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Weeknight • Chicken

Crispy Garlic Chili Chicken Thighs

These chicken thighs are packed with spicy, garlicky flavor and boast delightfully crispy skin, all with minimal effort.

Prep
10 min
Cook
25 min
Servings
4
Level
Weeknight
Crispy Garlic Chili Chicken Thighs

If you're anything like us, a crispy chicken thigh is pure bliss. This recipe takes that joy and amplifies it with a punchy garlic-chili rub that creates an irresistible crust. Perfect for a weeknight, these thighs are moist on the inside, crispy on the outside, and full of flavor. Get ready for your new favorite chicken recipe!

Ingredients

Yield: 4 servings

Main

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5-2 lbs)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 - 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat chicken thighs very dry with paper towels – this is key for crispy skin!

  2. Step 2

    In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Drizzle chicken thighs with olive oil, then rub the spice mixture generously all over the chicken, making sure to get under the skin if desired.

  3. Step 3

    Place chicken thighs skin-side up in a large oven-safe skillet (cast iron works great) or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Ensure there's space between the thighs for even cooking.

  4. Step 4

    Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part and the skin is deeply golden brown and crispy. If the skin isn't as crispy as you like, you can briefly broil for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

  5. Step 5

    Remove from oven, let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro if using.

Tips

  • Don't skip patting the chicken dry! Moisture on the skin prevents it from getting crispy.
  • For an extra layer of flavor, you can add a pinch of onion powder or a dash of cayenne pepper to the spice rub.
  • Serve with roasted vegetables, rice, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

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