Description
Juicy Chicken with Big Bold Flavor is a family favorite! Learn my easy recipe for tender, flavorful chicken that brings everyone to the table.
Ingredients
Scale
- Main Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Aromatic Boosters:
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Spice Blend:
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Zest of 1/2 lemon
- Finishing Touches:
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken:: First things first, grab your chicken thighs. Pat them super dry with paper towels; this is crucial for getting that gorgeous sear later on. Sometimes I forget this step, and the chicken just steams instead of browns, which is a total bummer. Trim off any excess fat you see, just to keep things neat and tidy. You want them ready to soak up all those amazing flavors we’re about to throw at them. I always feel a little thrill at this stage, knowing good food is coming!
- Make the Big Bold Flavor Spice Rub:: In a small bowl, whisk together your olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Now, here’s where the magic happens! Give it a good sniff; that aroma is just incredible. This is your flavor powerhouse, so make sure it’s well combined. I always double-check my measurements here because messing up the spice blend just changes everything, and I’ve had a few too-salty incidents, trust me.
- Coat the Chicken:: Place the dried chicken thighs into a large bowl. Pour that glorious spice rub all over them. Get your hands in there! Seriously, massage that rub into every nook and cranny. You want each piece of Juicy Chicken with Big Bold Flavor to be thoroughly coated. This step is a bit messy, but it’s so satisfying. I love seeing the chicken transform, taking on that deep, rich color from the spices.
- Sear for the Flavor:: Heat a large skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, carefully place the coated chicken thighs in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. You might need to do this in batches, and that’s perfectly fine! Let them sear for about 5-7 minutes per side, until they’re beautifully golden brown and released from the pan easily. This is where you build that incredible crust and lock in all the juiciness. I always peek a little too early, but patience is key here!
- Finish in the Oven:: Once seared, transfer the skillet (if oven-safe) or the chicken to an oven-safe baking dish. Pop it into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for another 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This ensures your Juicy Chicken with Big Bold Flavor is cooked through and incredibly tender. I usually set a timer and then forget what I was doing, but the oven takes care of the rest!
- Rest and Garnish:: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes on a cutting board. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping your chicken incredibly juicy. Then, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top and sprinkle with fresh parsley. The bright lemon and fresh herbs really elevate this Juicy Chicken with Big Bold Flavor. It just smells like pure comfort and looks so inviting!