Twice-Baked Twelve-Spice Chicken Thighs

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

Tender chicken thighs infused with a blend of twelve warm spices, roasted and finished with a crisp skin, perfect for a comforting dinner. This middle eastern-inspired new year ready in about 50 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, olive oil, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, 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: 35 min Serves 6 Middle Eastern cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a small bowl, mix 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp ground coriander, 1/4 tsp ground ginger, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/8 tsp ground cloves, 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/4 tsp ground cardamom, 1/4 tsp ground allspice, 1/4 tsp ground black pepper, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder together thoroughly.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 6 bone-in chicken thighs with paper towels, then rub them evenly with 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and the prepared twelve-spice mix, ensuring each piece is well coated.
  3. Step 3: Place the chicken thighs skin-side up on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden and crispy.
  4. Step 4: Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving, allowing the juices to redistribute for tender, flavorful chicken.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Twice-Baked Twelve-Spice Chicken Thighs take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 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 Twice-Baked Twelve-Spice 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 bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Twice-Baked Twelve-Spice 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 Twice-Baked Twelve-Spice Chicken Thighs for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Twice-Baked Twelve-Spice Chicken Thighs?

Middle Eastern new year 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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