- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup. If you have a wire rack that fits inside the baking sheet, use it to allow air circulation around the chicken thighs for even crispier skin.
- Season the Chicken Thighs: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial for achieving crispy skin. In a small bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper, if using. Rub each chicken thigh evenly with olive oil, then sprinkle the spice mixture over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
- Arrange Chicken on Baking Sheet: Place the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side up on the prepared baking sheet or wire rack. Ensure the thighs are not touching to allow heat to circulate around them for maximum crispiness.
- Bake to Crispy Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken thighs are golden brown and the skin is crispy. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a thigh (not touching bone) should read 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Once baked, let the chicken thighs rest for 5 minutes on the baking sheet. This rest period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring that each bite is moist and flavorful.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Transfer the chicken thighs to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.
Chef’s Tips:
- Ensure Dry Skin: The drier the skin, the crispier it will be. Don’t skip patting the chicken dry.
- Spacing: Avoid overcrowding the pan. Air flow is key to getting the skin crispy all around.
- High Heat: Cooking at a high temperature helps crisp the skin while keeping the inside juicy.
This crispy chicken thighs recipe will not only satisfy your craving for something crunchy and savory but also become a go-to for its simplicity and crowd-pleasing qualities. Enjoy the process of creating this dish as much as you will enjoy savoring each crispy, flavorful bite.