Spicy Mediterranean Chicken Thighs

Byron

Spicy Mediterranean chicken thighs is the perfect recipe when you’re craving something HOT! Delicious juicy chicken that is easy to prepare in one pan with just 2 mins prep! For best results, marinate the chicken with the spices for 30 minutes to an hour (or overnight), then bake for 40 minutes!

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Prep Time 2

Cook Time 40

Marinate time: 30

Total Time 1 12

Course Chicken, Main Course, marinade

Cuisine Mediterranean, Spanish

Servings 4 Main

Calories 232 kcal

Equipment

1 large oven-safe Casserole Dish or baking tray
Cooking tongs
Wooden Cutting Board
Knife
Plastic food wrap

Ingredients

2 lb. 1kg skinless chicken thighs (8 pieces)
1 large onion cut into thin half rounds
1-2 Tbsp hot Chili pepper flakes add more for extra spicy
3 cloves of garlic minced
1 tsp Cayenne Pepper
1 tsp Garlic Powder optional
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
1 tsp Smoked Paprika
Lemon juice from 1 lemon freshly squeezed
4 tablespoons of Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Instructions

Step 1 - Marinate chicken thighs

Place all the ingredients into an oven-safe casserole dish or baking tray. Mix well so the chicken and onion is evenly coated with spices, and then cover with some kitchen wrap.
2 lb., 1 large onion, 1-2 Tbsp hot Chili pepper flakes, 3 cloves of garlic, 1 tsp Cayenne Pepper, 1 tsp Garlic Powder, Salt, Black pepper, 1 tsp Smoked Paprika, Lemon juice from 1 lemon, 4 tablespoons of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Step 2 - Bake chicken thighs

Preheat oven to 200°C / 400°F
Bake for 40 minutes or until your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C (you can use a meat thermometer to check).

Step 3 - Serve

Season to taste with some salt. If you want your chicken spicier, add a light dusting of cayenne pepper.

Video

Notes

Cooking Tips and FAQs:

Do I Need to Marinate the Chicken First?

We highly recommend marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes to an hour before cooking. Combining spices with lemon juice and olive oil allows the spices and seasoning to soak into the chicken, giving you more flavor.

How can I tell when the chicken is cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check. The internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken thighs should reach a temperature of 165°F/74°C.

Can skinless or boneless chicken thighs be used instead?

Absolutely. Both work great, just be aware that you should reduce the cooking time when using boneless chicken thighs. Around 30 minutes in the oven should do it, but always use a meat thermometer to check.

Can other chicken cuts be used with this recipe?

Chicken drumsticks or chicken quarters will also work great for this recipe and the cooking time will remain around the same 8always use a meat thermometer to check the chicken is done).

Chicken wings and drumettes are also a good option, just adjust the cooking time to suit (wings take less time to cook).

Chicken breast meat also works, however, whole breasts tend to dry out in the oven so it is best to cut them into small strips (around 1 inch thick) or butterfly the breast meat.

How spicy is this recipe?

The level of spiciness is up to the type of chili used, which can be adjusted to suit personal taste. We used dried jalapeno chilies that give off a mild level of heat. See more information below on the heat of various chili varieties.

Keyword 1 Hour recipe, baked chicken, Baked chicken thighs, Chicken, Chili, spicy, spicy chicken, spicy chicken thighs