Bone-in chicken thighs seasoned with a simple blackening dry rub, then baked until crisp and cooked through. Marinate briefly or up to 24 hours for more flavor.
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) if you will bake immediately; otherwise wait until after marinating to preheat.
In a small bowl, stir together the dry rub: 2 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp dried thyme, ½ tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, ½ tsp black pepper, and ½ tsp sea salt.
Place the 1.5–2 pounds (4) bone-in chicken thighs in a large zip-top bag or a bowl. Add the dry rub and 2 Tbsp avocado oil.
Seal the bag (or cover the bowl) and massage or shake thoroughly until all thighs are evenly coated with the oil and seasoning.
Refrigerate to marinate for at least 15 minutes, up to 24 hours for more flavor. If you skip marinating, proceed to the next step immediately.
When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 375°F (if not already preheated). Transfer the seasoned thighs to a casserole or baking dish, arranging them skin side up with space between pieces for air circulation.
Bake at 375°F for 40 minutes.
Increase the oven temperature to 425°F and continue baking for an additional 5–10 minutes, until the skin is as crisp as you like and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. To check, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the largest thigh without touching the bone.
Remove the chicken from the oven and let rest for 10–15 minutes before serving.
Notes
Notes
*You can also use sweet paprika, which is often my personal preference over smoked paprika.