This Chicken Thigh Recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves juicy, flavorful, and easy-to-make chicken. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe guarantees tender, perfectly seasoned chicken with minimal effort. The combination of simple spices and the right cooking techniques ensures crispy skin and succulent meat, making this dish a family favorite.
What makes this Chicken Thigh Recipe stand out is its versatility. You can pan-sear, bake, or grill the chicken thighs while customizing the seasoning to your taste. The balanced blend of garlic, paprika, and oregano enhances the natural flavors of the chicken without overpowering it. Plus, with just a few pantry staples, you can create a restaurant-quality meal at home.
The beauty of this Chicken Thigh Recipe lies in its simplicity—no complicated steps, no special equipment, just delicious, perfectly cooked chicken every time. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home cook, this recipe will become a go-to in your kitchen. Try this Chicken Thigh Recipe today and enjoy a meal that’s both satisfying and packed with flavor!
Preparation Time for Chicken Thigh Recipe
- Preparation: 15 minutes
- Cooking: 25 minutes
- Resting Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: ~45 minutes
Ingredients for Chicken Thigh Recipe
For the Chicken:
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs – 4 pieces (~1.5 lbs / 680g)
- Calories: ~1,160 calories
- Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
- Calories: ~240 calories
- Salt – 1 teaspoon
- Calories: 0 calories
- Black pepper – ½ teaspoon
- Calories: ~3 calories
- Garlic powder – 1 teaspoon
- Calories: ~5 calories
- Paprika – 1 teaspoon
- Calories: ~6 calories
- Dried oregano – ½ teaspoon
- Calories: ~2 calories
- Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon
- Calories: ~4 calories
- Butter (optional, for extra richness) – 1 tablespoon
- Calories: ~102 calories
For Garnishing:
- Fresh parsley – 1 tablespoon (chopped)
- Calories: ~1 calorie
- Lemon wedges – For serving
- Calories: ~4 calories
Instructions: How to Make Chicken Thigh Recipe
1: Prepare the Chicken
- Pat Dry: Use a paper towel to pat dry the chicken thighs. This step ensures the skin crisps up during cooking.
- Season Evenly: In a small bowl, mix salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and oregano. Rub this seasoning mix all over the chicken thighs.
2: Heat the Pan or Oven
- For Pan-Seared Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- For Oven-Baked Chicken: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3: Cook the Chicken
For Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs:
- Place the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot skillet.
- Sear for 5–7 minutes until the skin turns golden brown and crispy.
- Flip the chicken and reduce heat to medium. Cook for another 10–12 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Add butter and let it melt, basting the chicken for extra flavor.
For Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs:
- Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side up on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
- For extra crispiness, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
4: Rest and Serve
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps retain juices.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Calorie Breakdown
- Chicken Thighs (4 pcs): ~1,160 calories
- Olive Oil (2 tbsp): ~240 calories
- Butter (1 tbsp, optional): ~102 calories
- Seasonings & Lemon Juice: ~20 calories
- Total Calories: ~1,522 calories (serves 4, ~380 calories per serving)
Why This Recipe Works
1. Perfectly Juicy and Crispy
Cooking chicken thighs with the skin on locks in moisture while creating a crispy exterior.
2. Flavorful Seasoning Blend
The combination of garlic powder, paprika, and oregano enhances the natural flavors of the chicken.
3. Versatile Cooking Methods
This recipe works equally well whether you pan-sear or oven-bake the chicken.
4. Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Taste
With just a handful of spices and pantry staples, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results.
FAQs
1. Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Yes! Boneless thighs cook faster—adjust the cooking time to 12–15 minutes in the pan or 18–20 minutes in the oven.
2. How do I store leftover chicken thighs?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours in the fridge for even deeper flavor.
4. What side dishes pair well with this recipe?
Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
5. How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
Traditional Yet Easy
A simple, no-fuss chicken thigh recipe that delivers gourmet-quality flavor.
Customizable
Swap seasonings, use different cooking methods, or add extra ingredients like honey or mustard for variety.
Crispy Outside, Juicy Inside
Perfectly balanced textures with golden, crispy skin and tender meat.
No Artificial Preservatives
Unlike store-bought or fast-food options, this homemade recipe is free of additives and preservatives.