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a crispy spanish baked chicken thigh

Crispy Spanish Baked Chicken Thighs - Easy 45-Minute Recipe - LESS OIL MORE FLAVOR!

Byron
Make perfectly crispy Spanish baked chicken thighs that are juicy and deliciously spiced with cayenne and smoked Spanish paprika. Easy to make, lots of flavor, and no deep frying required!
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Chicken, dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Mediterranean, Spain
Servings 6 chicken thighs
Calories 271 kcal

Equipment

  • large Glass bowl
  • Stainless steel baking tray *
  • Mesh baking rack
  • Cooking Tongs
  • Lemon juicer (optional)
  • Serving plate or platter

Ingredients

  • 6 chicken thighs skin on, bone in approx 1kg / 35 oz.
  • 1 tsp Spanish La Vera smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • ½ tsp White pepper
  • 1 tsp Garlic powder
  • ½ tsp Cayenne pepper add more for extra heat
  • 1 Tbsp baking powder
  • 1-2 Tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
  • Lemon zest and juice 1 lemon

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 120°C / 250°F
  • Add all the spices and seasoning into a large bowl with the olive oil, lemon zest, and juice and mix with a fork. Then add the chicken thighs and coat in the sauce. Rub it in and under the chicken skin for best results.
    6 chicken thighs, 1 tsp Spanish La Vera smoked paprika, 1 tsp Salt, ½ tsp White pepper, 1 tsp Garlic powder, ½ tsp Cayenne pepper, 1 Tbsp baking powder, 1-2 Tbsp Extra virgin olive oil, Lemon zest and juice
  • Place chicken thighs onto a mesh tray with an oven tray below (to catch any drips). Bake for 25-30 minutes.
  • Check chicken and increase oven temp to 200°C / 400°F. Bake for a further 10 minutes for extra crispy skin.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 74°C / 165°F. Once done, remove from oven and leave to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Video

Notes

Cooking Tips and FAQs

⚠️Important Cooking Note: Never leave the oven unattended. Keep an eye on the oven throughout the cooking process as the chicken fat and oil can be hazardous and catch fire when cooked at high temperatures. If the oven starts to condense with smoke, reduce heat immediately. 
🧑‍🍳Use a mesh baking tray and drip tray underneath: Chicken thighs contain a lot of fat that will reduce and drip once cooked. To save on cleaning, we suggest using a mesh baking sheet and a drip tray below to catch any fat. 
🍗Use skin-on and bone-in chicken thighs: For the best flavor and texture, use chicken thighs with the skin-on and bone-in. Boneless chicken thighs can be used, however reduce cooking time to suit. 
🌡️Use a Meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 74°C / 165°F. Once done, remove from oven and leave to rest for 5 minutes before serving. 
🫒Use good quality olive oil: We always use a quality brand of extra virgin olive oil for any recipes we make.
Keyword 45-minute recipe, baked Chicken, cayenne pepper, Chicken thighs, crispy baked chicken thighs, crispy chicken, smoked paprika, spanish baked chicken thighs