Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs (Printable Recipe)
Crispy chicken thighs baked with lemon butter for an easy satisfying dinner
# Ingredients You'll Need:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
4 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs (8 oz each), patted dry
02 -
2 teaspoons kosher salt
03 -
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest, divided
04 -
1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 -
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
06 -
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Place a wire rack inside a rimmed baking sheet. Arrange chicken thighs on the rack. Sprinkle both sides evenly with 1 teaspoon salt. Stretch chicken skin to cover each thigh completely. Refrigerate uncovered for 30 minutes.
02 -
Mix the remaining 1 teaspoon salt with 1 teaspoon lemon zest. Spread on a paper towel-lined plate and let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes to dry.
03 -
Preheat oven to 450°F. In a small bowl, combine butter, garlic powder, 1 teaspoon dried lemon salt, and remaining 1 tablespoon lemon zest. Let sit at room temperature until ready to use.
04 -
Remove chicken from refrigerator and pat dry. Sprinkle with black pepper. Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes until skin is beginning to crisp.
05 -
Remove from oven and brush each thigh with half the lemon butter. Return to oven and bake for 5 more minutes until golden brown and crisp. Brush with remaining butter and garnish with remaining lemon salt before serving.
# Extra Tips:
01 -
Allowing chicken skin to dry in the fridge helps ensure crispiness with minimal effort.
02 -
Brushing with butter toward the end of cooking intensifies browning without drying the meat.
03 -
Using a wire rack promotes airflow and even crisping on all sides of the chicken.