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Home » Dinner Recipes » Juicy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs

By The Kitchen Girl

Juicy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs

924shares
Jump To Recipe Video

Super easy Baked Chicken Thighs recipe with 6 ingredients, 5 min prep and hands-free baking. This hassle free roasted chicken dinner is the best way to cook chicken thighs and is a guaranteed family favorite!

baked chicken thighs in their juice with silver serving spoon in white baking dish on blue table

This hands-free baked chicken thigh recipe is hands down the easiest and BEST way to cook chicken thighs. There's no marinating, chopping, or thinking required. So, anyone can win dinner with chicken thighs, even on a moment's notice.

If you like easy chicken recipes, you'll definitely want my Greek Lemon Roasted Chicken Thighs for BIG lemon flavor. These Baked Chicken Legs and Southwest Oven Baked Chicken Wings are great for game day and parties!

Blogpost Contents hide
1) Ingredients for juicy baked chicken thighs
2) Should I rinse chicken before baking?
3) How to bake chicken thighs
3.1) What temperature to cook chicken thighs
3.2) How long to cook chicken thighs at 400°F
4) How to make chicken thighs crispy
5) How to cook boneless chicken thighs
5.1) Grab these boneless chicken thigh recipes
6) Chicken Thigh Recipe Tips
6.1) CHICKEN PREP TIPS
6.2) CHICKEN ROASTING TIPS
6.3) CHICKEN SERVING AND STORAGE TIPS
7) Recommended Tools
8) Easy baked chicken recipes
9) What to serve with baked chicken thighs
10) Juicy Baked Chicken Thighs
10.1) Ingredients
10.2) RECIPE VIDEO
10.3) Recipe Instructions
10.4) Nutrition

Ingredients for juicy baked chicken thighs

Roasted chicken thighs require 5 minutes of prep and a few pantry staples. Here's the ingredient list (full recipe amounts are in the printable recipe below):

  • bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
  • extra virgin olive oil
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • garlic powder
  • paprika
Seasoned uncooked chicken thighs in white baking dish with small containers of salt, pepper, paprika, oil, and garlic salt on green background

Should I rinse chicken before baking?

There's no need to rinse chicken during prep. It's unnecessary and creates more work cleaning areas that inevitably become contaminated with raw chicken. Just get those thighs prepped and let the oven take care of the rest.

the kitchen girl logo More EASY CHICKEN RECIPES from Kitchen Girl

How to bake chicken thighs

Here's how to bake / roast chicken thighs (get the full printable recipe below)

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F, pat chicken thighs dry, and (optional) rest at room temperature for 20 minutes.
  2. Place chicken thighs in a baking dish and lightly coat the skin with olive oil, then sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic, and paprika.
  3. Bake, uncovered for 35-45 minutes until a meat thermometer inserted in the center reads 165°F.
  4. Let chicken thighs rest for 5 minutes, transfer to a platter, and serve warm. (optional) garnish with fresh chopped parsley or lemon.
Baked chicken thighs on white platter with parsley garnish

What temperature to cook chicken thighs

Roasted chicken thighs usually call for oven temperatures between 350°F and 425°F. I prefer to roast chicken at 400°F because that's what's used for most roasted vegetables and I like to maximize oven space. Also, it's a good temperature for having bone-in thighs ready in 40 minutes, enough time to make a side dish and a salad.

How long to cook chicken thighs at 400°F

  • 30-35 min for smaller chicken thighs (about 3 oz)
  • 35-40 min for medium sized chicken thighs (about 5 oz)
  • 40-45 min for large chicken thighs (about 8 oz)

Regardless of suggested sizes times, the golden rule is that chicken should always hit 165°F on an instant-read meat thermometer for safe consumption.

baked chicken thighs in white pan with meat thermometer inserted in one registering internal temperature of 166 degrees

How to make chicken thighs crispy

My baked chicken thighs always result in a lightly crispy skin. If you want even crispier chicken thighs, here are 3 options:

  1. Bake the chicken thighs on a cookie cooling rack placed over a baking pan to catch drippings.
  2. Bake the chicken on beds of lemon like I do with my Greek Lemon Roasted Chicken Thighs.
  3. After chicken thighs bake, broil them a few minutes until the skin is crispy.

How to cook boneless chicken thighs

Boneless chicken thighs can easily be used for this recipe in half the cooking time of bone-in thighs. Follow the same recipe steps, but bake boneless chicken thighs for 20 minutes, or until a meat thermometer reads 165°F.

Grab these boneless chicken thigh recipes

  • Crockpot White Bean Chicken Chili
  • Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo
  • Crockpot Chicken Vegetable Soup
silver serving utensil holding baked chicken breast above baking dish with baked chicken thighs

Chicken Thigh Recipe Tips

CHICKEN PREP TIPS

  • If using frozen chicken thighs, thaw completely before roasting chicken to prevent undercooking.
  • No need to rinse raw chicken. Rinsing chicken creates unnecessary steps and creates risk of surface contamination which requires cleaning.
  • Let chicken thighs sit at room temperature for 20 minutes to promote uniform baking. You can even oil and season the thighs before they sit at room temp if you prefer.
  • Use the chicken drippings to make a gravy for mashed potatoes.
baked chicken thighs in their juice with silver serving spoon in white baking dish on blue table

CHICKEN ROASTING TIPS

  • This baked chicken thigh recipe cooks at 400° which is the same temperature for roasted vegetables like my Roasted Mushrooms.
  • Chicken thigh cook time can vary depending on size and the temperature of the chicken before it gets roasted.
  • Always use a meat thermometer to confirm 165°F minimum internal temperature for all baked chicken, bone-in or boneless.
baked chicken thighs in white pan with meat thermometer inserted in the center of one thigh next to the bone

CHICKEN SERVING AND STORAGE TIPS

  • Before serving, allow baked chicken to rest 5 minutes before cutting. This keeps it moist by preventing juices from escaping too quickly.
  • Shred and refrigerate baked chicken thighs as meal prep for other chicken recipes. Grab my recipe for Chicken Fried Rice, One Pot Broccoli Chicken and Rice, or Chicken Shepherd’s Pie.

the kitchen girl logo More EASY DINNER RECIPES from Kitchen Girl

bake chicken thigh meat in glass meal prep container on green table

Recommended Tools

  • 10" x 7" baking dish
  • silicone pastry brush (optional)
  • meat thermometer

Easy baked chicken recipes

  • Greek Lemon Roasted Chicken Thighs
  • Easy Baked Chicken Leg Drumsticks
  • Southwest Oven Baked Chicken Wings

What to serve with baked chicken thighs

  • Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad
  • Baked Spaghetti Squash
  • Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
  • Simple Homemade Coleslaw
  • The BEST Potato Salad
  • Garlicky Oven Roasted Mushrooms
  • Loaded Baked Potato Salad
  • Macaroni Salad
  • Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad
  • Tortellini Pasta Salad
baked chicken thighs in their juice with silver serving spoon in white baking dish

Juicy Baked Chicken Thighs

Super easy Baked Chicken Thighs recipe with 6 ingredients, 5 min prep and hands-free baking. This hassle free roasted chicken dinner is the best way to cook chicken thighs and is a guaranteed family favorite!
5 from 27 votes
Print Pin
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 5 3 oz pieces
Author: Traci - TheKitchenGirl.com

Ingredients

  • 5 Bone-in Chicken Thighs about 1 lb.
  • 1 tsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1/8 tsp Salt
  • 1/8 tsp Black Pepper
  • 1/8 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/8 tsp Paprika

RECIPE VIDEO

Recipe Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 400°F. Pat the CHICKEN dry with a paper towel and place in a baking dish, skin side up.
  • Drizzle and brush OLIVE OIL over the chicken pieces. Sprinkle SALT, PEPPER, GARLIC POWDER, and PAPRIKA evenly over the surface.
  • Bake uncovered for 35-45 minutes (35 min for smaller thighs and 45 for larger). Insert an instant-read thermometer to confirm a 165° F minimum internal temperature near the bone.
  • Transfer chicken thighs to a serving platter and allow a 5-minute rest before serving. (optional) Garnish with lemon or chopped fresh parsley.
Tried this recipe? I'd love your review!Visit the comments below and tell me how it went.

Nutrition

Serving: 13oz piece | Calories: 325kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 142mg | Sodium: 170mg | Potassium: 296mg | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 137IU | Calcium: 12mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition data provided as courtesy estimates using unbranded ingredients from a nutrition database. Please consult preferred resource for precise data.

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baked chicken thighs in juice with title text overlay
baked chicken thighs in juice with silver serving spoon in white baking dish on blue table with title text (bottom of image)
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Comments

  1. AvatarNanette says

    January 07, 2021 at 5:37 pm

    5 stars
    Excellent recipe! I used 8 thighs & baked them for 50 min. So good! Juicy & tasty. Thank you!

    Reply
    • The Kitchen GirlThe Kitchen Girl says

      January 07, 2021 at 6:30 pm

      Awesome, Nanette! I'm so glad you gave these chicken thighs a go! They're one of my favs too 🙂 Thanks for the feedback...much appreciated 💚

  2. AvatarJillian says

    December 05, 2020 at 12:41 pm

    5 stars
    These were the best bone in chicken thighs I have ever made. Easy and simple and delicious!! I added a pat of butter on top of each so I'd have lots of drippings.

    Reply
    • The Kitchen GirlThe Kitchen Girl says

      December 05, 2020 at 8:00 pm

      Awesome, Jillian! I feel the same way about these baked chicken thighs LOL. I'm so glad to inspire your dinner! Thanks for taking the time to let me know 💚

  3. AvatarEmily says

    November 30, 2020 at 7:28 pm

    5 stars
    I used your recipe for the chicken in soft tacos. I appreciated the clear instructions and ease of this. Husband enjoyed it so a win all around!

    Reply
    • The Kitchen GirlThe Kitchen Girl says

      November 30, 2020 at 9:16 pm

      Yay Emily! I'm so happy to contribute to the success of your dinner. Baked chicken thigh tacos sound so good right now! Thanks for the feedback...much appreciated! 🧡

  4. AvatarLinda says

    November 21, 2020 at 3:35 pm

    5 stars
    Very juicy and flavorful. Husband loved it!

    Reply
    • The Kitchen GirlThe Kitchen Girl says

      November 21, 2020 at 3:50 pm

      Awesome, Linda! Always love it when the hubs signs off! Thanks so much for the feedback 🙂

  5. AvatarJB says

    November 20, 2020 at 11:12 am

    5 stars
    I look forward to these baked chicken thighs once a month. They are such an easy chicken recipe and delicious AF!

    Reply
    • The Kitchen GirlThe Kitchen Girl says

      November 20, 2020 at 1:48 pm

      Thanks, JB! I'm so glad you think so. I feel the exact same way 🙂

  6. AvatarKaren says

    November 10, 2020 at 4:10 pm

    5 stars
    We loved it. Easy and very tasty. Made some rice and used the drippings from the pan for added flavor. Also had smoked paprika and used that instead. Will definitely be making again!

    Reply
    • The Kitchen GirlThe Kitchen Girl says

      November 11, 2020 at 5:24 am

      Yay, Karen! So glad your family enjoyed it. I love smoked paprika too! Thanks for taking the time to review...much appreciated 🙂

  7. AvatarStephanie says

    October 17, 2020 at 10:08 am

    5 stars
    The chicken turned out amazing and my son loved it!!

    Reply
    • The Kitchen GirlThe Kitchen Girl says

      October 18, 2020 at 7:37 pm

      Awesome, Stephanie! So glad to hear it 🙂 Thanks for taking the time to let me know 💚

  8. AvatarErika says

    August 07, 2020 at 2:32 pm

    5 stars
    These chicken thighs look so juicy and flavorful! I can’t wait to make these for our next family meal!

    Reply
    • The Kitchen GirlThe Kitchen Girl says

      August 07, 2020 at 2:38 pm

      Thanks, Erika! Glad your family can enjoy these 🤩

  9. AvatarIrina says

    August 07, 2020 at 11:18 am

    5 stars
    I love your site for chicken recipes, and it seems the recipe choice is endless. Love this chicken thighs' recipe, and I am going to make it this weekend.

    Reply
    • The Kitchen GirlThe Kitchen Girl says

      August 07, 2020 at 11:22 am

      Thanks, Irina! Yes, you can never have too many chicken recipes 🤩 Enjoy the chicken thighs!

  10. AvatarBintu | Recipes From A Pantry says

    August 07, 2020 at 11:09 am

    5 stars
    These thighs look so juicy and delicious! A wonderful easy dinner for the whole family, for sure.

    Reply
    • The Kitchen GirlThe Kitchen Girl says

      August 07, 2020 at 11:21 am

      Thanks Bintu! Yes, chicken thighs are SO family-friendly. Glad you can enjoy 🤩

  11. AvatarEmily says

    August 07, 2020 at 10:33 am

    5 stars
    These baked chicken thighs came out perfectly! The whole family loved this meal and we will be making again!

    Reply
    • The Kitchen GirlThe Kitchen Girl says

      August 07, 2020 at 10:36 am

      Woot woot! Can never go wrong with chicken thighs for the whole family 🤩 Thanks, Emily!

  12. AvatarTawnie says

    August 07, 2020 at 9:57 am

    5 stars
    Never baking chicken thighs any other way - so juicy and flavorful! YUM!

    Reply
    • The Kitchen GirlThe Kitchen Girl says

      August 07, 2020 at 10:35 am

      Awesome, Tawnie! I feel the same way about these chicken thighs 🤩💚 Thanks!

  13. AvatarJeff says

    July 16, 2020 at 10:14 am

    5 stars
    Best baked chicken thighs! Turn oven on. Sprinkle a few things. Bake. Meanwhile, make your Instant Pot mashed potatoes and I'm CEO of dinner. Thanks TKG!

    Reply
    • The Kitchen GirlThe Kitchen Girl says

      July 16, 2020 at 10:19 am

      You ARE dinner CEO with this one 🙌🏼 I'm sooooo happy about that 🤩

  14. AvatarKettle says

    July 12, 2020 at 11:00 am

    5 stars
    My lady is not a big fan of chicken, however when I surprised her by cooking thighs using your recipe, she said it was best she’d ever had! Lol I did modify the recipe some, added a few other secret spices, nonetheless she loved it! So I’ve graduated from being just her Soo chef! 😉

    Reply
    • The Kitchen GirlThe Kitchen Girl says

      July 12, 2020 at 2:48 pm

      Best review EVRRR 🤩 Srsly, I love your lady's reaction ... which is how I always feel about baked chicken thighs lol. Thanks so much for the feedback!

  15. Avatarkim says

    May 17, 2020 at 12:02 pm

    5 stars
    This recipe was fabulous! So easy and tasty! I'll definitely be making again!

    Reply
    • The Kitchen GirlThe Kitchen Girl says

      May 17, 2020 at 7:38 pm

      Awesome, Kim! So glad you love it...thanks! 🙂

  16. AvatarSisley White says

    May 17, 2020 at 9:59 am

    5 stars
    This is my idea of chicken recipe heaven. I can't wait to have these!

    Reply
    • The Kitchen GirlThe Kitchen Girl says

      May 17, 2020 at 10:30 am

      Awww thanks, Sisley! Baked chicken thighs are pretty heavenly 😉

  17. AvatarCookilicious says

    May 17, 2020 at 9:49 am

    5 stars
    I love how easy yet tasty this recipe is! Thanks.

    Reply
    • The Kitchen GirlThe Kitchen Girl says

      May 17, 2020 at 10:30 am

      Awesome! So glad you like this one...thanks! 🙂

  18. AvatarAndrea Metlika says

    May 17, 2020 at 9:41 am

    5 stars
    This chicken looks so delicious. Perfect for a weeknight meal.

    Reply
    • The Kitchen GirlThe Kitchen Girl says

      May 17, 2020 at 10:30 am

      Thanks, Andrea...glad you can enjoy this one 🙂

  19. AvatarEmily Liao says

    May 17, 2020 at 9:21 am

    5 stars
    These oven baked thighs were perfect for dinner last night! The seasoning had tons of flavor and the chicken was definitely juicy. Keeping this in my rotation!

    Reply
    • The Kitchen GirlThe Kitchen Girl says

      May 17, 2020 at 9:38 am

      So glad to hear it, Emily! We're crazy about the flavor too...so simple. Glad you enjoyed these 🙂

  20. AvatarMarian says

    May 17, 2020 at 8:43 am

    It is okay to use boneless chicken thighs? How would the recipe be altered.

    Reply
    • The Kitchen GirlThe Kitchen Girl says

      May 17, 2020 at 8:08 pm

      Hi Marian, yes, boneless chicken thighs will work great for this recipe. You can use the same prep steps as the bone-in chicken thighs, but bake the boneless thighs for about half the time (about 20 minutes). Great question, btw! I just added a section to the blog post 🙂 I'm always here for more questions anytime. Thanks!

  21. AvatarMirlene says

    May 16, 2020 at 6:40 pm

    5 stars
    This chicken look SO juicy!!!! Quick and easy recipe. Perfect for meal planning.

    Reply
    • The Kitchen GirlThe Kitchen Girl says

      May 16, 2020 at 7:07 pm

      Awesome, Mirlene! Glad you can enjoy this one 🙂

  22. AvatarNart at Cooking with Nart says

    May 16, 2020 at 4:26 pm

    5 stars
    Thanks for the great tips here, there's nothing better than juicy baked chicken thights

    Reply
    • The Kitchen GirlThe Kitchen Girl says

      May 16, 2020 at 7:10 pm

      You're so welcome, Nart! Glad you can enjoy these 🙂

  23. AvatarRhonda Albom says

    May 16, 2020 at 3:53 pm

    5 stars
    Quick, easy and tasty, a perfect chicken recipe.

    Reply
    • The Kitchen GirlThe Kitchen Girl says

      May 16, 2020 at 4:09 pm

      You said it! And thanks for that! 🙂

  24. AvatarIrina says

    May 16, 2020 at 3:35 pm

    5 stars
    Sometimes I wonder about how to spice up chicken thighs while cooking them so often. Thanks for your flavorful recipe.

    Reply
    • The Kitchen GirlThe Kitchen Girl says

      May 16, 2020 at 4:08 pm

      Yes, these are so simple too! Glad you can enjoy them 🙂

  25. AvatarCharla says

    May 16, 2020 at 2:11 pm

    5 stars
    I'm always looking for quick and easy chicken dinners, juicy is the right word for this one. Can't wait to try it!

    Reply
    • The Kitchen GirlThe Kitchen Girl says

      May 16, 2020 at 4:08 pm

      Thanks Charla...enjoy!!!

  26. AvatarCathleen says

    May 16, 2020 at 2:08 pm

    5 stars
    Ooh wow, so juicy. I love chicken thighs wayyy more than chicken breasts, so this is right up my alley. Thanks for the recipe 🙂

    Reply
    • The Kitchen GirlThe Kitchen Girl says

      May 16, 2020 at 4:07 pm

      Awesome, Cathleen! Glad you can enjoy this recipe 🙂

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