We can thank my mom for this one. She always preferred chicken thighs over breast meat, and I never understood why until recently when I too was converted into a dark meat lover thanks to this exact recipe.
Going through fertility treatments, pregnancy, and now breastfeeding, I’ve been much more conscious of increasing my protein intake and ensuring my meals are as nutrient-dense as possible. And when it comes to chicken — dark meat wins. Not only is it more flavorful + juicy, but it’s also higher in fat, iron, and zinc. Fat keeps us satiated + helps absorb vitamins from food and virtually all pregnant and postpartum women are deficient in iron.
When purchasing chicken, I always go for pasture-raised and/or organic. You are what your food eats! This means I avoid the corn/soy/grains fed to conventional chickens and any antibiotics/hormones that they may have been given as well. Cattle that are raised on pasture eat bugs, grass, and sunshine, so they get more nutrients and are better for the environment.
I’M CALLING THIS A NON-RECIPE RECIPE — which means it’s a method and you do you in terms of the seasoning.
Chicken thighs are a budget-friendly and delicious cut of chicken that work great in a variety of dishes When properly baked, chicken thighs come out juicy, flavorful and delicious. But baking chicken thighs to the right doneness while keeping them moist and tender can be tricky. So how long does chicken thigh take to bake to perfection? Keep reading to find out
The baking time for chicken thighs depends on a few factors
Bone-in vs Boneless Chicken Thighs
Bone-in chicken thighs take longer to cook than boneless thighs. The bone acts as insulation, slowing down the cooking process.
- Boneless chicken thighs: 25-30 minutes at 425°F
- Bone-in chicken thighs: 30-45 minutes at 350-425°F
For boneless thighs, aim for an internal temperature of 165°F. Because of the bones in bone-in thighs, meat thermometers may not give you the right reading. Instead, use visual cues. The meat should be opaque and juices should run clear.
Oven Temperature
Higher oven temperatures will significantly shorten cooking time. Lower oven temps will result in longer bake times.
- 350°F oven: 40-50 minutes
- 425°F oven: 25-30 minutes
Weight/Thickness
Larger, thicker chicken thighs will need more time in the oven than smaller, thinner ones.
- 4-8oz chicken thighs: 40-50 minutes
- Larger thighs: 50-60 minutes
Preheating Baking Sheet
Preheating the baking sheet before baking chicken thighs allows for faster, more even cooking. The initial blast of heat from the hot pan crisps the skin beautifully.
Marinating
Chicken thighs marinated or brined beforehand often require less time in the oven since the salt/acids help tenderize the meat.
Cooking Tips
- Pat chicken thighs dry before baking for crisper skin
- Use a meat thermometer for best accuracy
- Allow at least 1 inch between thighs for even cooking
- Bake in a single layer to promote browning
- Flip halfway through for even cooking
How to Tell When Chicken Thighs Are Done
It can be tricky to tell when chicken thighs are fully cooked through. Here are some tips:
- Temperature of 165°F on a meat thermometer
- Meat is opaque throughout
- Juices run clear when pierced with a knife
- Meat feels firm yet tender when pressed
- Skin is deep golden brown
If the juices are pink or red, the chicken needs more time. Thighs that jiggle or seem undercooked when pierced should also bake longer.
Overbaked chicken will be very firm and dry. If your chicken thighs are dried out, they likely overcooked.
Perfectly Baked Chicken Thigh Recipes
If you’re new to baking chicken thighs, try these foolproof recipes for tender, juicy results:
Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs
Coat bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs with a flavorful spice mix then bake at a high temp for 30-40 minutes until skin is brown and crispy.
Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs
Skewer chicken thighs without bones and coat them in a sticky, sweet BBQ sauce. Then, bake them until the edges are charred and caramelized.
Lemon Garlic Baked Chicken Thighs
Boneless chicken thighs baked with lemon, garlic, and herbs become ultra tender in the tangy juices.
Baked Chicken Parmesan
For a simple take on chicken parm, bake chicken cutlets with marinara and mozzarella.
If you bake chicken thighs the right way, the meat comes out juicy and flavorful every time. The best results come from giving bone-in and larger thighs enough time to cook through while keeping an eye on them to make sure they’re done. Bake bone-in chicken thighs for 30 to 45 minutes at 350°F and boneless chicken thighs for 25 to 30 minutes at 425°F until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This will make the chicken moist and tender.
A FEW OF MY FAVORITE WAYS TO PREPARE THESE CHICKEN THIGHS ARE:
+ za’atar (an herby, sesame Middle Eastern seasoning)
+ smoked paprika, fresh thyme, garlic powder, cayenne
+ Dijon mustard, honey, fresh rosemary
+ fresh thyme, lemon zest, white wine
+ good quality, low sugar BBQ or teriyaki sauce (Primal Kitchen, Noble Made)
I love eating these hot or cold on a salad and always have a few packs in the freezer ready to defrost.
PRO-TIP: always line your sheet pan with parchment paper for easy clean-up.
Foolproof Oven-Roasted Chicken Thighs
1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs, organic/pasture-raised 1 Tbs. extra virgin olive oil Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper — Herbs, spices, sauce (optional).
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Put the chicken in a bowl and add a good amount of olive oil and salt and pepper to taste. Add other seasonings as desired.
- Place the chicken in a baking dish or on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 25 minutes until internal temperature is 165 degrees.
Miso Glazed Chicken Thighs
TO TRY THIS MISO OPTION: Take 2-3 tsp. miso paste and mix with enough coconut aminos to make a loose paste. Drizzle chicken with toased seasme oil and season with salt, Then rub on miso mixture and coat well.
Recipe developed for SWW® by Erin Parekh
How to Bake Chicken Thighs: Temperature, Baking Time & Recipe | How to Cook Chicken by MOMables
FAQ
Is it better to bake chicken thighs at 350 or 400?
The Best Temperature For Cooking Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs. When cooking boneless, skinless chicken thighs in the oven, the best temperature is between 400°F and 450°F. We usually use 425°F. This is true whether the chicken is on a sheet pan, in a skillet, or in a saucy marinade. Aug 28, 2024.
How long does it take to cook chicken thighs at 400 degrees?
In general, baking chicken thighs at 400°F for 35 to 45 minutes works, but the exact time will depend on their size and whether they have bones in them or not.
How long does it take to cook thigh chicken?
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Place chicken thighs in a baking dish; season both sides with garlic powder and onion flakes. Bake in the preheated oven until no longer pink at the bone and juices run clear, about 30 minutes.
Is it better to bake chicken legs at 350 or 400?
Baking chicken legs at 400°F (204°C) is generally preferred over 350°F (177°C) for achieving crispier skin and a quicker cook time, while still maintaining juicy meat.