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Oven Baked Ranch Chicken Thighs

Oven Baked Ranch Chicken Thighs

The ultimate comfort food! Oven Baked Ranch Chicken Thighs are juicy and flavorful with perfectly crispy skin. Ideal for an easy weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings. Make it tonight!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 5 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

  • 5 medium chicken thighs bone-in, skin-on
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 ounce ranch seasoning dry ranch seasoning powder, 1 ounce is 2 tablespoons
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon pepper

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Baking Sheet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Frying Pan
  • Skillet
  • Oven

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. This high temperature is crucial for achieving that crispy skin.
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil, then lightly spray it with cooking oil. This will prevent the chicken from sticking and make cleanup easier.
  3. Take your medium chicken thighs and dry them well with paper towels. Removing excess moisture will help ensure the skin gets perfectly crispy.
  4. In a bowl, combine the baking powder, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and pepper. Mix everything together thoroughly.
  5. Rub the spice mix evenly over each chicken thigh, making sure to cover them generously. This seasoning will create layers of flavor as the chicken cooks.
  6. Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs on the baking pan with the skin side facing up. Make sure to leave a little space between each piece for even cooking.
  7. Bake the thighs for about 30 to 40 minutes. If you have a convection or air fryer setting, use it for even better results. If not, check the chicken a few minutes early.
  8. If you’re using boneless chicken thighs, start checking for doneness around 25 minutes. You want them to reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  9. Once the chicken is fully cooked, the juices should run clear, and the skin will look golden brown. Use a meat thermometer if available, as it’s the best way to ensure doneness.
  10. Finally, use the pan juices to baste each thigh generously before serving them hot. This adds an extra layer of flavor that you won’t want to miss!

Notes

  • Tip 1: You can use boneless chicken thighs but they cook more quickly. Expect to start checking boneless thighs after 25 minutes cooking for doneness.
  • Tip 2: Do not use baking soda in place of baking powder. Baking soda will not create crunchy skin.
  • Tip 3: To make them extra crispy place the chicken thighs under the broiler for a minute or two to make it golden brown. Watch carefully, it doesn’t take long for the chicken under the broiler to go from extra crispy to burnt if you walk away from them. You only need a minute or two.
  • Tip 4: Chicken thighs can be cooked on a wire rack on top of the baking pan. This allows the juices to drip down from the chicken below. I find the chicken is juicier if you don’t use a rack, but slightly crispier if you do use a wire rack. I suggest lining the pan with foil if you use a wire rack for easy cleanup.