# Roasted Chicken Thighs: An Economical Dinner Option
Roasted chicken thighs offer an economical dinner that feels much grander than the effort involved. With its crispy exterior, tender meat, and minimal preparation, it makes for an easy, savory family meal.
## Ingredient Insights
– **Chicken Thighs:** For optimal results, select bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, which maintain moisture while the skin crisps beautifully in the oven.
– **Seasonings:** This roasted chicken thigh recipe is easily adjustable based on what you have available or are serving.
– While fresh **thyme** and **basil** enhance flavor and presentation, you can replace them with dried herbs, yielding equally tasty results.
– **Cayenne** can be exchanged with smoked cayenne for a richer smoky taste.
– **Variations:** Add a dash of onion seasoning, substitute the herb mix with Mexican seasoning, or include a hint of red pepper flakes for some heat.
## Instructions for Roasting Chicken Thighs
1. Remove any large pieces of fat if preferred (I generally skip this step).
2. Dry the chicken thoroughly with paper towels to eliminate excess moisture on the skin.
3. Coat the chicken thighs with olive oil, onion powder, and herbs.
4. Arrange on a rimmed baking tray without covering and roast until the juices are clear and a meat thermometer shows an internal temperature of 165°F.
5. Broil for 1-2 minutes at the end if preferred.
### Tips for Ideal Roasted Chicken Thighs
– **Dry the Chicken:** Aids in adhering the oil and spices.
– **Keep Thighs Apart:** Allows them to roast rather than steam.
– **Utilize a Rack:** Promotes skin crispiness.
– **Monitor the Broil:** It can brown swiftly.
– **Crush Dried Herbs:** Enhances their flavor profile.
– **Prep in Advance:** Season early and store in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.
## Save for Future Use
Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and in the freezer for as long as 4 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven or air fryer to restore cripsness of the skin rather than using the microwave. Leftover meat is excellent for wraps, salads, rice dishes, soups, or chicken salad.
### More Simple Chicken Recipes
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## Recipe Information
– **Servings:** 5
– **Preparation Time:** 10 minutes
– **Cooking Time:** 50 minutes
– **Total Time:** 1 hour
### Directions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Toss chicken thighs in olive oil, thyme, basil, onion powder, and cayenne. Generously season with salt and pepper.
3. Roast for 40-45 minutes or until chicken hits 165°F.
4. Broil for 1 minute if desired.
### Nutritional Facts (per serving)
– **Calories:** 351
– **Protein:** 21g
– **Fat:** 28g
– **Saturated Fat:** 6g
– **Cholesterol:** 119mg
– **Sodium:** 108mg
– **Potassium:** 261mg
– **Vitamin A:** 170 IU
– **Vitamin C:** 0.2 mg
– **Calcium:** 12 mg
– **Iron:** 0.9 mg
Nutritional information provided is an approximation and may vary based on preparation techniques and brands of ingredients used.