Ingredients
Method
- Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (180°C fan). A hot oven is essential for getting a nice initial sear on the chicken, which helps keep it moist. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish or line it with foil for easier cleanup.
- Prepare the Chicken: Take the chicken thighs out of the packaging and pat them completely dry with paper towels. This step is critical! A dry surface allows the chicken to brown rather than steam in the oven.
- Mix the Marinade: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, dried oregano, dried thyme, sweet paprika, salt, and black pepper until they are well combined.
- Coat the Chicken: Add the dry chicken thighs to the bowl with the marinade. I find that using my hands is the best way to ensure every nook and cranny of the chicken is thoroughly coated. Make sure each piece is generously covered.
- Arrange in the Baking Dish: Place the coated chicken thighs in a single layer in your prepared baking dish. Be sure not to overcrowd the dish; leave a little space between each thigh. This helps them bake evenly. Pour any remaining marinade from the bowl over the chicken.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The chicken is cooked when it is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F) on a meat thermometer. This is the most reliable way to check for doneness, as recommended by the Food Standards Agency.
- Let It Rest: Once cooked, remove the baking dish from the oven. Let the chicken rest in the dish for at least 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a much more succulent bite.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if you wish, and serve immediately with the delicious pan juices drizzled over the top.
Notes
For best results, use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F). Serve with roasted potatoes or a fresh green salad.
