Baked Chicken Thighs

These are deliciously seasoned with a crisp skin and juicy interior. An easy method that finishes with perfectly tasty results every time!

📝 Ingredients

• 8 large bone-in skin-on chicken thighs ((about 3.5 - 4 lbs))
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Zest of 1 large lemon ((1 Tbsp), remainder of lemon cut into wedges for serving)
• 5 garlic cloves (minced, or 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder)
• 4 tsp Italian seasoning, (store-bought or homemade, see notes)
• 2 tsp paprika
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1Position oven rack one level above center. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. 2Line a rimmed 18 by 13-inch baking sheet with aluminum foil and top with an oven safe wire cooling rack (I like THIS ONE). Spray cooling rack with non-stick cooking spray.
3. 3In an extra large mixing bowl whisk together olive oil, lemon zest, garlic, Italian seasoning and paprika.
4. 4Dab chicken thighs well dry with paper towels and add chicken thighs to bowl with oil mixture. Toss well to evenly coat with mixture.
5. 5Transfer thighs to rack on baking sheet turning skin side down. Season with salt and pepper then turn skin side up and season with salt and pepper. Leave space between thighs so heat can circulate evenly.
6. 6Bake in preheated oven until skin is browned and thighs register 175 degrees in thickest portion, about 35 - 45 minutes. If desired broil* during last minute or two for crispier skin (keep a close eye on it).
7. 7Serve warm** with lemon wedges for spritzing. If desired you can garnish with a 1 Tbsp chopped parsley.