Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Paprika Rub

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

Juicy chicken thighs baked low and slow with a flavorful garlic and paprika seasoning for tender, crispy skin. This american-inspired chicken (low carb, gluten free) ready in about 105 minutes pairs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, smoked paprika, garlic powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, 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: 15 min Cook: 90 min Serves 4 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Trim any excess fat or loose skin from 6 chicken thighs using a sharp knife.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Rub the spice mixture evenly over each chicken thigh, then drizzle 2 tablespoons olive oil over them and rub again to coat well.
  4. Step 4: Place the thighs skin-side up on a wire rack in a baking tray to allow air circulation and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
  5. Step 5: After baking low and slow, increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) and roast for an additional 15 minutes until the skin is crisp and golden.
  6. Step 6: Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes before serving to retain juices and ensure tenderness.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Paprika Rub take to make?

Total time is about 105 minutes (15 min prep + 90 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 Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Paprika Rub?

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 smoked paprika from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Paprika Rub?

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 Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Paprika Rub for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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.

Is Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Paprika Rub low carb?

Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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