blend.
Bone-In, Skin-On: For extra crispy skin, use skin-on thighs and extend bake time slightly.
Troubleshooting
Chicken Too Dry? Likely overbaked. Use a thermometer next time and pull at 165°F.
Not Enough Flavor? Increase seasoning amounts slightly, or marinate the chicken 30 minutes before baking.
No Smoked Paprika? Use regular paprika, chili powder, or a dash of chipotle powder.
Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs
These oven-baked chicken thighs are tender, juicy, and seasoned to perfection with garlic, onion, smoked paprika, and Italian herbs. Ready in just 30 minutes, they’re the ultimate easy weeknight dinner packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 5–6 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp Celtic salt
- ½ tsp white pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Place chicken thighs in a bowl. Add garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and white pepper. Drizzle olive oil over chicken and toss to coat evenly.
- Arrange chicken in a single layer in an oven-safe dish.
- Bake for 25 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest for 5 minutes before serving.
If you loved these juicy oven-baked chicken thighs, you’ll want to try my other quick and flavorful dinner recipes that make weeknights easier (and tastier!).
👉 Join my recipe community today and get weekly meal inspiration, family-friendly ideas, and exclusive downloads straight to your inbox
These oven-baked chicken thighs are tender, juicy, and seasoned to perfection with garlic, onion, smoked paprika, and Italian herbs. Ready in just 30 minutes, they’re the ultimate easy weeknight dinner packed with flavor.