Super easy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs recipe with only 6 ingredients, 5 minute prep and hands-free baking. This hassle free chicken dinner is the best way to cook chicken thighs. Serve with Oven Roasted Mushrooms for a tried and true family favorite!
Hands-free baked chicken thighs are hands down the easiest and BEST recipe for a truly simple dinner. There's no marinating or chopping. Simply drizzle and sprinkle a few pantry ingredients and bake, just like my Baked Chicken Legs and Southwest Oven Baked Chicken Wings.
Key ingredients
Roasted chicken thighs only need 5 minutes of prep and a few pantry staples that you probably already have on hand!
- chicken thighs - I'm using bone-in thighs, but if you use boneless chicken thighs, cut the cooking time in half.
- extra virgin olive oil - or preferred oil
- garlic powder, paprika, salt & pepper - a super simple combination with tons of flavor
How to make roasted chicken thighs
- Preheat oven to 400°F and pat chicken thighs dry with a paper towel.
- If time allows, let the thighs rest at room temperature for 20 minutes to remove the chill because it promotes consistent baking throughout the thighs.
- Place chicken thighs in a baking dish and lightly coat or spray the skin with oil. Then sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic, and paprika over the surface.
- Bake uncovered for 30-45 minutes until a meat thermometer inserted in the center reads 165°F.
- Let chicken thighs rest for 5 minutes loosely covered.
- To serve, transfer to a platter, and serve warm, garnished with fresh chopped parsley or lemon.
Should I rinse chicken before baking?
There's no need to rinse chicken. It creates more work because it contaminates kitchen surfaces with raw chicken juice. Simply transfer chicken thighs from the package straight to the pan and let the oven take care of the rest.
What temperature to cook chicken thighs
Chicken is usually baked between 350°F and 425°F oven temperatures. I prefer to roast chicken at 400°F because it's the perfect temperature to roast vegetables and they can share the oven space. Also, since it takes 30-40 minutes to roast chicken thighs, that's enough time to make a side dish and a salad.
How long to cook chicken thighs at 400°F
Bone-in chicken thighs will need to bake between 30 and 45 minutes depending on their size, which is why I use this as a guide:
- 30 min for smaller chicken thighs (3 oz)
- 40 min for medium chicken thighs (5 oz)
- 45 min for large chicken thighs (8 oz)
If you cook chicken at 350°, plan to add 15 minutes to the cook time. If you cook it at 400°, subtract about 10 minutes. No matter what temperature chicken is cooked, the internal part should always hit 165°F on an instant-read meat thermometer when inserted next to the bone.
How to get crispy skin on baked thighs
There are 3 different ways to get crispy chicken thighs.
- Bake the chicken thighs on a cookie cooling rack set over a baking pan. This allows the chicken thighs to sit above the fat which prevents it becoming soggy and captures the fat.
- Bake the chicken on beds of lemons like I do with my Greek Lemon Roasted Chicken. This method also prevents the thighs becoming soggy since they're sitting above the rendered fat.
- When roasting chicken thighs on a baking sheet without a rack, once they're baked, stick them under the broiler a few minutes to crisp the skin. Be careful to not burn them because it's easy to do.
How to cook boneless chicken thighs
Boneless chicken thighs can easily be substituted for bone-in thighs, but they only require half the cooking time. Follow the same recipe steps, but bake boneless chicken thighs at 400°F for 20 minutes, or until a meat thermometer reads 165°F.
Looking for more boneless chicken thigh recipes? Check out my Crockpot White Bean Chicken Chili, Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo, and Crockpot Chicken Vegetable Soup.
Tips to make the best baked chicken thighs
- If using frozen chicken thighs, thaw completely before roasting chicken to prevent undercooking.
- No need to rinse raw chicken because doing so creates unnecessary steps and surface contamination which requires extra cleaning.
- Let chicken thighs sit at room temperature for 20 minutes to promote uniform baking. You can even oil and season the thighs beforehand.
- Chicken thigh cook time can vary depending on size and the temperature of the chicken before it gets roasted.
- Use the last 20 minutes of cook time to share the oven with roasted vegetables like these Roasted Mushrooms and serve together.
- Use the chicken drippings to make a gravy for mashed potatoes.
- Always use a meat 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 juices from escaping and keeps the chicken moist.
How to store and use chicken leftovers
Allow chicken to cool down, shred, and store in an airtight container. Refrigerate leftover chicken up to five days and repurpose into one of these easy chicken thigh recipes:
Chicken recipes we love
Recommended sides
Juicy Baked Chicken Thighs
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
Equipment
- 10" x 7" baking dish
- Silicone pastry brush
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.
Recipe Notes
- 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.
- Chicken thigh cook time can vary depending on size and the temperature of the chicken before it gets roasted.
- Use the last 20 minutes of cook time to share the oven with my Roasted Mushrooms and serve together.
- Use the chicken drippings to make a gravy for mashed potatoes.
- Always use a meat 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 juices from escaping and keeps the chicken moist.
Nutrition
Nutrition data provided as courtesy estimates using unbranded ingredients from a nutrition database. Please consult preferred resource for precise data.
Nanette says
Excellent recipe! I used 8 thighs & baked them for 50 min. So good! Juicy & tasty. Thank you!
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!
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.
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!
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!
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!
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!
Yay, Karen! So glad your family enjoyed it. I love smoked paprika too! Thanks for taking the time to review...much appreciated 🙂
Stephanie says
The chicken turned out amazing and my son loved it!!
Awesome, Stephanie! So glad to hear it 🙂 Thanks for taking the time to let me know
Erika says
These chicken thighs look so juicy and flavorful! I can’t wait to make these for our next family meal!
Thanks, Erika! Glad your family can enjoy these
Irina says
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.
Thanks, Irina! Yes, you can never have too many chicken recipes Enjoy the chicken thighs!
Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry says
These thighs look so juicy and delicious! A wonderful easy dinner for the whole family, for sure.
Thanks Bintu! Yes, chicken thighs are SO family-friendly. Glad you can enjoy
Emily says
These baked chicken thighs came out perfectly! The whole family loved this meal and we will be making again!
Woot woot! Can never go wrong with chicken thighs for the whole family Thanks, Emily!