Baked Chicken Thighs With Paprika

Name: Baked Chicken Thighs With Paprika
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on; 2 tablespoons paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil

Highlighted under: Cozy Comfort Meals Favorites

I absolutely love making baked chicken thighs with paprika for a delicious weeknight dinner. The vibrant color and earthy flavor of paprika combined with tender, juicy chicken make this dish truly irresistible. It's so easy to prepare, and the best part is that I usually have most of the ingredients in my pantry. When baked just right, the chicken turns crispy on the outside while remaining succulent on the inside. Serve it with your favorite sides, and you'll have a wholesome meal that the whole family will enjoy.

Created by

Ottoline Reeves

Last updated on 2026-02-08T04:25:36.805Z

I remember the first time I made baked chicken thighs with paprika. I was experimenting with spices in the kitchen and decided to give paprika a try after hearing about its smoky flavor. My family was amazed by the results, and it quickly became a staple in our meal rotation. The combination of spices creates an aroma that drifts through the house, making dinner feel special.

One of my favorite tips is to marinate the chicken thighs for at least an hour or even overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeply, resulting in juicy chicken that bursts with flavor. Plus, the paprika not only adds taste but gives the chicken a beautiful golden color when cooked, making it so visually appealing!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
The smoky paprika blend elevates this dish to new heights.
Crispy skin with succulent, tender meat on the inside.
Easy preparation makes it perfect for busy weeknights.

The Importance of Paprika

Paprika is more than just a colorful spice; it plays a pivotal role in this dish. Its smoky and slightly sweet flavor enhances the chicken, creating a depth of taste that elevates the entire meal. I recommend using a high-quality, smoked paprika for an additional layer of complexity. This choice will infuse the chicken with a rich flavor that distinguishes it from other baked chicken recipes.

When applying the paprika mix, ensure you follow the rub technique. This means not only coating the outside but also gently lifting the skin to apply some spices directly onto the meat. This ensures that every bite is infused with flavor, making the chicken thighs truly irresistible.

Achieving the Perfect Crisp

To achieve that desired crispy skin on the chicken thighs, keep a few key points in mind. First, ensure that the skin is dry before applying your spice blend. Patting the chicken dry with paper towels will help remove moisture, allowing the skin to crisp up beautifully in the oven. Additionally, the olive oil should be drizzled generously to aid in browning during baking.

Another crucial factor is baking temperature. The 400°F (200°C) heat is perfect because it cooks the chicken through while enabling a golden crust to form. A common mistake is to remove the chicken too early. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 165°F (75°C) for safety. Trust me, the extra 5-10 minutes can make all the difference.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
2 tablespoons paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

Steps

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Prepare the Chicken

In a bowl, mix together paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this spice mixture onto the chicken thighs.

Add Olive Oil

Drizzle the olive oil over the seasoned chicken thighs, ensuring they are well coated.

Bake

Place the chicken thighs skin-side up on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Enjoy!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken thighs in the spice mixture for a few hours or overnight. This helps the spices absorb fully into the meat, resulting in even richer flavors.

Make-Ahead Tips

One of the advantages of this dish is that it can be prepared ahead of time. You can season the chicken thighs and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This not only saves time on busy weeknights but also enhances the flavor as the spices marinate into the meat.

If you prefer a quicker weekday meal, you can bake the chicken and then refrigerate the leftovers. Simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, keeping the skin crisp, or quickly microwave for a more rapid reheating. Just remember that the skin won't retain its crispiness in the microwave.

Flavor Variations

While paprika is the star of this dish, don’t hesitate to experiment with additional spices. For a bit of heat, consider adding cayenne pepper or chipotle powder to your seasoning mix. This will give your baked chicken a delightful kick without overwhelming its natural flavors.

Alternatively, try incorporating some fresh herbs. Adding a teaspoon of dried thyme or rosemary to the spice mix can bring a fresh aroma to the dish. If you have fresh herbs, sprinkle some over the chicken in the last 10 minutes of baking to highlight their flavor without compromising their brightness.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use boneless chicken thighs?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be used, but reduce the cooking time to about 30-35 minutes.

→ What should I serve with the baked chicken thighs?

These chicken thighs pair well with roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.

→ Can I substitute paprika with another spice?

Yes, smoked paprika or Cajun seasoning can be great substitutes for a different flavor profile.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for best results.