Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe

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Juicy and crispy baked chicken thighs are a family favorite dinner. Busy cooks love how this easy chicken thigh recipe only takes 5 minutes of active prep and the rest is hands-off.

Chicken thighs are arguably the juiciest, most flavorful part of a chicken. Unlike chicken breast, thigh meat is dark and has more fatty tissue, which makes it naturally moist and delicious with almost no effort.

That's what makes this baked chicken thighs recipe your secret weapon. On a busy night, this fuss-free entree demands very little attention and delivers mouthwatering results – and gets devoured. Since dark meat is nearly foolproof, I always recommend it for beginner cooks, just like this baked chicken legs recipe. You can hardly go wrong.

You probably already gathered that when you roast chicken thighs, you're hands-free to make sides. So I recommend a veggie quinoa salad or kale salad. If you want more starch, smashed potatoes or mashed potatoes are always a win. Boom, you have a complete dinner!

Ingredient notes

This recipe uses a few pantry staples that you likely have on hand but you can easily make substitutions. See recipe card below for quantities.

• chicken thighs - I'm using bone-in skin-on chicken thighs. Feel free to cut off excess skin to make the pieces more uniform.
• olive oil - Use any cooking oil and very little, at that.
• garlic powder, paprika, salt & pepper - This super simple spice combination has tons of flavor and can be customized. It goes with everything!

How to bake chicken thighs

There's no marinating or messy prep with this chicken entree – just a few simple steps and hands-free baking. Get the full recipe below with printable ingredient amounts and instructions.

Step 1: (Optional) Rest chicken thighs about 20 minutes at room temperature. This isn't required but it removes the chill which makes the thighs bake more efficiently and uniformly.

Step 2: Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Pat chicken dry with a paper towel to remove all excess moisture.

Step 3: Place thighs in baking dish and lightly brush the top surface with oil and sprinkle on the seasonings.

Step 4: Bake chicken thighs uncovered for 30-45 minutes until they reach a safe minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. You are welcome to cook them to a higher internal temperature.

Step 5: Loosely cover chicken thighs and rest 5 minutes. Serve warm. I always recommend a little chopped parsley for a pop of green.

Seasoning chicken thighs

Roasted chicken thighs are so versatile when it comes to seasoning. In this recipe, paprika gives them red-orange color and mild, sweet flavor. Garlic powder is the savory glitter that adds even more texture to the crispy skin. You can easily swap these out for Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or fajita seasoning – they're delicious with any cuisine!

How long to bake chicken thighs

Baking time varies based on 1) weight 2) oven temperature 3) chicken temperature before it goes in the oven 4) how crowded the pan is.

An average bone-in, skin-on chicken chicken thigh weighs 3 to 6 ounces. A boneless, skinless chicken thigh weighs about 3 ounces.

Here's a reference point for how long to bake average sized bone-in chicken thighs (reduce time by half for boneless).

• 425°F (218°C) for 25-40 minutes
• 400°F (204°C) for 30-45 minutes
• 375°F (190°C) for 40-50 minutes
• 350°F (176°C) for 45-55 minutes

I usually bake thighs at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. It's the perfect temperature to roast vegetables in the same oven and the timing allows me to make side dishes while the chicken bakes.

Frequently asked questions

How to make chicken thighs crispy

Method 1: Once thighs are baked, transfer them from the baking dish to a clean baking sheet. Place thighs at least 6 inches under a broiler for 2-5 minutes, checking frequently to avoid burning.

Method 2: You can bake thighs on a cooling grid over a baking sheet for the entire duration. This promotes air circulation and prevents chicken thighs from sitting in fat, which helps the skin get crispier as it bakes.

Tips to make the best baked chicken thighs

• You can substitute boneless thighs for bone-in thighs and they'll cook in about half the time.
• Always use a food thermometer to confirm a safe minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit for chicken.
• Before serving, allow chicken thighs to rest 5 minutes before cutting because it prevents the juices from escaping.

What to serve with roasted chicken thighs

Serve this delectable entree with roasted mushrooms, sauteed asparagus, or baked potato salad for a family dinner everyone loves!

Can I freeze baked chicken thighs?

Yes! Allow thighs to cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container up to 5 days or freeze up to 90 days (longer if vacuum sealed). To thaw, transfer to the refrigerator for an overnight stay.

More chicken recipes

• Chicken Alfredo
• Greek Lemon Chicken

Turn leftover chicken thigh meat into scrumptious Chicken Shepherd's Pie.

📖 Recipe