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Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs

DDownshiftologyYouTube50 minutesserves 4
Original video by Downshiftology on YouTube5:46

About this recipe

Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs are a delicious and healthier alternative to fried chicken, packed with flavor and easy to prepare. This recipe features juicy chicken thighs with a perfectly crispy skin, thanks to a blend of spices and a drizzle of avocado oil.

In this video by Downshiftology, the creator shares tips on achieving that coveted crunch while ensuring the chicken remains tender and juicy. It's a straightforward recipe that can become a family favorite.

Ingredient notes

  • Use organic chicken thighs for the best flavor.
  • You can substitute avocado oil with olive oil if needed.
  • Italian seasoning can replace oregano and thyme.

Tips from Downshiftology’s video

  • Bringing the chicken to room temperature before cooking helps it cook evenly and stay juicy.
  • Blotting the chicken dry with paper towels is crucial for achieving crispy skin.
  • Using a baking rack on top of a heavy-duty baking sheet allows for better air circulation and prevents the chicken from sitting in its juices.

Good to know

How long should I bake the chicken thighs?
Bake the chicken in the middle of the oven for 35 to 40 minutes.
What temperature should the chicken reach to be done?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, but it's best to remove it at 160 degrees Fahrenheit as it will continue to cook after removal.

No life story here — the video and the recipe are the whole point. All credit to Downshiftology: watch the original on YouTube.

The recipe

Serves 4 servingsTime 50 minutes

Ingredients

Steps

  1. 1

    Take the chicken thighs out of the fridge about 20 minutes before cooking to bring them to room temperature.

  2. 2

    Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.

  3. 3

    In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper.

  4. 4

    Stir the spices to combine them well.

  5. 5

    Use paper towels to blot the chicken thighs dry to ensure crispy skin.

  6. 6

    Add avocado oil to the chicken and stir to coat evenly.

  7. 7

    Add about 2/3 of the spice mixture to the chicken, stirring to coat well, including under the skin.

  8. 8

    Place a rack on top of a heavy-duty baking sheet to allow air circulation and juices to drip down.

  9. 9

    Arrange the chicken thighs on the rack, skin side up, and sprinkle the remaining spices on top, patting them in.

  10. 10

    Bake the chicken in the middle of the oven for 35 to 40 minutes until golden brown.

  11. 11

    Check the internal temperature; it should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the chicken at 160 degrees Fahrenheit as it will continue to cook after removal.

  12. 12

    Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Heads up — we had to guess a little:

  • The serving size is inferred based on typical portions for chicken thighs.

Credit where it’s due: this recipe was transcribed from Downshiftology’s original video on YouTube. Follow them there — it’s their dish.

Are you Downshiftology? Claim this page or ask us to take it down. Your call, always.

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