Baked chicken thighs are a weeknight dinner hero for so many reasons. They’re budget-friendly, incredibly flavorful, and a breeze to prepare. If you’re wondering How Long To Bake Chicken Thighs to get them perfectly cooked, juicy, and tender, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to bake chicken thighs that your family will devour, and leave you saying goodbye to dry chicken forever!
Why Baked Chicken Thighs are a Must-Try
Chicken thighs are truly the unsung heroes of the poultry world. Here’s why you should make baked chicken thighs a regular part of your meal rotation:
- Family Favorite: Even picky eaters love them! The savory flavor and tender texture are universally appealing.
- Budget-Friendly: Chicken thighs are significantly less expensive than chicken breasts, making them a smart choice for family meals without breaking the bank.
- Incredibly Delicious: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are packed with flavor and stay wonderfully juicy during baking. The crispy skin is just the bonus we all crave.
- Effortless Cooking: Minimal prep time and hands-off baking in the oven mean you can focus on other things while dinner cooks itself.
- Foolproof and Forgiving: Unlike chicken breasts which can dry out easily, chicken thighs are much more forgiving and stay moist even if baked a little longer. This makes them perfect for beginner cooks and busy weeknights.
Key Ingredients for Flavorful Baked Chicken Thighs
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You likely have most of these ingredients in your pantry already:
- Bone-in, Skin-on Chicken Thighs: These are essential for maximum flavor and juiciness. The bone and skin render during baking, keeping the meat moist and adding richness.
- Olive Oil: Helps the seasoning stick to the chicken and promotes crispy skin. Extra virgin olive oil adds a nice flavor, but any cooking oil will work.
- Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Italian Seasoning: This simple spice blend is the perfect combination to enhance the natural flavor of chicken without overpowering it. A pinch of cayenne pepper is optional for a little warmth.
The Secret to Juicy Chicken Thighs: Don’t Be Afraid to “Overcook”
Here’s the game-changing tip for the juiciest baked chicken thighs: bake them to a higher internal temperature than you might think.
While the USDA recommends chicken be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be safe to eat, dark meat like chicken thighs becomes even more tender when cooked to a higher temperature, between 180-190°F (82-88°C).
This is because chicken thighs have more connective tissue than white meat. As the internal temperature rises, this connective tissue breaks down, resulting in incredibly moist, tender, and flavorful chicken. Don’t worry about them drying out – embrace the higher temperature for chicken thigh perfection!
How Long to Bake Chicken Thighs and at What Temperature?
For bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 30-40 minutes. This timing is based on achieving that ideal internal temperature of 180-190°F (82-88°C) for maximum tenderness.
Here’s a quick guide to baking times and temperatures:
- Oven Temperature: 400°F (200°C)
- Baking Time for Bone-in, Skin-on Chicken Thighs: 30-40 minutes
- Baking Time for Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: 20-30 minutes (reduce baking time as they cook faster)
- Internal Temperature: 180-190°F (82-88°C) for bone-in, skin-on; 170-180°F (77-82°C) for boneless, skinless.
Important Notes on Baking Time:
- Use a Meat Thermometer: The most accurate way to know when your chicken thighs are done is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone.
- Chicken Thigh Size: Larger chicken thighs may require slightly longer baking times.
- Oven Variation: Ovens can vary in temperature accuracy. It’s always best to check for doneness using a thermometer rather than relying solely on time.
Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Chicken Thighs
Let’s get cooking! Here’s how to bake perfect chicken thighs every time:
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Remove the chicken thighs from the packaging and pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving crispy skin. Trim any excess skin if desired.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
- Place the chicken thighs in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Ensure they are in a single layer and not overlapping to promote even cooking and crispy skin.
- In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Mix well.
- Drizzle olive oil over the chicken thighs. You don’t need a lot, just enough to help the seasoning adhere.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken thighs, ensuring both sides are coated. Use your hands to rub the seasoning and oil all over the chicken.
Step 3: Bake the Chicken
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes for bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, or 20-30 minutes for boneless, skinless thighs.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Aim for 180-190°F (82-88°C) for bone-in and 170-180°F (77-82°C) for boneless.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
- Once the chicken thighs reach the correct temperature, remove them from the oven.
- Let the chicken rest in the baking dish for at least 10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in even more tender and flavorful chicken.
What to Serve with Baked Chicken Thighs?
Baked chicken thighs are incredibly versatile and pair well with a wide variety of side dishes. Consider these delicious options to create a complete and satisfying meal:
Vegetables:
- Roasted vegetables are a classic and healthy choice. Try roasted cauliflower, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts alongside your chicken. Simply toss with olive oil and seasonings and roast alongside the chicken for the last 15-20 minutes.
- A fresh side salad provides a crisp and refreshing contrast to the rich chicken.
- Steamed green beans, sweet corn, or broccoli are quick and easy vegetable sides.
Starches:
- Potatoes are always a winner. Roasted potato wedges, baked potatoes, or mashed potatoes are all fantastic accompaniments.
- Serve with rice, quinoa, or pasta for a comforting and satisfying meal.
- Try creamy polenta or grits for a slightly different and delicious starchy side.
Other Delicious Sides:
- Garlic butter roasted mushrooms add an earthy and savory element.
- Serve with gluten-free focaccia, biscuits, or cornbread for a comforting bread side.
- Creamy garlic shells are a cheesy and indulgent pasta side dish.
For a complete meal inspired by the original recipe, consider serving your baked chicken thighs with roasted vegetables and healthy mashed potatoes with gluten-free gravy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Baking Chicken Thighs
Q: Is it better to bake chicken thighs at 350°F or 400°F?
A: Baking at 400°F (200°C) for a shorter time is generally better for chicken thighs. The higher temperature helps the skin crisp up nicely while keeping the inside juicy. Baking at 350°F (175°C) for a longer period may result in drier chicken.
Q: How do I ensure crispy skin on baked chicken thighs?
A: Patting the chicken thighs thoroughly dry before seasoning is key. Also, using a higher oven temperature (400°F/200°C) helps the skin crisp up. You can also briefly broil the chicken for the last 1-2 minutes of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Q: Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will cook faster, so reduce the baking time to 20-30 minutes and aim for an internal temperature of 170-180°F (77-82°C). Keep in mind they may not be as juicy as bone-in, skin-on thighs due to less fat and no bone to retain moisture.
Q: Can I freeze baked chicken thighs?
A: Yes, baked chicken thighs freeze well. It’s best to remove the meat from the bones and freeze it flat in a freezer-safe bag for easy thawing and reheating.
Q: What if my chicken thighs reach 165°F quickly? Are they done?
A: While technically safe to eat at 165°F (74°C), baking chicken thighs to a higher internal temperature of 180-190°F (82-88°C) for bone-in, skin-on and 170-180°F (77-82°C) for boneless, skinless will result in much more tender and juicy meat. Don’t be afraid to bake them longer for optimal texture.
Get Ready to Bake the Best Chicken Thighs!
Now that you know how long to bake chicken thighs and the secrets to juicy perfection, you’re ready to create a delicious and easy meal that your whole family will love. Follow this guide, use a meat thermometer, and enjoy perfectly baked chicken thighs every time!
Best Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe
Rating: 4.8 from 47 votes
By Kristin Porter
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 5
Ingredients:
- 3-4 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (7-8 thighs)
- 1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
For the Seasoning Mix:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
Equipment:
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Small bowl
- Meat thermometer
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and trim excess skin if needed. Place in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix together seasoning ingredients.
- Drizzle chicken thighs with olive oil, then sprinkle seasoning mixture evenly over all sides. Rub to coat.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 180-190°F (82-88°C).
- For crispier skin, broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully.
- Let chicken rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes:
- Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your liking.
- Use pan drippings to make a delicious gravy.
Enjoy your perfectly baked chicken thighs!
