Should you haven’t tried these earlier than, add them to your menu for subsequent week since you’re going to like these crispy baked rooster thighs! Not solely are they easy to prep and arduous to mess up, they’re juicy, flavorful, and reasonably priced. With only a few pantry spices and a sizzling oven, you should have a satisfying dinner on the desk with little or no hands-on time.
This juicy rooster additionally works properly for feeding all ages. Whereas adults and massive children can deal with a baked crispy rooster thigh as served, on their very own, it’s additionally so tender that it’s straightforward to tug off chunk dimension items for toddlers to take pleasure in. They typically devour it as is as a result of the thigh meat is so flavorful and tender, however for the pickier eater, somewhat squeeze of ketchup for dipping will assure it’ll fill their tummies.
I virtually titled this “Hailey’s Hen,” as a result of that’s what we name it in our home. It’s certainly one of her favourite dinners and one she discovered to make herself as a child (an ideal staple recipe for anybody to have of their repertoire). That alone tells you ways approachable this recipe is. Should you’re constructing a brief checklist of reliable rooster thigh recipes, this one earns a everlasting spot.
Crispy baked rooster thighs are a staple for us as a result of they’re:
- Economical – thighs price much less per pound than rooster breast.
- Flavorful – darkish meat naturally has extra richness.
- Forgiving – they keep juicy even when barely overcooked.
Whether or not you’re cooking for youths, visitors, or only a busy weeknight, this recipe checks all of the bins. Utilizing bone in rooster thighs additionally provides additional taste and helps hold the meat tender.














Often Requested Questions
Do I’ve to make use of a baking rack?
Utilizing a baking rack permits sizzling air to flow into across the rooster so the pores and skin crisps evenly whereas extra fats drips away. That mentioned, you may completely make this recipe with out one. Simply you’ll want to use a rimmed baking sheet so juices don’t spill, and count on barely much less crisping on the underside.
Can I modify the seasoning?
Sure. This recipe works with simply salt and pepper, or you may swap in your favourite spice mix. The method issues greater than the seasoning.
How do I do know when rooster thighs are carried out?
Hen is protected at 165°F, however thighs are finest cooked hotter. Goal for an inside temperature of 175–180°F. This permits the connective tissue to interrupt down and leads to tender, juicy meat. I like to recommend a good meat thermometer.
What ought to I serve with crispy baked rooster thighs?
They pair properly with rice, roasted greens, mashed potatoes, or a easy salad (this chopped cabbage salad recipe is pictured above). We additionally love them with turmeric rice and sautéed greens.
Different Hen Recipes You Could Love
How To Make Hen Thighs Crispy
In case your purpose is really crispy, golden crispy pores and skin, the following tips make all of the distinction:
- Pat the pores and skin fully dry
- Salt forward of time if potential
- Use a rack for airflow
- Don’t overcrowd the pan
- End with a brief broil
Pat the pores and skin dry
Moisture prevents browning. Use paper towels to completely dry the pores and skin earlier than seasoning. For even higher outcomes, let the rooster sit uncovered within the fridge whereas the oven preheats.
Salt early
Salting 15–half-hour forward pulls moisture to the floor, which then evaporates within the oven. This helps obtain higher texture whether or not you’re cooking bone-in or boneless skinless rooster.
Use a rack
A rack retains the rooster from sitting in its personal drippings, permitting the pores and skin to crisp evenly on all sides. I prefer to spray the rack with avocado oil forward of time; I really feel prefer it helps the rack to be scrubbed clear extra simply afterwards.
Give the rooster area
Overcrowding traps steam. Depart area between every thigh so warmth can flow into correctly.
Broil briefly on the finish
A brief broil provides additional crispness, however watch carefully — the distinction between golden and burnt occurs quick. Hold it on the center or decrease racks to assist forestall it from charring.
How Lengthy To Broil Bone-In Hen Thighs?
If the thighs are already baked via, broil on excessive for 1–3 minutes to crisp the pores and skin. Hold the pan on a center rack and watch always.
How Lengthy To Cook dinner Boneless Thighs?
Boneless thighs prepare dinner quicker. At 425°F, plan for 18–25 minutes, relying on thickness. Begin checking at 18 minutes and take away as soon as they attain an inside temperature of 165°F.
How Lengthy To Bake Breaded Hen Thighs?
Breaded thighs do finest at 400°F so the coating browns with out burning.
- Boneless breaded thighs: 20–25 minutes
- Bone-in breaded thighs: 35–45 minutes
As a result of breading can cover doneness, all the time verify the thickest half with a thermometer.
New Cooking Suggestions for Crispy Baked Hen Thighs
Since first publishing this recipe, I’ve discovered a number of additional tips. First, let your oven absolutely preheat — not simply till it beeps, however an extra 10–quarter-hour. A really sizzling oven is crucial for crisp pores and skin. In case your oven has a convection setting, use it — the circulating air helps evaporate floor moisture quicker. It mimics the outcomes of an air fryer.
Additionally, in case your rooster comes out of the package deal very moist, take the additional minute to dry it completely. That step alone dramatically improves texture. Lastly, rotate the pan midway via baking in case your oven has sizzling spots. These small changes make a noticeable distinction and assist guarantee constant outcomes each time.
Crispy Baked Hen Thighs Recipe
Substances
- 2.5 kilos bone-in, skin-on rooster thighs (about 6 giant thighs)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Directions
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment and place a rack on prime. Spray it with avocado oil.
- Pat rooster thighs till completely dry and organize on the rack with area between every bit.
- Combine olive oil and spices. Loosen the pores and skin and rub seasoning instantly onto the meat, then exchange the pores and skin and season it over the pores and skin as properly.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, till thighs attain 175–180°F for finest texture- crispy on the skin and juicy and flavorful on the within.
- Non-obligatory: Broil for 1–3 minutes on the finish for additional crispiness.
Notes
- Hen is protected at 165°F, however thighs are juiciest at 175–180°F.
- A rack improves crispiness however isn’t required.
Should you make this recipe, let me know! Depart a remark under or tag @ahealthyslice and use #ahsinthekitchen.





Crispy Baked Hen Thighs
Description
These crispy baked rooster thighs are juicy, flavorful, and simple to make within the oven. Learn to get completely crispy pores and skin each time, plus suggestions for bone-in and boneless thighs.
- 2.5 kilos bone-in, skin-on rooster thighs (about 6 giant thighs)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Directions
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment and place a rack on prime.
- Pat rooster thighs dry and organize on the rack with area between every bit.
- Combine olive oil and spices. Loosen the pores and skin and rub seasoning instantly onto the meat, then over the pores and skin.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, till thighs attain 175–180°F for finest texture.
- Non-obligatory: Broil for 1–3 minutes on the finish for additional crispiness.
Notes
- Hen is protected at 165°F, however thighs are juiciest at 175–180°F.
- A rack improves crispiness however isn’t required.

