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Old Bay Chicken Thighs Recipe

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3.8 from 148 reviews

Old Bay Chicken Thighs are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring juicy chicken thighs marinated in a zesty blend of Old Bay seasoning, tomato paste, garlic, onion powder, and herbs. Baked or air-fried to crispy perfection, this recipe delivers a savory meal perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 6 Chicken thighs

Marinade

  • 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 and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the chicken thighs.
  2. Prepare Marinade: In a small bowl, combine avocado oil, tomato paste, Old Bay seasoning, dried parsley, onion powder, garlic paste, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a flavorful marinade.
  3. Trim Chicken: Trim off any hanging skin and excess fat from the chicken thighs. Place the trimmed chicken into a bowl.
  4. Marinate Chicken: Add the prepared marinade to the chicken thighs and mix until all pieces are well coated. For best results, let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to develop.
  5. Arrange for Baking: Place the chicken thighs skin side down in a baking dish evenly.
  6. Bake First Side: Bake in the oven for 20 minutes to begin cooking the chicken and rendering the fat beneath the skin.
  7. Flip Chicken: Carefully remove the baking dish and flip the chicken pieces to skin side up to crisp the skin.
  8. Bake Second Side: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy.
  9. Rest and Serve: Transfer the cooked chicken thighs to a serving plate and let rest for 5-10 minutes to redistribute juices. Serve warm and enjoy your flavorful Old Bay Chicken Thighs.
  10. Alternative Air Fryer Method: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. Arrange the marinated chicken thighs skin side down in the basket and cook for 15 minutes. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until fully cooked and skin is crispy. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Marinating the chicken for longer (up to 2 hours) will deepen the flavor.
  • Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
  • Use an instant-read meat thermometer to verify doneness.
  • Avocado oil is used for its high smoke point and neutral flavor but can be substituted with olive oil.
  • The air fryer method is faster and yields similarly crispy skin.
  • Resting the chicken after cooking helps keep it juicy and tender.
  • If baking, use a rimmed baking dish to catch any drippings and prevent oven mess.