Spicy Cumin Chicken Thighs Recipe

This recipe is a total winner because it brings together vibrant spices and zesty lemon for an unbeatable flavor explosion that makes my taste buds dance. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up and impresses everyone with minimal effort—perfect for a laid-back but delicious meal!

My Spicy Cumin Chicken Thighs are a delightful mix of deep flavor and smokiness. I use ground cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper at generous levels to ensure the chicken thighs have a serious amount of flavor but that is still in the realm of eatable for most people.

(If you like more or less heat, feel free to adjust the amounts of paprika, cayenne, or cumin to your liking.)

Spicy Cumin Chicken Thighs Recipe Ingredients

• Chicken Thighs: Rich in protein and flavor, keep skin for crispiness.
• Ground Cumin: Earthy spice, adds warmth and depth to taste.
• Smoked Paprika: Provides smoky aroma, enhancing the dish’s savoriness.
• Cayenne Pepper: Offers heat, boosting metabolism and flavor intensity.
• Garlic Powder: Adds robust, umami-rich flavor, with health benefits.
• Olive Oil: Healthy fat, prevents drying, and enhances seasoning adhesion.
• Lemon Juice: Brings tangy brightness, balancing spices with fresh citrus.
• Fresh Cilantro: Adds herbal brightness, and optional based on preference.

Spicy Cumin Chicken Thighs Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
• Lemon wedges, for serving

How to Make this Spicy Cumin Chicken Thighs Recipe

1. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to preheat.

2. In a tiny dish, mix the ground cumin, the smoky paprika, the cayenne pepper, the garlic powder, the onion powder, the salt, and the black pepper.

3. Dry the chicken thighs with paper towels.

4. Evenly rub the spice mixture over both sides of every chicken thigh.

5. In a skillet that can go in the oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.

6. Add the chicken thighs to the skillet, skin side down, and do this until done; that is, until the skin is golden brown. This takes an estimated 5 minutes.

7. Turn the chicken thighs skin side down and pour the juice of 1 lemon over them.

8. Move the skillet to the oven, which you have already preheated, and allow it to bake for 20 to 25 minutes. A handy tip: use a food thermometer to test the internal temperature. Your oven-baked chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (75°C).

9. Take the chicken from the oven and allow it some time to rest.

10. Add a finishing touch of freshly minced cilantro and present the dish with wedges of lemon.

Spicy Cumin Chicken Thighs Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Small dish
3. Paper towels
4. Skillet (oven-safe)
5. Stove (for heating skillet)
6. Food thermometer
7. Tongs or spatula
8. Knife (for chopping cilantro and cutting lemon wedges)
9. Cutting board

FAQ

• Q: Can I use boneless chicken thighs for this recipe?You can use boneless chicken thighs; just reduce the cook time so they don’t dry out.
• Q: Is there a substitute for smoked paprika?You can use regular paprika or chipotle powder; they will provide a slightly different flavor.
• Q: How can I adjust the heat level?A: You can reduce the amount of cayenne pepper, or leave it out altogether, for a milder version, and increase it if you want to ramp up the heat.
• Q: Can I marinate the chicken overnight?A: Yes, marinating the chicken overnight will really amplify the flavors. Just make sure to keep it in the fridge the whole time it’s marinating.
• Q: What sides pair well with this dish?A: To complement the spicy flavors, serve with rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad.
• Q: Can this recipe be grilled instead of baked?Certainly! Cook the chicken on the grill at medium heat, being certain to turn it so that it cooks thoroughly and develops a crispy skin.
• Q: Is there a vegetarian alternative?You have the option of utilizing tofu or cauliflower to achieve a vegetarian alternative, seasoning it with the same spices mentioned above.

Spicy Cumin Chicken Thighs Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Ground Cumin:
Substituting with ground coriander gives you a different flavor profile. It’s not “bad”; in fact, many people enjoy it. Just realize that you’re not lightly browning ground beef, and you’re not even simmering it. You’re getting it cooked with spice.
Smoked Paprika:
Use regular paprika and add a drop of liquid smoke if you have it, or a pinch of chipotle powder for some smokiness.
Cayenne Pepper:
Replace with red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a similar heat level.
Olive Oil:
Substitute avocado oil or melted coconut oil to achieve a different flavor.
Lemon Juice:
Swap lime juice in for a citrusy surprise.

Pro Tips

1. Pat Dry Thoroughly Make sure to pat the chicken thighs thoroughly dry with paper towels before applying the spice rub. This will help achieve a crispy skin when searing in the skillet.

2. Spice Rub Massage Spend a little extra time massaging the spice rub into the chicken to ensure it’s evenly distributed and well absorbed. This will enhance the flavor.

3. Preheat for Even Cooking Preheat your skillet by heating the olive oil until it just begins to shimmer. This ensures the chicken skin crisps up nicely and evenly when placed in the skillet.

4. Avoid Overcrowding If your skillet isn’t large enough to comfortably fit all the chicken thighs without touching, brown them in batches. Overcrowding can lead to steaming rather than searing.

5. Resting is Key Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven. This helps redistribute the juices within the meat, resulting in more succulent and flavorful chicken.