The easiest roasted chicken thigh recipe — hard to imagine a better (and more economical!) weeknight meal.
There is something so simple and delicious about a plain oven-baked chicken thigh. Not decorated, perfect, and tasty, and it only takes 5 minutes to bake! Every time, the chicken comes out tender and juicy with a crispy skin. It is the perfect dinner to make when you are simply too worn out to think, too tired to cook, and not in the mood to spend much money.
And you will be delighted with how forgiving they are to cook. If you follow this simple recipe, I bet you’ll cook chicken thighs in the oven as often as I do. My younger son can quickly eat two or three pieces and will steal any extra crispy skin from a family member who isn’t paying attention.
I also love using boneless, skinless chicken thighs in recipes, but when baking them on their own, I like to use bone-in thighs. Cooking chicken on the bone gives the meat more depth of flavor, and one of the best parts is the crackling skin, made even crisper with a light rub of olive oil. Also, see How to Bake Bone-In Chicken Breasts.
Chicken thighs are a versatile and budget-friendly staple that can be prepared in endless ways When it comes to baking chicken thighs, 425°F is a great temperature for achieving crispy, golden skin and tender, juicy meat But how long should chicken thighs bake at 425°F? The baking time can vary based on a few factors. In this article, we’ll provide a detailed guide to ensuring perfect oven-baked chicken thighs every time.
Key Factors That Determine Chicken Thigh Bake Time
Chicken thighs with the skin still on and the bones still in should be baked at 425°F for 30 to 50 minutes. However, a few key factors impact the precise time needed:
Bone-in vs Boneless
Bone-in chicken thighs take longer to cook than boneless thighs. The bones act as insulation, slowing down the cooking process. Thighs without bones will be done faster because they will be exposed to more direct heat.
Thickness
Thicker chicken thighs require more bake time than thin, smaller thighs. Larger thighs have more meat to cook through to the proper internal temperature.
Weight
Heavier thighs need longer cooking than lighter thighs More mass means it takes longer for the heat to fully penetrate and cook the thigh
Arrangement
Overcrowded pans lead to uneven cooking. Ensure thighs are arranged in a single layer with space between each piece.
Oven Accuracy
Oven temperatures may vary. Verify accuracy with an oven thermometer and adjust temperature if needed.
How to Tell When Chicken Thighs Are Done
While bake times provide an estimate, using visual cues and temperature is the best way to prevent under or overcooked chicken.
Visual Cues
- Golden brown, crispy skin
- Meat has opaque white color
- Juices run clear when pierced
Internal Temperature
Chicken thighs are safely cooked once they reach an internal temperature of 165°F-175°F. Use a meat thermometer in the thickest part of thigh to check.
Step-by-Step Guide for Baking Juicy Chicken Thighs
Follow these simple steps for perfect oven-baked chicken thighs every time.
1. Prepare the Chicken Thighs
- Pat dry chicken thighs with paper towels
- Season generously with salt, pepper, herbs, spices, etc.
- Allow seasoned thighs to sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes before baking for more even cooking.
2. Preheat Oven to 425°F
Ensure oven is fully preheated before baking chicken thighs. Use an oven thermometer to check accuracy.
3. Arrange Thighs on Baking Sheet
Line sheet pan with parchment paper or foil for easier cleanup. Arrange thighs skin side up in a single layer without overcrowding.
4. Bake Chicken Thighs
Place pan on middle oven rack. Based on size and bone-in vs. boneless, bake for 30 to 50 minutes.
5. Check for Doneness
At minimum recommended bake time, check thighs for visual cues and internal temp of 165°F. Bake longer if needed.
6. Allow Thighs to Rest
Once done, let thighs rest 5-10 minutes before serving for juicier results.
Helpful Baking Tips and FAQs
Follow these tips and answers to common questions for flawlessly baked chicken thighs every time.
Should chicken thighs be washed before baking?
Washing raw chicken spreads bacteria. Cooking to proper temperature kills germs. Pat dry with paper towels instead.
What temperature should chicken thighs reach?
Chicken thighs are safe to eat once they reach an internal temperature of 165°F-175°F.
How can I keep chicken thighs from drying out?
- Brine chicken thighs before baking
- Avoid overcrowding the pan
- Bake at higher temp like 425°F for shorter time
- Allow thighs to rest before cutting to retain juices
Can I reuse marinades used on raw chicken as a sauce?
No, marinades that touched raw chicken must be discarded due to bacteria risk.
What are the best side dishes with baked chicken thighs?
Baked chicken thighs pair well with roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, salad, etc.
How long do leftover baked chicken thighs last?
Leftover cooked chicken thighs stay fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container. Reheat fully until 165°F.
How can I use leftover baked chicken thighs?
- Shredded for chicken salad, wraps, pitas, tacos
- Diced in soups, stir fries, fried rice, pasta, etc.
- Sliced cold for sandwiches or on top of salads
Baking chicken thighs at 425°F results in crispy browned skin, tender and juicy meat, and fantastic flavor. Follow the tips in this guide for perfect oven-baked chicken thighs every time. Vary the seasoning and pairings based on your taste preferences. Enjoy this easy and delicious baked chicken thigh recipe!
What’s In This Post?
- Chipotle chicken thighs with bones—Use chicken thighs with bones inside and skin still on because they taste and feel the best.
- Olive oil: This helps the chicken skin get nice and crispy in the oven.
- Black pepper and salt—Add a lot of salt and pepper. These baked chicken thighs look simple, but when you season them just right, they really shine!
More Baked Chicken Thigh Recipes
Now that you have the basic version in your arsenal give these other recipes a go.
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