Classic Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken Dinner
This recipe delivers perfectly crispy, juicy oven-baked chicken every time. Ideal for a delicious and easy weeknight dinner.
Equipment
- paper towels
- small bowl
- baking sheet
- wire rack (optional)
- instant-read thermometer
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks approximately 1.5-2 lbs total
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Seasoning Blend
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
Instructions
Preparation
- Pat the chicken pieces very dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
- In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using).
- Drizzle the chicken with olive oil, then rub the seasoning mixture all over each piece, ensuring it gets under the skin as well.
Cooking
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C); use a wire rack on a baking sheet for maximum crispness if available.
- Place the seasoned chicken pieces, skin-side up, on the wire rack or lightly oiled baking sheet, ensuring they do not touch.
- Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is deeply golden and crispy.
Resting
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and moist meat.
Notes
For extra crispy skin, briefly increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) or use the broiler for the last 5-10 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. Adjust seasoning to your preference, adding more cayenne for extra spice if desired.