1-First Step: Get the oven and pan ready Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a large baking sheet with foil for easier cleanup. If you have a rimmed baking sheet, use that so the juices stay contained while the chicken bakes. This also makes cleanup much faster, which is always a win on a busy night. While the oven heats, get your chicken thighs out of the package and pat them dry with paper towels. This step matters more than people think. Removing extra moisture helps the skin brown better in the oven instead of steaming.

2-Second Step: Arrange the chicken Place the chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Try not to crowd them. Giving the pieces a little space helps hot air move around the chicken, which supports better browning and crisping. At this point, drizzle the chicken with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Rub the oil all over the chicken with your hands or a spoon so each piece gets coated. This helps the seasonings stick and gives the skin a better finish in the oven.

3-Third Step: Mix the seasoning blend In a small bowl, combine the 2 teaspoons salt, 2 teaspoons pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 2 teaspoons onion powder, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, and 1 teaspoon paprika. Stir everything together until the spices are evenly mixed. Then sprinkle the seasoning all over the chicken thighs. Try to coat the top and sides as evenly as possible. A light, even layer gives the best flavor in every bite. If you have extra seasoning left in the bowl, sprinkle it over the pieces again so nothing goes to waste.

4-Fourth Step: Bake until the chicken is done Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes. For bone-in, skin-on thighs, start checking around the 35-minute mark. The exact cook time depends on the size of the thighs and how hot your oven runs. The most important sign of doneness is temperature. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit in the thickest part, away from the bone. A meat thermometer is the easiest way to check this and takes the guesswork out of cooking. For the crispiest skin, bake the thighs without turning them. That way the top gets beautifully browned while the inside stays moist.

5-Final Step: Rest and serve Once the chicken reaches 165 degrees, take it out of the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Resting gives the juices time to settle back into the meat, so every bite stays tender. Serve the chicken with your favorite sides. Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, buttered noodles, or a fresh green salad all work well. If you want a simple meal prep option, pair the thighs with steamed broccoli and rice for easy lunches later in the week.