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**"The Easiest Chicken Thigh Recipe: Quick and Delicious Weeknight Dinner"**Now, let's dive into a detailed description of this recipe, ensuring it is at le……

**"The Easiest Chicken Thigh Recipe: Quick and Delicious Weeknight Dinner"**

Now, let's dive into a detailed description of this recipe, ensuring it is at least 500 words long.

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If you’re looking for the easiest chicken thigh recipe that’s both quick and delicious, you’ve come to the right place. This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need to whip up something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen. Chicken thighs are juicy, flavorful, and incredibly versatile, making them a staple in many households. Let's explore how you can create a mouth-watering dish with minimal effort.

### Ingredients:

- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 1 teaspoon black pepper

- 1 teaspoon garlic powder

- 1 teaspoon paprika

- 1 teaspoon dried thyme

- 1 lemon, sliced

- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

### Instructions:

1. **Preheat Your Oven**: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your chicken thighs will cook evenly and develop a crispy skin.

2. **Prepare the Chicken Thighs**: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This step is crucial as it helps achieve that coveted crispy skin. Place the thighs in a large bowl.

3. **Season the Chicken**: Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are well-coated. In a small bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and dried thyme. Sprinkle this seasoning mix evenly over the chicken thighs, rubbing it in to ensure each piece is well-seasoned.

4. **Arrange in Baking Dish**: Place the seasoned chicken thighs in a baking dish, skin side up. Arrange the lemon slices around the chicken for added flavor and a touch of acidity that balances the richness of the meat.

5. **Bake**: Bake the chicken thighs in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the skin is crispy and golden brown. If you prefer extra crispy skin, you can broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

6. **Rest and Serve**: Remove the chicken thighs from the oven and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is juicy and flavorful. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

### Tips and Variations:

- **Marinade**: For an extra layer of flavor, you can marinate the chicken thighs for a few hours or overnight. A simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs can work wonders.

- **Spices**: Feel free to experiment with different spices and herbs. Cumin, coriander, rosemary, or even a dash of cayenne pepper can add a unique twist to this basic recipe.

- **Side Dishes**: This easiest chicken thigh recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

- **Storage**: Leftover chicken thighs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can be reheated in the oven or microwave, though the skin may lose some of its crispiness.

### Health Benefits:

Chicken thighs are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. They are a great source of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth. Additionally, chicken thighs contain higher amounts of zinc and iron compared to chicken breasts, which are vital for immune function and oxygen transport in the blood.

### Conclusion:

This easiest chicken thigh recipe is a go-to for anyone looking to make a quick and delicious dinner with minimal fuss. The combination of simple ingredients and straightforward steps ensures that even novice cooks can achieve a restaurant-quality meal at home. So, next time you’re pressed for time but still want to enjoy a hearty, flavorful dish, give this recipe a try. Your taste buds will thank you!