The number one thing you need to know about bone-in, skin-on Baked Chicken Thighs is that my family SMASHES them anytime I serve them for dinner.
Plates are licked clean, complaints are non-existent, plus they require 5 minutes of prep time and bake hands-off in the oven which I of course love.
This easy baked chicken recipe is the unicorn of chicken dinners!
Watch How to Make Them!
Ingredients Needed
I love this meal because it is SO SIMPLE. Aside from the chicken thighs, all you need are a handful of everyday, pantry staples.
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: are an economical and flavorful cut of chicken that’s very hard to overcook (more on that below).
- Seasoning mix: a simple blend of dried herbs and spices takes seconds to mix together and adds a ton of flavor. You’ll need salt, pepper, both onion and garlic powders, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Add a dash of cayenne pepper for a little heat.
- Extra virgin olive oil: helps the seasoning mix adhere to the chicken thighs, and gets the skin golden brown and crispy.
Why You’ll Love Easy Baked Chicken Thighs
- Family friendly. My kids (5, 7, 10), husband, and I all love this dish. It’s one of a handful of recipes that all five of us can happily eat with zero modifications.
- Economical. Last week a pound of chicken breasts was selling for $8.99 at the grocery store. Yikes! Right now, skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs are selling for $1.75/lb. So much savings.
- Delicious. If you’ve already accepted bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs into your life then you how incredibly delicious and juicy they are. Few things beat the combo of crispy, sizzling skin and juicy, tender meat.
- Hands off. Once you send the chicken thighs off to the oven to bake, that’s it! There’s no need to flip the thighs or rotate the baking pan while they roast.
- Fool proof. While chicken breasts can become overcooked quickly and easily, it’s very difficult to overcook chicken thighs. Which brings me to…
My #1 Secret for Juicy and Tender Chicken Thighs
Overcook them.
Yes! Dark meat becomes more tender the longer it cooks because it has more connective tissue than white meat. The connective tissues break down the hotter the internal temperature becomes which renders the chicken thighs juicy, moist, and tender.
LOOK AT THIS GOODNESS!!
Baking Temperature and Timing
While chicken thighs only need to be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees as read by a meat thermometer, I recommend you bake them until they reach 180 – 190 degrees. This takes 30-40 minutes at 400 degrees. We swear by this Thermapen for taking accurate internal temperature readings.
Honestly I’ve pulled the chicken thighs out of the oven at 200+ degrees from time to time and they’re still so delicious and tender.
If you’re the type of person that gets nervous about undercooking chicken, then chicken thigh recipes are definitely for you.
What to Serve with Baked Chicken Thighs
Baked Chicken Thighs lend themselves extremely well to the Midwestern “meat + veggie + starch” dinner trifecta. Since the oven is already on at 400 degrees, I typically serve the chicken thighs with a roasted vegetable or fresh salad plus some sort of potato.
Here are some more side dish ideas to help round out the meal:
- Roasted cauliflower: toss cauliflower florets with extra virgin olive oil and seasonings then roast for 15-20 minutes.
- Roasted broccoli: toss broccoli florets with extra virgin olive oil and seasonings then roast for 10-15 minutes
- Roasted brussels sprouts: toss shredded brussels sprouts with extra virgin olive oil and seasonings then roast for 10 minutes.
- Roasted potato wedges
- Roasted spaghetti squash
- Store-bought frozen french fries: sweet potato or regular
- Side salad
- Mashed potatoes: homemade or store-bought. We like Simply Potatoes or Bob Evans brands (both have gluten free flavors!)
- Seasoned Broiled Potatoes
- Baked potatoes
- Garlic Butter Roasted Mushrooms
- Gluten Free Focaccia
- Gluten Free Cornbread
- Creamy Garlic Shells
- Steamed green beans, sweet corn, or broccoli.
- Air Fryer Asparagus
Alright, let’s get this easy chicken dinner recipe on the table!
How to Make Baked Chicken Thighs
Step 1: Pat the chicken thighs dry.
Start by trimming the chicken thighs of any excess skin then pat them very dry on both sides with paper towels.
Step 2: Place chicken thighs in a baking dish.
Transfer the chicken thighs into a 9×13″ or similar-sized baking dish. They can be touching but not overlapping.
Step 3: Combine the seasoning mix.
Next, in a small bowl stir together salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Feel free to use your favorite seasoning mix, or simply salt and pepper which is also very delicious.
Step 4: Drizzle the thighs with extra virgin olive oil.
Now drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the tops of the chicken thighs. Chicken skin is very fatty, so you just need a little bit to help the seasoning adhere to the skin.
Step 5: Sprinkle on the seasoning mix.
Sprinkle the seasoning mix over the top then use your hands to evenly coat the fronts, backs, and sides of the chicken thighs with oil and seasonings.
Step 6: Bake.
Pop the baking dish into a preheated, 400 degree oven then bake for 30-40 minutes or until the thickest part of the chicken thigh reaches an internal temperature of 180-190 degrees.
Again, the chicken is technically cooked through and safe to eat at 165 degrees, but we’re tacking on extra baking time to render the thighs extremely tender and juicy.
There is no need to rotate the pan or flip the chicken thighs at any point during the baking process.
Let the chicken thighs rest in the baking pan for at least 10 minutes then serve ’em on up! Wasn’t that easy?
Baked Chicken Thighs FAQ
Is it better to bake chicken thighs at 350 or 400 degrees?Â
- I recommend baking the chicken thighs at 400 degrees for less time to ensure the chicken thighs stay nice and juicy, vs baking for longer at 350 degrees and running the risk of drying them out.
What is the baking time for chicken thighs?Â
- Bake bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for 30-40 minutes. Boneless skinless chicken thighs will need about 10 less minutes to bake.
What temperature does a chicken thigh need to be cooked to?Â
- Technically chicken thighs only need to be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees, though I recommend you bake them to 180-190 for very tender chicken thighs.
Can I freeze baked chicken thighs?
- I recommend removing the meat from the bones then freezing the meat flat in a Ziplock freezer bag, vs freezing the entire baked thigh with the skin and meat still on the bone.
I hope you’ll give these juicy, best ever oven-baked chicken thighs a try for dinner tonight then let me know what you think! Enjoy!
More Irresistible Chicken Recipes
- Chicken Meatballs
- Crock Pot Salsa Chicken
- One Pot Chicken and Rice
- Chicken and Smoked Sausage Gumbo
- Cast Iron Roast Chicken
- Thai Sticky Chicken Fingers
- One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie
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Best Baked Chicken Thighs
Description
Baked Chicken Thighs are incredibly easy and family friendly. Try my #1 secret for baking the best, juiciest chicken thighs of your life!
Ingredients
- 3 — 4lbs 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
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees then get out a 9x13" baking pan and set aside.
- Remove the chicken thighs from their packaging then trim off excess skin if necessary. Pat very dry with paper towels then place the thighs inside the baking pan.
- To a small bowl add the ingredients for the seasoning mix then stir to combine. Drizzle the tops of the chicken thighs with the extra virgin olive oil then sprinkle on the seasoning mix. Use your hands to rub the oil and seasonings all over the fronts and backs of the thighs.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes or until the thickest part of the chicken thighs reach an internal temperature of 180-190 degrees. Note: chicken thighs only need to reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees, but they're much more tender when they're cooked to a higher internal temperature. Briefly broil if desired to further crisp up the skin then let the chicken thighs rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to use your favorite seasoning mix, or simply salt and pepper, which is also delicious!
This recipe is courtesy of Iowa Girl Eats, http://iowagirleats.com.
Video
Photos by Ashley McLaughlin
Duarte 02.07.2024
I’m sorry but this is the same recipe I read every time there is a ‘best’ thigh recipe. I knew it before I read it. It’s always garlic and onion powder, Italian seasoning and paprika. It’s good but hardly the best. Just saying.
Kristin 02.08.2024
Did you try the recipe, Duarte?
Frieda 02.06.2024
I’m a little confused. The recipe calls for Italian seasoning but the video uses thyme.
Kristin 02.08.2024
Hi Frieda! It’s Italian seasoning in both the recipe and video, not dried thyme. :)
Jeffrietta 01.30.2024
I tried the Baked Chicken Thighs recipe from Iowa Girl Eats, and it was a huge hit at home! The recipe was easy to follow, and the thighs turned out incredibly juicy and tender. The seasoning blend was perfect, giving the chicken a delicious flavor. I appreciated the tip about cooking the thighs to a higher internal temperature for extra tenderness. This recipe is definitely a keeper for a simple yet satisfying meal. Thank you for sharing such a foolproof and delicious chicken recipe!
Kristin 01.31.2024
I’m so, so glad this recipe was a hit all the way around, Jeffrietta! Thank you so much for your feedback and recipe rating!
Eleaine 01.26.2024
We have made these twice since this was posted. They are super delicious! My husband said “I wonder why they don’t fix chicken like this in resturants.” :)
Kristin 01.29.2024
Ha! Love to hear that, Eleaine!! Thank you so much for your feedback!
J 01.29.2024
Hi I made this tonight for the first time and I’ve never cooked thighs before. It was perfect. I followed it. House smelled so good. *I wasn’t sure if I was to cover it or not perhaps put in recipe notes? * And what do I do with all tht drippings? I don’t want to waste. Cool and skim off fat and use as a broth like?
Kristin 01.30.2024
I’m so glad you loved it, J!!! You don’t need to cover the pan while they bake. I’ve never had more than a couple Tablespoons of drippings at most but if you have more then you can definitely use as a kind of gravy / dipping sauce!
Diane 01.05.2024
I tried this and made 2 changes. Instead of olive oil i used cooking spray on the thighs and instead of Italian seasoning i used mrs dash. They were delicious! So tender and juicy. Have cooked them several times now.
Kristin 01.06.2024
I’m so glad to hear it, Diane! Thank you so much for your feedback and recipe rating!
Margery 01.02.2024
Was lucky enough to meet your parents on their 47th anniversary! You have a great marketing team! Yummy recipes.
Kristin 01.03.2024
Oh my goodness, hahaha! I always say, my Dad is my best PR specialist. Thank you for humoring him!! ;)
Julie Doc 12.27.2023
Is it best to put the chicken thighs on a rack in the baking pan, or will this throw off the recipe?
Kristin 12.27.2023
I’m not sure, Julie! I always cook them right in the pan.
Lisa 01.25.2024
Hi Julie, I have a very similar recipe for baked chicken that tells you to put the chicken on racks inside the baking dish. Then you will have drippings (it’s really chicken broth). I rub my pan first w some butter so there won’t be burned broth, then racks, then chicken. I pour drippings into a glass Pyrex measuring cup to cool down, then a fat separator, then put broth in ice trays. A cube or two of broth in veggies or rice really elevates the dish. Hope this was helpful!
Kristin 01.25.2024
That sounds so good, Lisa! Thank you so much for your feedback and recipe rating!
Duane Kolterman 12.20.2023
I love chicken thighs, and I really love this recipe. The only change I made was to spray the baking dish with cooking spray to make cleanup easier. Along with the chicken, I roasted Brussels sprouts marinated in olive oil and balsamic vinegar. I’ll definitely make this again.
Kristin 12.21.2023
I’m thrilled to hear this recipe came out so well for you, Duane! Truly – and I know it will feel strange – the dish really doesn’t need to be sprayed beforehand – nothing sticks! Just a step you can save yourself in the future. :)
Kristi 01.14.2024
Would this recipe work with boneless chicken thighs?
Kristin 01.16.2024
Yes! They’ll need about 10 minutes less of baking time.
Sam 12.18.2023
Made these last night and they were terrific! I was initially afraid that a 400 degree oven would be too hot but the thighs cooked perfectly. Thanks for the great recipe.
Kristin 12.18.2023
I’m so glad you loved them, Sam! I appreciate your feedback!
Drew458 12.17.2023
They go in the baking dish skin side up after oiling and seasoning both sides? I did it that way and they’re in the oven right now.
Kristin 12.18.2023
That’s correct – I hope you loved them!
Sue 12.11.2023
When is the lemon quarters added? I see them in your photo but not listed in the recipe.
Kristin 12.12.2023
Those are just for styling in the photos, Sue! :)
Andrea Enke 12.10.2023
I made these for the family tonight. My 3 year old son loved them. This was a big win for me as he only eats chicken nuggets. Thanks for the recipe!
Kristin 12.11.2023
Amazing!! So glad they were a hit with your family, Andrea!
Ed Henshaw 12.09.2023
I made this recipe and it turned out amazing! Thank you so much for the recipe idea. I’m now a subscriber!
Kristin 12.11.2023
Fabulous!! I’m so glad these chicken thighs were a hit!!
SMum 12.07.2023
You were not exaggerating about how good these chicken thighs are! Bone-in, skin-on chicken It is not a preferred cut of meat with my family, but there were compliments after the first bite with this recipe.
Kristin 12.08.2023
Fantastic!! I’m so glad they were a hit with your family — really happy you gave them a try even though it’s not a typical cut for your family!
Ann 12.07.2023
I gave the recipe to my son. He made the baked chicken thighs. We all loved it. Thanks for a great recipe.
Kristin 12.08.2023
Fantastic! Thrilled to hear that, Ann!
Gerry 12.03.2023
Wow! Loved the crispy, well seasoned chicken thighs. Will definitely prepare again and soon!
Kristin 12.04.2023
I’m so glad to hear it, Gerry!
Stephanie 11.12.2023
My kids always need a “dip” when we eat chicken. We’ve tried so many recipes but nothing has been a big hit. This was a win! They LOVED it AND asked for seconds! You better believe we’ve saved this recipe.
Kristin 11.13.2023
My kids are the *exact* same way – too funny!! I’m SO glad this was a hit with the whole family, Stephanie!
Esther Bergen 11.07.2023
This turned out perfectly! Made it exactly as written.
Kristin 11.13.2023
Awesome!! I’m so glad it was a hit, Esther!
chunky 11.02.2023
Thanks, I need baked chicken recipe. This is very helpful for me.
Kristin 11.06.2023
You got it! I hope you’re able to give them a try. :)
Tammy 11.02.2023
This turned out great! Definitely adding this to my rotation! Thank you!
Kristin 11.02.2023
I’m thrilled to hear that, Tammy! We make it often too. :) Thanks so much for your feedback!