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Old Bay Chicken Thighs Recipe

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4 from 10 reviews

Delicious Old Bay Chicken Thighs baked to crispy perfection with a flavorful blend of Old Bay seasoning, tomato paste, garlic, and herbs. This easy-to-make recipe results in juicy, tender chicken thighs with a crispy skin, perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. You can also prepare it using an air fryer for a quicker, equally tasty option.

Ingredients

Chicken and Marinade

  • 6 Chicken thighs
  • 1 ½ Tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
  • 1 Tablespoon Tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic paste
  • 1 ½ teaspoon Onion powder
  • ½ Tablespoon Dried parsley
  • 2 Tablespoons Avocado oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature when you start baking the chicken.
  2. Prepare the marinade. In a small bowl, whisk together avocado oil, tomato paste, Old Bay seasoning, dried parsley, onion powder, garlic paste, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
  3. Trim the chicken thighs. Remove any hanging skin and excess fat from the chicken thighs to ensure even cooking and prevent flare-ups if grilling.
  4. Marinate the chicken. Place the chicken thighs in a bowl and pour the marinade over them. Mix thoroughly to coat each piece. For best flavor, leave to marinate for at least 30 minutes if time permits.
  5. Arrange and bake. Place the chicken thighs in a baking dish, skin side down. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, then carefully flip each piece to skin side up and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy and golden.
  6. Rest before serving. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest on a serving plate for 5-10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender bites.
  7. Air fryer option. If using an air fryer, preheat it to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes and lightly spray the basket with oil. Place chicken thighs skin side down in the basket, cook for 15 minutes, flip, and cook for another 10-15 minutes until fully cooked and skin is crispy.
  8. Serve and enjoy. Once rested, serve your perfectly cooked Old Bay chicken thighs with your favorite sides.

Notes

  • Marinating the chicken longer enhances flavor but you can cook immediately if short on time.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
  • If you prefer extra crispy skin, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.
  • Avocado oil is used for its high smoke point but can be substituted with other neutral oils like canola or vegetable oil.
  • This recipe is versatile and pairs well with side dishes like roasted vegetables, rice, or salads.