Roasting Pan Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs are a versatile, flavourful, and juicy cut of meat that can be roasted to perfection in a roasting pan. This cooking method is a great way to get crispy skin and tender, juicy meat. The key to achieving this is to use a combination of high heat and an oven-safe pan or cast-iron skillet.

The first step is to pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and let them come to room temperature. This ensures even cooking and helps create a nice sear. Next, a simple blend of spices is mixed, which typically includes salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning. The chicken thighs are then coated in olive oil and the spice blend, making sure to get a good amount under the skin.

The chicken is then seared skin-side down in a preheated pan for 5-7 minutes until golden brown. After searing, the chicken is placed in the oven at a high temperature, typically between 375°F and 425°F, for 20-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

This easy and delicious recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner and can be paired with various sides, such as roasted potatoes, rice, salad, or roasted vegetables.

Marinating the chicken

A good marinade needs a combination of five key elements: salt, spice, sweetness, acid, and umami. You can also add herbs for an extra layer of flavour.

For a simple marinade, olive oil and lemon juice are a great combination. You can also add salt and pepper to taste. Leave the chicken to marinate for at least an hour, or even overnight, before roasting.

If you're looking for something a little more complex, try a marinade with garlic, honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, ground cumin, salt, cayenne pepper, and lime juice and zest. This marinade has a beautiful blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavours that will give your chicken impressive complexity.

Another option is a marinade with olive oil, brown sugar, soy sauce, lemon zest, fresh parsley, thyme, pepper, and garlic. This marinade has a savoury blend of fresh herbs, garlic, olive oil, lemon, and seasonings that pairs perfectly with chicken thighs.

If you're short on time, a quick marinade of honey, soy sauce, green onions, cooking oil, garlic, vinegar, sesame oil, and ginger will also do the trick. This marinade has a mouthwatering honey soy sauce that's perfect for a weeknight or weekend dinner.

Remember, the longer you marinate the chicken, the more intense the flavour will be. So, if you're looking for a truly mouthwatering dish, be sure to give your chicken plenty of time to soak up all those delicious flavours.

Choosing the right cooking temperature

The cooking temperature you choose for your chicken thighs will depend on the texture you want to achieve. If you're aiming for crispy skin, then higher temperatures are preferable, while lower temperatures are better for juicier meat. However, it's important to note that cooking at high temperatures may cause the chicken skin to burn, whereas low temperatures may not crisp up the skin.

For juicy, tender chicken thighs, it is recommended to cook them at a higher temperature for a shorter period. Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs should be cooked at around 400°F (200°C) for 30-40 minutes. This will ensure the skin crisps up nicely without burning, and the meat stays juicy.

If you're using boneless skinless chicken thighs, reduce the cooking time by about 10 minutes, as they will cook faster without the bone and skin.

For a lower and slower approach, some cooks recommend temperatures of 350°F (177°C) and below. This method will result in a longer cooking time, but can still produce juicy and tender chicken thighs.

It's important to ensure that your chicken thighs are properly cooked to avoid any food safety issues. Chicken thighs should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check this. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, being careful to avoid touching the bone, as this will give an inaccurate reading.

Once your chicken thighs have reached the desired internal temperature, it's a good idea to let them rest for around 10 minutes before serving. This helps seal in the juices and ensures a juicy, tender bite.

Using a roasting pan

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Take your chicken thighs out of the fridge 20-30 minutes before cooking to let them come to room temperature. This helps with even cooking. Then, pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step is important as it ensures the skin gets crispy, and the chicken doesn't stick to the pan.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Roasting Pan

Preheat your oven to around 400 degrees Fahrenheit. For the pan, you can use a baking sheet, a roasting pan, or a cast-iron skillet—ensure it's oven-safe. Line your pan with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup, or spray it with olive oil or cooking spray.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

Drizzle or brush the chicken thighs with olive oil. This helps the seasoning stick to the skin and makes it extra crispy. For seasoning, you can use a simple blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, sage, or Italian seasoning. Mix your chosen spices in a small bowl, then sprinkle and rub the spice mixture generously over each piece of chicken, making sure to get some under the skin.

Step 4: Sear the Chicken (Optional)

If you're using an oven-safe skillet, you can sear the chicken before roasting. Place the chicken thighs, skin-side down, in a single layer in the hot skillet. Sear for 5-7 minutes until they are golden brown, then flip. Turning the chicken will be easier once a nice crust has formed.

Step 5: Roast the Chicken

Place the chicken in the preheated oven. If you've seared the chicken first, turn off the stovetop burner before putting the skillet in the oven. Roast the chicken for about 30 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use a meat thermometer to check.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for around 10 minutes before serving. This helps seal in the juices. These chicken thighs go well with a variety of sides, such as rice, potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a salad.

Storing and Reheating

You can store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. Reheat them in the oven, covered with foil, for 10-15 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

The benefits of bone-in chicken

Roasting chicken thighs in a roasting pan is a simple and delicious way to prepare a meal. Using bone-in chicken thighs adds flavour and moisture to the dish, and there are several other benefits to choosing bone-in chicken.

Firstly, bone-in chicken is a great source of various minerals, collagen, and amino acids such as proline and glycine. These amino acids are needed as building blocks for our own collagen production and are essential for several critical functions in our bodies. Collagen is also known as "glue-producing" as it quite literally holds our bodies together.

Secondly, cooking with bones is a simple and delicious way to receive these nutrients. Bones from a healthy animal source are best to avoid exposure to unwanted substances. Pastured chicken or grass-fed beef will likely provide maximum health benefits.

Thirdly, bone-in chicken is a cost-effective way to add flavour to your dish. Skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs are often much cheaper than boneless, skinless thighs, and they add a lot of flavour to the dish.

Finally, don't throw away the bones once you've enjoyed your meal! You can use them to make a delicious and nutritious bone broth. Simply save the bones and skin, add them to a slow cooker with vegetables, garlic, and water, and let it sit for 24 hours. This will make a tasty and nutritious broth, and it's an excellent way to reduce waste.

How to serve roasted chicken thighs

Roasted chicken thighs are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas and suggestions on how to serve them:

As a Main Course

Roasted chicken thighs can be served as a main course, paired with a variety of side dishes. Some side dish options include:

• Roasted potatoes
• Rice
• Salad
• Roasted vegetables such as green beans, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts
• Crispy scored potatoes
• Baked sweet potato

In Salads

Chicken thighs also work well in salads. Remove the bone and slice the chicken before serving it on top of a bed of greens or roasted vegetables. You can also whip up a quick vinaigrette by mixing olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper for a fresh and flavourful addition to your salad.

With Starch and Vegetables

If you're looking for a heartier meal, roasted chicken thighs can be served with a starch and a vegetable. Some starch options include:

• Mashed potatoes
• Roasted potato wedges
• Baked sweet potatoes
• Gluten-free focaccia
• Gluten-free cornbread

For vegetables, you can roast or steam options like green beans, sweet corn, or broccoli.

As Meal Prep

Roasted chicken thighs also make a great meal prep option. They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three to five days. Serve them as-is or use them as a protein source over salads or roasted vegetables for a quick and nutritious lunch.

With Bone Broth

Don't forget to save those bones! After enjoying your roasted chicken thighs, you can use the bones and skin to make a bone broth. Simply add them to a slow cooker with scrap vegetables, onions, garlic, and water, and let it simmer for 24 hours.

Frequently asked questions