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Home » Recipes » Dinner Recipes

by Traci · Published: 05/16/2020 · Updated: 07/30/2021 · This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe

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5 from 47 votes
45 minutes

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.

baked chicken thighs in juice with silver serving spoon in white baking dish

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!

Table of Contents hide
1) Ingredient notes
2) How to bake chicken thighs
3) Seasoning chicken thighs
4) How long to bake chicken thighs
5) Frequently asked questions
6) How to make chicken thighs crispy
7) Tips to make the best baked chicken thighs
8) What to serve with roasted chicken thighs
9) Can I freeze baked chicken thighs?
10) More chicken recipes
11) Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs

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!
seasoned uncooked chicken thighs in white baking dish next to containers of salt, pepper, paprika, oil, and garlic on green background

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.

chicken thighs in white baking dish are brushed with oil
seasoned uncooked chicken thighs in white baking dish on blue-green background

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.

baked chicken thighs in white baking dish with food thermometer inserted in one piece registering 166 degrees Fahrenheit

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

baked chicken thighs in juice with silver serving spoon in white baking dish

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

Should I wash chicken thighs before cooking?

No, it isn't necessary because bacteria is eliminated when chicken is cooked properly. Rinsing chicken only creates more tasks and more opportunities for cross-contamination.

Can I cook chicken thighs from frozen?

Yes. According to the USDA, frozen chicken can be cooked in the oven with about 50% added cook time. Use a food thermometer to ensure a safe minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit before serving.

How do I know when chicken thighs are done?

Chicken thighs should cook until they reach a safe minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. They'll continue to tenderize beyond that internal temperature up to about 190 degrees Fahrenheit.

baked chicken thighs stacked on white plate

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

What to serve with roasted chicken thighs

Serve this delectable entree with roasted mushrooms, sauteed asparagus, or loaded 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
  • Chicken Vegetable Soup
  • Greek Lemon Chicken

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

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

Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs

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.
5 from 47 votes
Print Pin
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 40 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 5 chicken thighs
Author: Traci The Kitchen Girl

INGREDIENTS
 

  • 5 Bone-in Chicken Thighs
  • 1 teaspoon Olive Oil
  • ⅛ teaspoon Sea Salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon Black Pepper
  • ⅛ teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • ⅛ teaspoon Paprika

Instructions
 

  • (optional) Let chicken rest at room temperature for 20 minutes to remove chill for more efficient baking.
  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (see recipe footnote for other temperatures).
  • Pat CHICKEN dry with a paper towel and place in baking dish, skin side up.
  • Brush OLIVE OIL over the skin, then sprinkle SALT, PEPPER, GARLIC POWDER, and PAPRIKA over the surface.
  • Bake chicken thighs uncovered 30-45 minutes until they reach a safe minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. You are welcome to cook it to higher temperatures for crispier skin.
    Note: Smaller thighs can take as little as 30 minutes.
  • Transfer chicken to a serving platter, cover, and allow a 5-minute rest. Serve warm.
  • To store, allow chicken thighs to cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container up to 5 days or freeze up to 90 days (or longer if vacuum sealed).

RECIPE VIDEO

Tried this recipe? I'd love your review!Visit the comments below and tell me how it went.

Traci's Recipe Notes

How long to bake average sized bone-in chicken thighs (reduce the 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

Equipment

  • 2 quart baking dish or baking sheet
  • tongs
  • pastry brush optional
  • instant-read thermometer

NUTRITION

Serving: 1thigh | Calories: 324kcal | Carbohydrates: 0.5g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 142mg | Sodium: 170mg | Potassium: 299mg | Fiber: 0.04g | Sugar: 0.01g | Vitamin A: 138IU | 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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Comments

  1. Alison says

    January 03, 2023 at 3:44 pm

    5 stars
    This is now my go-to chicken. Even my super-picky kids will eat this chicken! I don’t like chicken any other way. This chicken is crispy and delicious and extremely simple to make. The cooking times have been exact every time and I’ve made both boneless and bone-in. It has stayed nice and moist each and every time. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Traci says

      January 03, 2023 at 5:11 pm

      I'm so glad this one is a hit with the kids because that's usually a tall order in any family. Thank you so much for taking the time to let me know and for bringing my recipes into your kitchen. I really appreciate it 🙂 Enjoy!!

  2. John S. says

    November 13, 2022 at 8:33 pm

    5 stars
    This recipe is just about as easy as they come! I added just a little bit of cayenne pepper to the seasoning to add a hint of heat to the flavor and it was great. I also broiled the skin on high for about 2-3 minutes, then flipped the thighs and broiled the bottom side for 3-4 minutes to crisp it all around. I will make this again - it's SOOOO easy! 🙂

    Reply
    • Traci says

      November 14, 2022 at 6:15 am

      Yay! I'm glad to hear you gave it a try and love it as much as we do 🙂 Thank SO much for taking the time to comment. Much appreciated. Enjoy!

  3. Jan says

    January 31, 2022 at 3:17 pm

    5 stars
    Love this Recipe! It has become one of our favorites! Thank you!!

    Reply
    • The Kitchen Girl says

      January 31, 2022 at 3:22 pm

      Yay! So glad to hear it, Jan. I firmly believe you can never go wrong with baked chicken thighs 🙂 Thanks so much for the feedback!

  4. Coby says

    October 16, 2021 at 5:30 pm

    5 stars
    Will try recipe tonite on bone in thighs and let u know outcome. Thank u.

    Reply
    • The Kitchen Girl says

      October 16, 2021 at 7:34 pm

      Great! Hope you enjoy them as much as we do. Thanks!

  5. Jeffrey says

    October 05, 2021 at 10:07 pm

    5 stars
    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!!!

    Reply
  6. Nanette 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 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

  7. Dan says

    December 26, 2020 at 9:12 am

    5 stars
    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!

    Reply
    • The Kitchen Girl says

      April 26, 2021 at 9:20 am

      I'm glad you love these as much as I do! Roger that on making more thigh recipes 🙂

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