Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs with Spicy Paprika Rub Recipe

Introduction

Crispy chicken thighs are a simple yet delicious dish that delivers juicy meat with perfectly crisped skin. This recipe uses a baking powder and spice mix to create a flavorful crust that bakes up beautifully in the oven. It’s an easy way to elevate your weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 5 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). If available, use the convection or air fryer setting. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil and spray it with cooking oil.
2. Step 2: Pat the chicken thighs dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
3. Step 3: In a bowl, mix together the baking powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until combined.
4. Step 4: Rub the spice mixture evenly over each chicken thigh, making sure to coat the skin well.
5. Step 5: Arrange the chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a few inches of space between each piece.
6. Step 6: Bake for 30 to 40 minutes. If using convection or air fryer mode, cooking time may be shorter. For boneless thighs, begin checking for doneness after 25 minutes.
7. Step 7: Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer. When fully cooked, the juices should run clear and not be pink. Baste the thighs generously with the pan juices before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispy skin, make sure the chicken is very dry before applying the spice mix.
• Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
• If you don’t have baking powder, cornstarch is a good alternative to help crisp the skin.
• Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon or your favorite dipping sauce for added flavor.

Storage

Store any leftover crispy chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to maintain the crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the skin soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs for this recipe?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be used. They will cook faster, so start checking for doneness after about 25 minutes.

Why is baking powder used on the chicken skin?

Baking powder helps to draw moisture away from the skin and promotes browning, resulting in a crispier texture when baked.

Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs with Spicy Paprika Rub Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 132 reviews

This Crispy Chicken Thighs recipe delivers perfectly golden, crispy skin with juicy, tender meat inside. Using a simple spice rub and baking technique with the option of convection or air fryer oven settings, this dish is easy to prepare yet impressive in flavor and texture. Ideal for a weeknight dinner or meal prep, the recipe ensures a savory and satisfying chicken dish with a deliciously crisp finish.

• Author: lucas
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 5 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken Thighs

• 5 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)

Spice Rub

• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F. If your oven features a convection or air fryer setting, use it to enhance the crispiness. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or aluminum foil and lightly spray with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
2. Dry the Chicken Thighs: Thoroughly pat the chicken thighs dry using paper towels. Removing excess moisture is key to getting crispy skin during baking.
3. Prepare the Spice Rub: In a bowl, combine the baking powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix these ingredients evenly to create a uniform spice rub.
4. Apply the Rub: Evenly rub the spice mixture over each chicken thigh, ensuring the seasoning coats all surfaces of the skin for maximum flavor and crispness.
5. Arrange the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a few inches of space between each piece to allow hot air circulation for even cooking.
6. Bake the Chicken: Bake the chicken for 30 to 40 minutes using the convection or air fryer setting if available. If not using these settings, the chicken might take a few extra minutes. For boneless thighs, start checking for doneness after about 25 minutes.
7. Check Doneness and Baste: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F, indicating the chicken is safely cooked. The juices should run clear with no pink. Baste the chicken thighs generously with the pan juices to add moisture and flavor before serving.

Notes

• Ensure the chicken skin is very dry before applying the rub for crispier skin.
• If you don’t have a convection or air fryer oven, regular baking at 425°F will still produce crispy thighs, just allow extra cooking time.
• Using a meat thermometer is highly recommended to avoid undercooking or overcooking.
• Leftover chicken tastes great cold or reheated and can be used in salads or sandwiches.
• The baking powder helps to dry out the skin and create that crispy texture without frying.

Keywords: crispy chicken thighs, baked chicken, easy chicken recipe, chicken with crispy skin, oven-baked chicken thighs