These Southern Baked Chicken Thighs are an effortless family-friendly dinner option that delivers juicy, tender meat with perfectly crisp skin. Seasoned with a blend of spices and baked to golden perfection, they’re accompanied by a rich, flavorful gravy. This classic Southern dish is made with simple ingredients, making it an ideal choice for a comforting family meal.
I will forever be team chicken thighs over breast ANY day. Thighs are just so much juicier and packed with flavor.
Because I love to cook, and I’m always trying new things my boyfriend often tells me to just do a basic dinner here and there. And this is one of my go-to basic meals. But honestly, there’s nothing ‘basic’ about these juicy chicken thighs! They’re perfectly seasoned, and since the oven does most of the work, it’s an ideal recipe for beginners.
How to make Southern Baked Chicken Thighs?
This recipe is incredibly simple! Start by seasoning the bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs in a bowl. Top with knobs of butter and sliced onions, cover, and bake in the oven until you achieve golden, crispy perfection. Basting throughout the cooking process ensures the baked chicken thighs stay juicy and tender.
And that’s it! You can have dinner on the table in just over an hour with minimal prep work and dishes to clean up—and that, my friends, is a WIN!
Ingredients for Southern Baked Chicken Thighs
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken Thighs: Bone in, and skin on. For maximum flavor.
- Seasonings: I used a variety of pantry staples. onion powder, garlic powder, Badia Complete seasoning, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, Tony’s seasoning, salt and pepper.
- Olive oil: use a good quality olive oil.
- Yellow Onion: As the chicken bakes, the onions caramelize, adding the most incredible flavor.
- Butter: Unsalted. As the chicken bakes, and the juices + butter create the best sauce.
That’s it! Simple, easy, and delicious. I’m sure you have all these ingredients right in your kitchen to make these Southern baked chicken thighs.
Tips For Southern Baked Chicken Thighs
Here’s what you need to know to make sure your chicken thighs turn out perfectly:
- Pat your chicken dry: Before seasoning, pat the chicken thighs dry to remove as much moisture as possible. This will make sure the skin gets extra crispy.
- Baste the chicken in it’s juices. This is going to make the chicken extra juicy and lock in all that delicious flavor.
- Get under that skin: don’t forget to lift up the skin and get the seasoning all up under there.
- Don’t forget to flip: Halfway through flip the chicken thighs to ensure even cooking. This will also allow for both sides to get crispy.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: If you’re unsure whether your chicken is done, a meat thermometer can put your mind at ease. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F. You can also use a fork to take a quick peek!
How to serve?
Complete your meal by pairing these Southern baked chicken thighs with any of the following:
- Sweet Potato Casserole
- Honey Sriracha Roasted Broccoli
- Easy and Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Asparagus
- Rice
- Side Salad
- Roasted Veggies
Recipe variations:
- add more veggies. Pair these baked chicken thighs by adding more veggies. Mushrooms, peppers, or sweet potatoes will work great.
- Add balsamic to give it a nice tangy flavor.
More Weeknight Recipes To Try
- Ultimate Blackened Chicken Sandwich
- Creamy Shrimp Stuffed Salmon
- Creamy Salmon and Broccoli Pasta Bake
- Million Dollar Spaghetti
If you try this Southern Baked Chicken Recipe, please be sure to leave a comment, and or tag me on Instagram @cookwithci. I would love to see your recreations and hear your thoughts.
Southern Baked Chicken Thighs
Equipment
- Cast Iron Skillet
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs bone in, skin on
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp butter unsalted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Badia Complete seasoning
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- creole seasoning optional
- 1/2 yellow onion thinly sliced
- chives for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees
- Place them in a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and season with Badia Complete Seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub the mixture into the thighs until they're completely coated.
- Place the chicken thighs, skin-side down, to a cast iron skillet. Layer the thinly sliced onions on top. Place 1/2 teaspoon of butter on each thigh. Cover with foil and bake for 55 minutes, flipping the thighs halfway through.
- In the last 10 minutes, baste the chicken with its juices, then return it to the oven uncovered. Baste one more time before switching the oven to broil, and cook for another 10 minutes until the skin is crispy.
- Sprinkle with chives and serve over rice or mashed potatoes alongside your favorite veggie. Then dig in and enjoy!
Did you make it?
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