Flavorful Baked Chicken Thighs with Easy Spice Blend

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Flavorful Baked Chicken Thighs: a quick, juicy dish with a smoky-sweet spice blend, easy prep, and perfect for any occasion!

baked chicken thighs with paprika, brown sugar, and garlic

When it comes to weeknight dinners, few things are as satisfying as a recipe that is both delicious and easy to make. That’s where these Flavorful Baked Chicken Thighs with an Easy Spice Blend come in. With a handful of pantry staples, minimal prep time, and maximum flavor, this dish strikes the perfect balance between convenience and culinary delight. Whether you’re cooking for your whole family, meal prepping for the week, or hosting friends, this recipe will leave everyone reaching for seconds.

The secret to this recipe’s success lies in the spice blend: a simple yet bold combination of paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. When paired with the juicy tenderness of baked chicken thighs, the result is a mouthwatering main dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe a must-try for your repertoire!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Baked Chicken Thigh Recipe

Effortless Prep: This recipe comes together in just a few steps, making it perfect for busy evenings or last-minute easy dinners.
Bursting with Flavor: The spice blend brings a smoky, sweet, and slightly savory profile that enhances the natural richness of the chicken thighs.
Versatile: Serve these baked chicken thighs with your favorite sides, from roasted vegetables to fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes.
Healthy: This easy recipe packs chicken thighs with protein and uses a moderate amount of oil and sugar for a balanced, wholesome meal.
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether feeding picky eaters or adventurous foodies, this dish is universally loved.

Ingredients in easy baked chicken thighs

A Breakdown of the Ingredients for Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs

Paprika: Adds a smoky and slightly sweet depth of flavor, giving the chicken its rich color.
Light Brown Sugar: Balances the spices with a hint of sweetness, caramelizing beautifully in the oven.
Garlic Powder: A savory essential that complements the other spices and enhances the chicken’s natural flavors.
Salt & Black Pepper: Simple seasonings that are crucial for bringing out the best in every ingredient.
Chopped Parsley: A fresh garnish that adds color and brightness to the dish.
Olive Oil: Helps the spices adhere to the chicken and ensures a moist, tender texture.
Chicken Thighs: I used boneless chicken thighs, but bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are great for this recipe, too.

How to Make the Flavorful Chicken Thighs Recipe

Prepare Your Workspace: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees f and grease a baking sheet or baking dish to prevent sticking.
Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, toss the chicken thighs with olive oil until evenly coated.
Make the Spice Blend: In a separate small bowl, mix together the paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Coat the Chicken: Next, sprinkle the spice mixture over the chicken thighs, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated for maximum flavor.

chicken thighs coated in spice mix, ready to be baked

Bake to Perfection: Arrange the chicken thighs on the greased baking sheet and bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Finish with Fresh Parsley: Once cooked, garnish the chicken with chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Serve and Enjoy: Pair with your favorite side dish and savor every bite of this flavorful dish!

Air Fryer Cooking Instructions

If you prefer to use an air fryer for this recipe, here’s what I did.

1.Pre-heat your air fryer to 375 degrees F.

2. Cook your thighs for 15 mins on one side, then flip and cook for an additional 3 minutes.

Looking for Side Dish Inspiration?

Easy Purple Cabbage Slaw with Peanut Dressing– easy and low carb.

Roasted Green Beans with Caramelized Onions- another low carb favorite packed with fiber.

Fall Quinoa Salad with Caramelized Onions and Vinaigrette– packed with flavor and loaded with hearty ingredients.

Enjoy a Tasty Treat After Your Meal

Flourless Chocolate Lava Cake– eat to make, high in protein, and made without any added sugar.

One-Bowl Chocolate Chip Cookies– a crowd pleaser than can be made with fewer dishes and steps than traditional chocolate chip cookies.

No Bake Peanut Butter Oat Bars– these require only 5 ingredients making them a simple recipe to satisfy your sweet tooth.

High Protein Banana Pudding– this recipe comes together in less than 15 minutes and makes for the most satisfying dessert.

How to Store the Chicken Pieces

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers fro this easy chicken diner recipe, here’s how to store them:

Refrigerate: Place the cooked chicken that have come to room temperature in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze: For longer storage, wrap the chicken thighs individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months.
Reheat: To reheat, use the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or heat in a skillet on the stovetop for a quick option.

Tips for Making This Easy Weeknight Entree

Choose Quality Chicken: Dark meat is the best option for this dish as it will retain moisture better. However, if you prefer white meat, chicken breasts can be used. Consider bone-in chicken thighs with skin-on for another variation of this delicious recipe.
Don’t Skip the Oil: Olive oil helps the spice blend stick and prevents the chicken from drying out.
Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F. Overcooking can dry out the chicken.
Customize the Spices: Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat or swap smoked paprika for regular paprika for a bolder flavor. Onion powder, chili powder, fresh garlic and lemon zest are easy ways to change up the flavor profile of this dish.
Line Your Baking Sheet: For easy cleanup, line the sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.

With its bold flavors, easy preparation, and wide appeal, these Flavorful Baked Chicken Thighs with an Easy Spice Blend are destined to become a household favorite. Whether you’re serving them at a casual family dinner or dressing them up for guests, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Happy cooking!

FAQs

Can I make this recipe with chicken breasts?

Yes, but note that chicken breasts tend to be leaner and may require a shorter cooking time to avoid dryness.

What sides go well with this dish?

The options are endless! Serve these thighs with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or a crisp green salad.

Can I make the spice blend in advance?

Yes, you can mix the spices ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to a month.

How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the baking sheet?

Grease the sheet with oil or use parchment paper to ensure easy removal.