Description
Juicy baked chicken thighs coated in a smoky, slightly spicy marinade that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. This easy recipe delivers bold flavor with minimal effort and makes a comforting, satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
6–8 chicken thighs
5–6 tablespoons ketchup
1 teaspoon chilli flakes
1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder
1 teaspoon garlic granules
1 teaspoon ginger granules
Salt to taste
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon mixed herbs
1 tablespoon paprika
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine ketchup, chilli flakes, chicken bouillon powder, garlic granules, ginger granules, salt, vegetable oil, mixed herbs, and paprika. Mix well until the marinade is smooth and evenly blended.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to help the marinade adhere and encourage better caramelization.
- Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and coat them thoroughly with the marinade on all sides.
- Cover and marinate overnight for best flavor, or let sit for at least 30 minutes if short on time.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F) for a fan oven or 190°C (375°F) for a conventional oven.
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper or foil and arrange the marinated chicken thighs on the tray. Reserve any remaining marinade for basting.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, basting occasionally with the remaining marinade, until the chicken is fully cooked and the juices run clear.
- Remove from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Add 1 tablespoon honey to the marinade for a sweeter, sticky glaze.
Increase the chilli flakes or add hot sauce for a spicier version.
This marinade also works well with chicken drumsticks or wings.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven at 170°C (340°F) for 10–15 minutes or microwave until heated through.
Cooked chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months and thawed overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
For air fryer cooking, cook at 180°C (356°F) for 18–22 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1–2 chicken thighs
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 170 mg
