Dinner can be simple and delicious, especially when you use chicken thighs. I love how versatile and budget-friendly these are, making them perfect for any weeknight meal.
Today, I’m sharing two of my favorite easy chicken thigh recipes that are super simple to make and packed with great flavor. You’ll find quick oven baked chicken options and fresh marinated chicken ideas here!
Jump to Recipe:
- 1. Easy 30 Minute Oven Baked Chicken Thighs for Weeknights
- 2. Fresh Chimichurri Chicken Thighs Recipe
Easy 30 Minute Oven Baked Chicken Thighs for Weeknights
If you need a quick dinner, these oven baked chicken thighs are perfect. They come out juicy every time with a nice crispy skin, all ready in about 30 minutes.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Baked Chicken
- Bone-In, Skin-On Thighs: These cuts of chicken stay moist and give you a lot of flavor, plus the skin crisps up nicely in the oven for a great texture.
- High Heat Baking: Cooking the chicken at a higher temperature helps it cook through fast and gives it that great golden, crispy skin in a short amount of time.
What You Need for Oven Chicken Thighs
- 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: Prep: 10 mins, Cook: 25-30 mins🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
Step 1: Get Your Chicken Ready for Baking
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this spice mix all over the chicken thighs, making sure they are well coated.
Step 2: Bake Until Done and Crispy
Place the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side up on a baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer. The skin should be golden brown and crisp. Let them rest a few minutes before serving.
📝 Final Note
For extra crispy chicken skin, you can broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, but watch it closely so it doesn’t burn.
Fresh Chimichurri Chicken Thighs Recipe
These chimichurri chicken thighs bring bright, fresh tastes to your table. The tangy herb sauce makes the chicken incredibly tender and full of great flavor, perfect for a lighter meal.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Chimichurri Chicken
- Fresh Herbs Are Key: Using fresh parsley and cilantro is a must for a vibrant chimichurri sauce. Dried herbs won’t give you the same lively and bright taste.
- Marinate for Flavor: Let the chicken sit in the chimichurri sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking. The longer it marinates, the more amazing flavor the chicken will soak up.
What You Need for Chimichurri Chicken Thighs
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- For Chimichurri:
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and red pepper flakes to taste
⏱️ Time: Prep: 15 mins, Cook: 20-25 mins, Marinade: 30 mins to 4 hours🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make Fresh Chimichurri Chicken
Step 1: Make Chimichurri & Marinate Chicken
In a medium bowl, mix together the chopped parsley, cilantro, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and red pepper flakes. This makes your chimichurri sauce. Place the chicken thighs in a shallow dish and pour half of the chimichurri over them. Turn the chicken to coat evenly, then cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours, to marinate. Keep the other half of the chimichurri aside for serving later.
Step 2: Cook the Marinated Chicken Thighs
Preheat your grill or a large skillet to medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken thighs for 5-7 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The chicken skin should be nicely browned and slightly crisp.
📝 Final Note
Serve these chicken thighs with the reserved fresh chimichurri spooned generously over the top. It’s also fantastic alongside rice or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
