Description
A quick and delicious dinner solution that brings a burst of flavor to your table!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Start by setting your oven to preheat at 425°F (220°C). Getting the oven to this temperature at the beginning ensures that the chicken will cook efficiently, giving you that beautiful golden color and perfectly cooked inside.
- While the oven warms up, take the boneless, skinless chicken thighs and pat them dry with paper towels. This crucial step helps in achieving that perfect golden-brown exterior by reducing moisture on the surface, allowing for browning instead of steaming.
- In a mixing bowl, add the dried chicken and drizzle with the olive oil. Next, sprinkle the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper evenly over the chicken. Pour the lemon juice on top and use tongs to gently toss everything until the chicken is well-coated. This ensures every piece is bursting with flavor!
- Once coated, arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer in a lightly greased baking dish. Spacing them out allows the heat to circulate evenly around each piece, which contributes to the chicken cooking uniformly.
- Pop the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. Keep an eye out for the chicken turning a luscious golden brown, indicating it’s nearly done. Use a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
- If you desire a little extra crunch, switch your oven to broil for the last 2–3 minutes of cooking. This will provide the chicken with some crispy edges that are irresistible!
- After the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken juicy and flavorful. Finally, garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and serve warm.
Notes
For more flavor, consider marinating the chicken for 30 minutes prior to cooking. Just mix the spices and lemon juice with the olive oil and let the chicken soak in this flavorful mixture! Patting the chicken dry is key to achieving a crispy texture. This will prevent the chicken from sweating in the oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Protein: 25 g