Prepare the Oven and Chicken: Start by heating the oven to 400°F. Pat the chicken thighs dry using paper towels until the skin feels dry to the touch. This helps the skin crisp during baking. Place the chicken on a plate and season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
Mix the Paprika Seasoning: Grab a small bowl and add sweet paprika, smoked paprika, minced garlic, onion powder, dried thyme, and olive oil. Stir everything together until it forms a thick paste. The mixture should look rich red and smell warm and earthy.
Season the Chicken Well: Using your hands, rub the paprika mixture all over the chicken thighs. Make sure to coat the skin and the underside evenly. Gently lift the skin and spread some seasoning directly onto the meat underneath for deeper flavor while baking.
Arrange in the Baking Dish: Lightly oil a baking dish and place the chicken thighs skin side up in a single layer. Leave a little space between each piece so heat moves around them evenly. Any extra seasoning can be brushed on top for a stronger finish.
Bake Until Golden: Slide the dish into the oven and bake uncovered for about 45 minutes. Halfway through cooking, spoon some of the pan juices over the chicken. This keeps everything moist and boosts flavor as the spices toast gently in the oven heat.
Rest and Finish: Once the chicken reaches a golden color and cooks through, remove it from the oven. Let it rest for five minutes so the juices settle. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top right before serving for color and freshness.
