Easy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
Easy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs that are super easy to make, yet loaded

Ingredients:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Place the chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
- Rub the olive oil over the chicken thighs, then sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over them.
- Bake the chicken thighs in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Remove the chicken thighs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Enjoy these easy oven-baked chicken thighs as a delicious and flavorful meal!
How to prepare:
Preparing these easy oven-baked chicken thighs is a breeze!
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Combine the garlic powder, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper in a small bowl to make the seasoning mixture.
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
- Place the chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken thighs.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken thighs.
- Bake the chicken thighs in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Remove the chicken thighs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve and enjoy these delicious oven-baked chicken thighs!
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Servings:
6
Nutrition Facts:
Calories per serving: 320
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 150mg
Sodium: 400mg
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 0g
Protein: 36g
Vitamin D: 10%
Calcium: 2%
Iron: 15%
Potassium: 10%
Tips:
- To make the chicken thighs extra crispy, broil them for an additional 2-3 minutes after baking.
- You can experiment with different seasonings to customize the flavor of the chicken thighs.
- Serve the chicken thighs with your favorite side dishes or salads.
FAQs:
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Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe? Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer. However, the skin adds extra flavor and helps keep the chicken moist.
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Can I marinate the chicken thighs before baking? Yes, you can marinate the chicken thighs in your favorite marinade for extra flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
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Can I use other cuts of chicken instead of thighs? Yes, you can use other cuts of chicken, such as drumsticks or chicken breasts, with this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
Baked Dark Meat Chicken Recipes
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Place the chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Rub the olive oil over the chicken thighs, then sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over them.
- Bake the chicken thighs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Remove the chicken thighs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Enjoy these baked dark meat chicken thighs as a healthy and flavorful meal!
How to prepare:
Preparing these baked dark meat chicken thighs is quick and easy!
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Combine the garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper in a small bowl to make the seasoning mixture.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken thighs.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken thighs.
- Bake the chicken thighs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Remove the chicken thighs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve and enjoy these delicious baked dark meat chicken thighs!
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Servings:
4
Nutrition Facts:
Calories per serving: 250
Total Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2.5g
Cholesterol: 100mg
Sodium: 350mg
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 0g
Protein: 30g
Vitamin D: 8%
Calcium: 2%
Iron: 10%
Potassium: 8%
Tips:
- You can add your favorite herbs and spices to the seasoning mixture for additional flavor.
- Try marinating the chicken thighs before baking for even more flavor.
- Serve the baked dark meat chicken thighs with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
FAQs:
-
Can I use bone-in chicken thighs instead of boneless? Yes, you can use bone-in chicken thighs if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they are fully cooked.
-
Can I use other seasonings for the chicken thighs? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different spices and seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
-
Can I grill the chicken thighs instead of baking them? Yes, you can grill the chicken thighs for a delicious smoky flavor. Just make sure to cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Dark Meat Chicken | Best First Foods to Introduce Your Baby to Solids
Dark Meat Chicken | Best First Foods to Introduce Your Baby to Solids
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Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of salt
- Water or low-sodium chicken broth, for cooking
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, combine the dried thyme, dried rosemary, garlic powder, and salt.
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Season the chicken thighs with the herb mixture.
- Add the chicken thighs to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Remove the chicken thighs from the skillet and let them cool slightly.
- Shred the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces.
- If needed, puree or mash the chicken with water or low-sodium chicken broth to achieve the desired consistency for your baby.
- Serve the dark meat chicken to your baby as one of their first solid foods.
How to prepare:
Preparing dark meat chicken for your baby is simple and nutritious!
- Combine the dried thyme, dried rosemary, garlic powder, and salt in a small bowl.
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Season the chicken thighs with the herb mixture.
- Add the seasoned chicken thighs to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Remove the chicken thighs from the skillet and let them cool slightly.
- Shred the cooked chicken thighs into small, bite-sized pieces.
- If needed, puree or mash the chicken with water or low-sodium chicken broth to achieve a smooth consistency suitable for your baby’s stage of solid food introduction.
- Serve the dark meat chicken to your baby as one of their first solid foods, gradually increasing the texture as they grow.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Servings:
1 baby serving
Nutrition Facts:
Calories per serving: 130
Total Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 75mg
Sodium: 40mg
Carbohydrates: 0g
Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 0g
Protein: 23g
Vitamin D: 4%
Calcium: 0%
Iron: 6%
Potassium: 2%
Tips:
- Choose organic or free-range chicken thighs for your baby’s food.
- Steam or bake the chicken thighs instead of pan-frying them for a healthier cooking method.
- Make sure the chicken thighs are fully cooked before serving them to your baby to ensure their safety.
FAQs:
-
When can I introduce dark meat chicken to my baby? Dark meat chicken can be introduced to your baby as one of their first solid foods, typically around 6-8 months old. Always consult with your pediatrician before introducing new foods to your baby.
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Why is dark meat chicken a good choice for baby’s first foods? Dark meat chicken is rich in iron, zinc, and protein, making it a nutritious choice for your baby’s early solid food introduction. The dark meat also offers a slightly higher fat content, which is beneficial for brain development.
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Can I freeze leftovers of the dark meat chicken for future meals? Yes, you can freeze any leftover dark meat chicken for future baby meals. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container or freezer bags to maintain its freshness.
Sales of Chicken Thighs, Dark Meat on the Rise
Sales of Chicken Thighs, Dark Meat on the Rise

Chicken thighs, especially dark meat, have been gaining popularity in recent years as a flavorful and versatile ingredient. Whether you’re baking, grilling, or sautéing, chicken thighs offer a juicy and tender texture