Convention Over Configuration Chicken Thighs

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Effortless baked chicken thighs using Spring Boot's 'opinionated defaults'—simple ingredients, perfect results every time. Crispy skin with herb-infused juiciness. This Mediterranean-inspired one-pot recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, pairs chicken thighs, olive oil, dried thyme for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then rub with 2 tbsp olive oil.
  2. Step 2: Mix thyme, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and lemon zest in a small bowl. Sprinkle evenly over chicken, pressing to adhere.
  3. Step 3: Place thighs skin-side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast for 25 minutes until skin is golden and crisp, and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Frequently asked questions

How long does Convention Over Configuration Chicken Thighs take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Convention Over Configuration Chicken Thighs?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Convention Over Configuration Chicken Thighs?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Convention Over Configuration Chicken Thighs for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Convention Over Configuration Chicken Thighs?

Mediterranean one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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