Description
This Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken with perfectly crispy skin. Using simple seasonings and a high-temperature bake, the chicken cooks evenly on a rack, ensuring the skin crisps beautifully while the inside stays moist. Perfect for a quick and flavorful dinner, this recipe serves 6 and comes together in just over half an hour.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 ½ pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Additional
- 2 large egg whites, beaten
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 450°F and position a rack in the center. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil, then place a metal cooling rack inside the sheet pan to allow air circulation under the chicken for even cooking and crispiness.
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry and season them thoroughly with kosher salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and paprika. Arrange them skin side up on the prepared rack for optimal crisping.
- Brush with egg whites: Lightly brush the beaten egg whites all over the chicken skins. This helps the skin to develop a beautiful crispy texture and enhances browning during baking.
- Bake the chicken: Lower the oven temperature to 425°F. Place the baking sheet with the chicken in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F when checked with an instant-read thermometer and the skin turns crispy and golden.
- Serve warm: Remove the chicken from the oven and transfer the thighs to a serving platter. Serve immediately to enjoy the crispy texture and juicy interior at their best.
Notes
- Using a metal cooling rack elevates the chicken to allow air circulation, which is key to achieving crispy skin.
- Applying beaten egg whites helps enhance skin crispiness but can be omitted if allergic to eggs.
- Bone-in, skin-on thighs retain moisture better and yield crispier skin compared to boneless or skinless options.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste; adding garlic powder or smoked paprika can add extra flavor dimension.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking for juices to redistribute, ensuring juicier meat.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked safely without overcooking.