Description
This recipe delivers the best chicken ever with perfectly crispy skin and juicy, flavorful meat. Using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs seared in a skillet and finished in the oven, it combines aromatic spices like paprika, thyme, garlic, and onion powder for a balanced, delicious taste. Easy to prepare and ideal for a family meal, this dish is enhanced with optional fresh lemon juice and herbs for brightness and garnish.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or breasts, if preferred)
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for a kick)
Cooking Fats and Finishing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional)
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional, such as parsley or thyme)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin, then season all over with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the chicken skin-side down and sear for 5-7 minutes until the skin turns crispy and golden brown.
- Flip the Chicken: Turn the chicken over and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side to develop flavor.
- Bake the Chicken: Transfer the skillet directly onto the preheated oven rack and bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). For chicken breasts, bake slightly less (15-20 minutes) depending on thickness.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Optionally, drizzle with fresh lemon juice for brightness and garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Notes
- Patting the chicken dry before seasoning is essential for crispy skin.
- Use an oven-safe skillet (like cast iron) to sear and bake the chicken seamlessly.
- Cayenne pepper is optional but adds a pleasant kick if desired.
- Letting the chicken rest after baking helps retain juices and maintain moisture.
- Adjust baking time if using chicken breasts or thicker cuts to prevent overcooking.
