Description
This recipe lives up to its name with juicy, tender, and perfectly seasoned chicken that’s bursting with flavor! Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or serving it for a special occasion, this simple yet incredible chicken will become your go-to favorite. With a crispy exterior and moist, flavorful interior, it’s everything you want in a chicken dish and more.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or breasts, if preferred)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 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)
- 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 (this helps them get crispy).
- Season the chicken all over with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
-
Sear the Chicken:
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken skin-side down and sear for about 5-7 minutes, until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
- Flip the chicken over and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on the other side.
-
Bake the Chicken:
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- If you’re using chicken breasts, they might need slightly less time, around 15-20 minutes, depending on thickness.
-
Finish and Serve:
- Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Optional: drizzle with fresh lemon juice for a touch of brightness and garnish with fresh herbs.
Notes
- Feel free to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs if you prefer, but the bone-in, skin-on cuts tend to be juicier and more flavorful.
- You can also add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving to balance out the richness of the chicken.
- If you want to make it a complete meal, serve with roasted vegetables or a side salad.
- This chicken is versatile enough to pair with a wide range of sides or to be used in sandwiches and wraps!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pan-searing and baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh (based on 4 servings)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 105mg