Crispy oven baked chicken thighs recipe using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. 5 minute prep, deliciously juicy, crispy, and family-approved!
Serve baked chicken with oven roasted mushrooms, asparagus, or mashed potatoes for a family dinner everyone loves!
This recipe is a truly hands-off approach to a simple chicken dinner. There's no marinating or messy prep. Simply brush and sprinkle a few pantry ingredients over the chicken thighs and bake. Just like my baked chicken legs, these crispy baked chicken thighs are loved by the whole family.
Key ingredients and substitutions
This recipe requires a few pantry staples that you likely have on hand. See recipe card for quantities.
- chicken thighs - I'm using bone-in skin-on chicken thighs. If you use boneless thighs, cut the cooking time in half.
- extra virgin olive oil - Or any cooking oil.
- garlic powder, paprika, salt & pepper - This super simple combination has tons of flavor and color.
How to make crispy baked chicken thighs
Get the printable recipe below.
Step 1: When time permits, I rest the chicken thighs at room temperature about 20 minutes to remove the chill. It's not required but it helps chicken cook more evenly throughout, especially when there is a bone.
Step 2: Preheat oven to 400°F and pat thighs dry with a paper towel.
Step 3: Place in bakeware and brush the surface with a light coating of oil and sprinkling of salt, pepper, garlic, and paprika
Step 4: Bake uncovered for 30-45 minutes until a meat thermometer inserted next to the bone registers 165°F. If you want crispier chicken skin, place thighs under a broiler in 2 minute intervals until it's to your liking.
Step 5: Transfer chicken thighs to a serving dish, cover loosely, and rest 5 minutes. Serve warm garnished with chopped parsley.
How long to bake chicken thighs at different temperatures
Baking time varies based on 1) how much the chicken thighs weigh 2) oven temperature 3) chicken temperature before baking.
Here's a reference point for how long to bake chicken thighs:
- 425°F (218°C) for 25-40 minutes
- 400°F (204°C) for 30-45 minutes * my preferred temperature
- 375°F (190°C) for 40-50 minutes
- 350°F (176°C) for 45-55 minutes
*I prefer baking them at 400°F because it sears the skin nicely and the inside is always juicy. Also, it's the perfect temperature to roast vegetables, so our whole dinner can share oven space. Win win!
How much does a chicken thigh weigh?
A smaller chicken thigh weighs around 1/4 lb. while a larger thigh weighs up to 1/2 lb. Boneless thighs weigh a bit less. Always use the larger chicken thighs to gauge the final internal temperature because they take longer to cook and you want to insure they're done.
How to know when chicken thighs are done
When the juices run clear and the flesh is no longer pink, the chicken may be done. But, the ultimate way to know is when a quick-read thermometer inserted next to the bone registers a temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Two methods for crispy skin
Method 1: If you're using a baking dish like mine (pictured above), transfer the baked thighs to a clean baking sheet and place under a broiler a minutes to crisp the skin.
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
- If using frozen thighs, thaw completely before baking chicken to prevent undercooking.
- You can substitute boneless thighs, but they only need half the cooking time.
- Always use a quick-read thermometer to confirm 165°F minimum internal temperature for all baked chicken, bone-in or boneless.
- Before serving, allow baked chicken to rest 5 minutes before cutting because it prevents the juices from escaping.
Easy chicken recipes we love
Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 5 Bone-in Chicken Thighs, about 1 lb.
- 1 tsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1/8 tsp Sea Salt
- 1/8 tsp Black Pepper
- 1/8 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/8 tsp Paprika
RECIPE VIDEO
Equipment
- 10" x 7" baking dish or sheet pan
Instructions
- Let chicken rest at room temperature for 20 minutes because it removes the chill and promotes even heat distribution. (optional, but recommended)
- Preheat oven to 400°F or preferred temperature. Pat the CHICKEN dry with a paper towel and place in bakeware, 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 between 30 and 45 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer registers 165°F near the bone.Note: Some small thighs can take as little as 30 minutes.
- Transfer chicken to a serving platter, cover, and allow a 5-minute rest before serving. (optional) Garnish with lemon or chopped fresh parsley.
Traci's Notes
- If using frozen thighs, thaw completely before baking chicken to prevent undercooking.
- You can substitute boneless thighs for bone-in thighs. They only need half the cooking time.
- Always use a quick-read thermometer to confirm 165°F minimum internal temperature for all baked chicken, bone-in or boneless.
- Before serving, allow baked chicken to rest 5 minutes before cutting because it prevents the juices from escaping.
- 425°F (218°C) for 25-40 minutes
- 400°F (204°C) for 30-45 minutes * my preferred temperature
- 375°F (190°C) for 40-50 minutes
- 350°F (176°C) for 45-55 minutes
Nutrition
Nutrition data provided as courtesy estimates using unbranded ingredients from a nutrition database. Please consult preferred resource for precise data.
Coby says
Will try recipe tonite on bone in thighs and let u know outcome. Thank u.
The Kitchen Girl says
Great! Hope you enjoy them as much as we do. Thanks!
Jeffrey says
It’s baked chicken thigh season again and THIS is my favorite recipe! It really is as easy and juicy and mouth watering as you say. Big win for the guy who doesn't cook much!!!
Nanette says
Excellent recipe! I used 8 thighs & baked them for 50 min. So good! Juicy & tasty. Thank you!
The Kitchen Girl says
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
Dan says
Best baked chicken thighs I've ever made! Love how simple and hands-off these are. Please create more chicken thigh recipes and I'm in!
The Kitchen Girl says
I'm glad you love these as much as I do! Roger that on making more thigh recipes 🙂
Jillian says
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.
The Kitchen Girl says
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
Emily says
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!
The Kitchen Girl says
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!
Linda says
Very juicy and flavorful. Husband loved it!
The Kitchen Girl says
Awesome, Linda! Always love it when the hubs signs off! Thanks so much for the feedback 🙂
JB says
I look forward to these baked chicken thighs once a month. They are such an easy chicken recipe and delicious AF!
The Kitchen Girl says
Thanks, JB! I'm so glad you think so. I feel the exact same way 🙂
Karen says
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!
The Kitchen Girl says
Yay, Karen! So glad your family enjoyed it. I love smoked paprika too! Thanks for taking the time to review...much appreciated 🙂