These crispy and juicy baked chicken thighs make for the perfect weeknight meal. They’re incredibly easy to make, packed with flavor, have the crispiest skin, and are much healthier than traditional fried chicken. So much to love!.
As a kid I loved KFC chicken, but my favorite part was the crispy skin that was full of herbs and flavor. In fact, I may have eaten the skin more than the meat!.
Today, I no longer eat KFC (for obvious reasons) but I still love tender, juicy chicken with crispy, flavorful skin. And that’s where my baked chicken thighs come in. With a drizzle of oil and a generous amount of dried herbs you can create crispy baked chicken that the whole family will love. And you can feel good knowing it’s healthier.
So if you love the crispy, golden skin on my roast chicken, and the spiced flavor of my baked chicken breasts, you’re going to really love these baked chicken thighs!.
Chicken thighs are a tasty cut of meat that can be used in many ways and are great for dinners during the week. If you follow the right steps, baking chicken thighs at 350°F will always make them juicy and tender. But for how long do you need to bake them for to get the right internal temperature without drying them out? Let’s be clear about that in this guide.
Factors That Affect Chicken Thigh Bake Times
Several variables impact total bake time when cooking chicken thighs at 350°F, including:
- Bone-in vs boneless – Bone-in thighs take longer since the bone insulates the meat. Boneless cooks faster.
- Skin-on vs skinless – Skin helps keep moisture in but can require more time to crisp. Skinless may cook slightly faster.
- Thickness – Thicker thighs need more time than thinner pieces to cook through.
- Oven accuracy – If your oven runs hot or cold, adjust time accordingly. Verify with an oven thermometer.
- Resting – Let thighs rest 5-10 minutes before serving for juicier meat.
But the most important factor is always.
Reaching the Proper Internal Temperature
The safest way to ensure chicken thighs are fully cooked is to use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F This kills any potential bacteria present and indicates the meat is done
If you don’t have a thermometer, look for the juices to run clear and meat to be opaque throughout when pierced.
Expected Bake Times
When baking in a 350°F oven that is properly set up, these are some general bake times:
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs – 35-45 minutes
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs – 40-50 minutes
However, keep in mind that times vary based on thickness. Watch thighs closely and pull them once they reach 165°F internally.
Here are some tips to achieve perfect baked chicken thighs:
- For crispy skin, start at a higher temp (400°F) for 10-15 minutes then reduce to 350°F.
- For moist meat, brine thighs before baking. Tent loosely with foil if needed.
- For even cooking, choose thighs of consistent size and arrange in a single layer.
- For food safety, use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Cook to 165°F.
- For maximum juiciness, let thighs rest 5-10 minutes before serving.
Recipe and Variation Ideas
Baked chicken thighs pair well with endless flavors. Consider seasoning them with:
- Herbs – rosemary, thyme, oregano
- Spices – paprika, cumin, chili powder
- Alliums – garlic, onion, shallots
- Citrus – lemon, lime, orange
- Sauces – soy, barbecue, teriyaki
You can also bake bone-in chicken thighs directly on a bed of vegetables like potatoes or carrots for a complete meal.
For easy weeknight dinners, opt for recipes like:
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Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs – Saucy, sticky chicken thighs with a smoky BBQ flavor.
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Chicken Thighs with Lemon and Herbs – Bright citrus flavor with rosemary and thyme.
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Honey Garlic Baked Chicken Thighs – Sweet and savory with crispy skin.
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Jerk Chicken Thighs – Spicy and bold Jamaican-style chicken.
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Chicken Thighs with Mushrooms and Spinach – A one-pan meal with veggies.
With just a little planning, you can add a lot of different flavors to plain baked chicken thighs.
To bake chicken thighs perfectly, you need to know how things like bone, skin, size, and correct temperature affect the total cooking time. Plan on 35 to 45 minutes at 350°F for thighs without bones and 40 to 50 minutes for thighs with bones.
But always rely on a meat thermometer for the best indication of doneness. Chicken thighs are safe to eat and will be moist and tender when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
With the right method and flavor combinations, simple baked chicken thighs can be a tasty, budget-friendly staple in your regular dinner rotation.
More Chicken Thigh Recipes
Are you a chicken thigh lover like me? Get inspired by these reader-favorite chicken thigh recipes.
I hope you love these crispy baked chicken thighs! If you make them, I’d love to hear how they turned out in the comment box below. Your review will help other readers in the community.
Baked Chicken Thighs Ingredients
- Get a package of bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs in this recipe, but I think the skin keeps the meat moist and bone-in chicken tastes better. It’s also cheaper! .
- Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper are just a few of the simple spices that are used to season chicken.
Find the printable recipe with measurements below.
How to Bake Chicken Thighs: Temperature, Baking Time & Recipe | How to Cook Chicken by MOMables
FAQ
How long does it take to cook chicken thighs on 350?
The USDA guidelines lists approximate cooking times of 40 to 50 minutes for 4-to-8-ounce chicken thighs roasted at 350 degrees. Our simple recipe for boneless chicken thighs for meal prep bakes at 425 degrees F for about 25 to 30 minutes.
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.
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.
What’s the best temperature for baking chicken thighs?
In an oven preheated to 375 degrees F, chicken thighs should be fully cooked after about half an hour. You’ll know they’re done when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, near the bone, reads 165 degrees F.
How long do chicken thighs take to cook?
How long they take to cook will depend on the size of the chicken thighs and the temperature of the oven. According to the USDA, chicken thighs that are 4 to 8 ounces should be roasted at 350 degrees for about 40 to 50 minutes.
What temperature should chicken thighs be baked at?
Remember, the key to perfectly baked chicken thighs at 350°F is patience and using a meat thermometer to ensure they reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). With this guide, you’ll be able to serve up tender, juicy, and delicious chicken thighs every time! Is it better to bake chicken thighs at 350 or 375?
How long should chicken thighs be cooked at 400?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Allow to cool to room temperature before storing. For the most tender chicken thighs, a cooking time of 40 minutes should be perfect at an oven temperature of 400ºF. This medium high temperature is perfect for the juiciest results.
How do you cook chicken thighs in the oven?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pat the chicken thighs dry using paper towels. This step is vital as it helps the skin crisp up during baking. Rub olive oil over each thigh, making sure to coat them evenly. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and your choice of spices. The seasoning can be customized based on your preferred flavor profile.
How long to cook bone in chicken thighs?
For bone-in chicken thighs, the ideal cooking time at 350°F is between 50 to 60 minutes. Cooking with the bone helps retain moisture, resulting in juicier meat. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should register at least 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh.
How long to cook frozen chicken thighs?
Luckily, this is not a big problem. You can still cook your chicken thighs at 350 in the oven from frozen. Just increase the cooking time by 10-15 minutes. It takes between 50-60 minutes to bake frozen chicken thighs. Frozen chicken sometimes cooks more unevenly than thawed chicken.