Juicy, flavorful baked crispy chicken with golden, crunchy skin—no frying needed! Made with chicken thighs, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
There are two types of people in this world—those who think baked chicken can’t be crispy and those who have tried this recipe.
For years, I was on Team “Baked Chicken is Meh.” Every time I attempted it, the skin ended up…well, let’s just say chewy was a kind description. I figured the only way to get that shatteringly crisp chicken skin was to break out the deep fryer, which is a whole mess I just don’t have the patience for.
But one day, I came across a little trick (I’ll get to that in a sec), and suddenly, my baked chicken game changed forever. Now? This is my holy grail of crispy chicken recipes. It’s simple. It’s foolproof. And best of all? It actually delivers that golden, crunchy skin without a drop of frying oil.
If you love crispy and juicy chicken without the greasy mess, this one’s for you.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Crispy Chicken Recipe?
- No frying, no splattering oil – Your stovetop stays clean. Win.
- Simple ingredients – You probably have everything in your kitchen right now.
- Juicy inside, crispy outside – That’s the dream, right?
- Perfect for meal prep – Make a batch and enjoy all week.
- Versatile & foolproof – Switch up the seasonings, and you’ll never get bored.
Ingredient Notes:
Nothing fancy here—just a handful of pantry staples. The magic is in how they come together.
- Chicken Thighs – Bone-in, skin-on. Trust me, the skin is where the magic happens.
- Olive Oil – Helps with browning and crisping.
- Kosher Salt – Draws out moisture for extra crispy skin.
- Black Pepper – A little kick of heat and flavor.
- Optional Add-Ons: Smoked paprika, garlic powder, or even a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning for a fun twist!
Pro Tip: Pat your chicken dry with a paper towel before seasoning. Less moisture = more crispiness.
How To Make Baked Crispy Chicken?
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
First things first—get that oven hot. Set it to 400°F (200°C). This high heat is essential for crisping up the skin.
Step 2: Prep Your Baking Sheet
Line a baking tray with foil for easy cleanup. No scrubbing pans later? Yes, please.
Step 3: Season the Chicken
Place the chicken skin-side down on the baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then flip them over so the skin is facing up.
Now, drizzle with olive oil and another sprinkle of salt and pepper. Want a little more flavor? Toss in some paprika or garlic powder.
Step 4: Bake & Let the Oven Do Its Magic
Want To Save This Recipe?
Slide the tray into the oven and walk away for 60 minutes. No flipping, no basting, no babysitting.
The skin will get golden and crispy, and the inside will stay juicy and tender. Just let it do its thing.
Step 5: Let It Rest & Serve
Once done, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps lock in the juices, making sure every bite is ridiculously good.
Now, take a bite and listen to that crunch. You did that!
Storage Options:
If you somehow don’t devour every last piece (which has never happened in my house, but hey), here’s how to store it:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Pop it back in a 400°F oven for 10–15 minutes to keep that crispy skin. (Microwaving? Just don’t. Unless you like rubbery chicken.)
Variations and Substitutions:
- Spicy Kick: Add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or chili powder for some heat.
- Lemon Pepper: A squeeze of fresh lemon and cracked black pepper? Perfection.
- Garlic & Herb: Mix in some rosemary, thyme, or Italian seasoning.
- BBQ Lovers: Brush with BBQ sauce in the last 10 minutes of baking.
What to Serve with Baked Crispy Chicken?
Crispy chicken is basically a blank canvas—pair it with anything! Here are some of my go-to sides:
- Mashed Potatoes – Creamy meets crispy. What’s not to love?
- Roasted Veggies – Brussels sprouts, carrots, or asparagus make it a full meal.
- Mac & Cheese – Because you deserve it.
- Cornbread – A little sweet, a little savory. Perfect match.
- Side Salad – For a touch of healthiness.
Dipping sauces? Absolutely! Try honey mustard, ranch, or hot sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use chicken breasts instead?
Yes, but they won’t be as juicy. Bake at 375°F for about 30–35 minutes instead.
Can I make this in the
Yep! Cook at 375°F for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Do I need to marinate the chicken?
Nope! The high heat and simple seasoning give plenty of flavor—no extra steps needed.
And that’s it—Baked Crispy Chicken that’s stupidly easy, outrageously delicious, and completely mess-free.
I’ve made this dozens of times, and it never fails. Perfect for lazy weeknights, meal prep, or when you just want something crispy and satisfying without the hassle of frying.
So, what are you serving with yours? Drop a comment below—I love hearing your go-to side dishes!
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
baked crispy chicken
Ingredients
- 6 – 8 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 ½ – 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: ground paprika and/or granulated garlic
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to a comforting temperature of 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare a baking tray by lining it with foil, for easy cleanup.
- Arrange the chicken thighs on the tray ensuring that the skin side is facing down.
- Sprinkle some salt and pepper over the chicken to enhance its flavor.
- Now here's the twist; gently flip the chicken so that the skin side is facing up and drizzle it with some oil.
- For an added burst of flavor sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper over the top.
- Allow it to bake in the oven for 60 minutes until you achieve that crisp texture, on the skin.
- Once done baking let it rest for 5 minutes before indulging in its taste. Enjoy every bite!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
