Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well to create a seasoning paste.
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl with the seasoning paste and coat them evenly, making sure to get the seasoning under the skin as well.
Place the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side up on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are spaced out to allow for even cooking.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the skin is crispy and golden brown. For extra crispiness, you can broil the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking.
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken thighs in the seasoning mixture for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator.
You can substitute chicken thighs with bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts for a leaner option, or use skinless thighs for a lower-fat version.