We can thank my mom for this one. That woman always liked chicken thighs more than breast meat, and I never got it until I tried this recipe and became a dark meat lover too.
Going through fertility treatments, pregnancy, and now breastfeeding, I’ve been much more conscious of increasing my protein intake and ensuring my meals are as nutrient-dense as possible. And when it comes to chicken — dark meat wins. Not only is it more flavorful + juicy, but it’s also higher in fat, iron, and zinc. Fat keeps us satiated + helps absorb vitamins from food and virtually all pregnant and postpartum women are deficient in iron.
When purchasing chicken, I always go for pasture-raised and/or organic. You are what you eat! This means I don’t eat the corn, soy, grains, or antibiotics or hormones that conventional chickens may have been fed. Plus, going pasture-raised is better for the environment and is more nutrient-dense thanks to a diet of bugs, grass, and sunshine.
I’M CALLING THIS A NON-RECIPE RECIPE — which means it’s a method and you do you in terms of the seasoning.
Chicken thighs are a budget-friendly and delicious cut of chicken that work great in a variety of dishes When properly baked, chicken thighs come out juicy, flavorful and delicious. But baking chicken thighs to the right doneness while keeping them moist and tender can be tricky. So how long does chicken thigh take to bake to perfection? Keep reading to find out
The baking time for chicken thighs depends on a few factors
Bone-in vs Boneless Chicken Thighs
Bone-in chicken thighs take longer to cook than boneless thighs. The bone acts as insulation, slowing down the cooking process.
- Boneless chicken thighs: 25-30 minutes at 425°F
- Bone-in chicken thighs: 30-45 minutes at 350-425°F
For boneless thighs, aim for an internal temperature of 165°F. The bones in bone-in thighs can give an inaccurate reading on a meat thermometer, so use visual cues instead. The meat should be opaque and juices should run clear.
Oven Temperature
Higher oven temperatures will significantly shorten cooking time. Lower oven temps will result in longer bake times.
- 350°F oven: 40-50 minutes
- 425°F oven: 25-30 minutes
Weight/Thickness
Larger, thicker chicken thighs will need more time in the oven than smaller, thinner ones.
- 4-8oz chicken thighs: 40-50 minutes
- Larger thighs: 50-60 minutes
Preheating Baking Sheet
When you heat the baking sheet before you put the chicken thighs on it, they cook faster and more evenly. The first burst of heat from the hot pan makes the skin perfectly crispy.
Marinating
Chicken thighs marinated or brined beforehand often require less time in the oven since the salt/acids help tenderize the meat.
Cooking Tips
- Pat chicken thighs dry before baking for crisper skin
- Use a meat thermometer for best accuracy
- Allow at least 1 inch between thighs for even cooking
- Bake in a single layer to promote browning
- Flip halfway through for even cooking
How to Tell When Chicken Thighs Are Done
It can be tricky to tell when chicken thighs are fully cooked through. Here are some tips:
- Temperature of 165°F on a meat thermometer
- Meat is opaque throughout
- Juices run clear when pierced with a knife
- Meat feels firm yet tender when pressed
- Skin is deep golden brown
If the juices are pink or red, the chicken needs more time. Thighs that jiggle or seem undercooked when pierced should also bake longer.
Overbaked chicken will be very firm and dry. If your chicken thighs are dried out, they likely overcooked.
Perfectly Baked Chicken Thigh Recipes
If you’re new to baking chicken thighs, try these foolproof recipes for tender, juicy results:
Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs
Cover chicken thighs with skin and bones and season them with a tasty mix of spices. Bake at a high temperature for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the skin is brown and crispy.
Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs
Skewer chicken thighs without bones and coat them in a sticky, sweet BBQ sauce. Then, bake them until the edges are charred and caramelized.
Lemon Garlic Baked Chicken Thighs
Boneless chicken thighs baked with lemon, garlic, and herbs become ultra tender in the tangy juices.
Baked Chicken Parmesan
Breaded chicken cutlets bake with marinara and mozzarella for an easy spin on classic chicken parm.
With the right technique, baking chicken thighs results in juicy, flavorful meat every time. Allowing enough time for bone-in and larger thighs to cook through while monitoring for doneness leads to the best results. For moist and tender chicken thighs, bake bone-in for 30-45 minutes at 350°F+ and boneless for 25-30 minutes at 425°F until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
A FEW OF MY FAVORITE WAYS TO PREPARE THESE CHICKEN THIGHS ARE:
+ za’atar (an herby, sesame Middle Eastern seasoning)
+ smoked paprika, fresh thyme, garlic powder, cayenne
+ Dijon mustard, honey, fresh rosemary
+ fresh thyme, lemon zest, white wine
+ good quality, low sugar BBQ or teriyaki sauce (Primal Kitchen, Noble Made)
I always keep a few packs of these in the freezer ready to thaw because I love them hot or cold on a salad.
PRO-TIP: always line your sheet pan with parchment paper for easy clean-up.
Foolproof Oven-Roasted Chicken Thighs
1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs, organic/pasture-raised 1 Tbs. extra virgin olive oil Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper — Herbs, spices, sauce (optional).
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Put the chicken in a bowl and add a good amount of olive oil and salt and pepper to taste. Add other seasonings as desired.
- Place the chicken in a baking dish or on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 25 minutes until internal temperature is 165 degrees.
Miso Glazed Chicken Thighs
TO TRY THIS MISO OPTION: Take 2-3 tsp. miso paste and mix with enough coconut aminos to make a loose paste. Drizzle chicken with toased seasme oil and season with salt, Then rub on miso mixture and coat well.
Recipe developed for SWW® by Erin Parekh
How to Bake Chicken Thighs: Temperature, Baking Time & Recipe | How to Cook Chicken by MOMables
FAQ
Is it better to bake chicken thighs at 350 or 400?
The Best Temperature For Cooking Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs. Whether they’re on a sheet pan, in a skillet, or in a saucy marinade, the best temperature for cooking boneless, skinless chicken thighs in the oven is between 400°F and 450°F, with 425°F being the temperature we rely on most often. Aug 28, 2024.
How long does it take to cook chicken thighs at 400 degrees?
Baking chicken thighs at 400°F typically takes 35-45 minutes, but the exact time can vary based on whether they are bone-in or boneless, and their size.
How long does it take to cook thigh chicken?
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Place chicken thighs in a baking dish; season both sides with garlic powder and onion flakes. Heat the oven and put the chicken in it. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the bone is no longer pink and the juices run clear.
Is it better to bake chicken legs at 350 or 400?
Most people think that baking chicken legs at 400°F (204°C) is better than 350°F (177°C) because the skin gets crispier and the meat stays juicy.