Chicken thighs are a delicious and versatile protein that can be prepared in a variety of ways. When baking chicken thighs, the cooking time can vary quite a bit depending on factors like whether the thighs are bone-in or boneless, if the skin is left on or removed, what temperature the oven is, and if the thighs are cooked directly on a baking sheet or placed in a baking dish.
Baking Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken Thighs
For bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, a good rule of thumb is to bake for 30-40 minutes at 375°F. The bones, skin, and fat help keep the thighs moist while cooking. The skin gets beautifully crisped and browned. Here are more specifics when baking bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs:
- If baking 4-6 thighs on a sheet pan lined with parchment or foil, bake at 375°F for 35-40 minutes.
- For a larger quantity, 8 or more thighs, bake at 375°F for 40-45 minutes. The extra thighs act as insulation, so they may need 5 extra minutes in the oven.
- Jumbo thigh portions may need almost 50 minutes total baking time.
- To ensure food safety with chicken, use an instant read thermometer to check that thighs reach at least 165°F internally before removing from oven.
- The thighs should have golden, crispy skin and the meat should be cooked through with no pink spots remaining.
Baking Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs
Without the skin and bones, boneless, skinless thighs cook more quickly and can dry out faster. Bake these at a slightly higher temperature and less time compared to bone-in thighs. General guidelines are:
- Bake 4-6 boneless, skinless thighs on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment at 400°F for 18-22 minutes.
- Check that internal temperature reaches 165°F with a food thermometer before removing from oven.
- Bake in a single layer without overcrowding for even cooking.
Tips for Moist and Tender Baked Chicken Thighs
Follow these tips for the most moist, juicy baked chicken thighs:
- Do not overcook – Chicken dries out quickly if baked too long. Use a thermometer and remove thighs once they reach 165°F.
- Brine first – Soaking thighs for 30 minutes up to overnight in a brine solution of saltwater keeps the meat extra juicy.
- Use bone-in thighs – The bones help keep in moisture and add extra chicken flavor.
- Bake gently – Cook at 375°F or 400°F to prevent burning the exterior before the interior is cooked through.
- Leave skin on – The skin prevents the meat from drying out.
- Bake in a single layer – Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
- Allow to rest – Let thighs sit 5-10 minutes after baking so juices can redistribute through the meat.
Cooking Times for Baked Chicken Thighs at Different Temperatures
Adjust baking times based on the oven temperature:
| Oven Temperature | Bone-in Thigh Cook Time | Boneless Thigh Cook Time |
|---|---|---|
| 350°F | 45-55 minutes | 25-30 minutes |
| 375°F | 35-45 minutes | 20-25 minutes |
| 400°F | 30-40 minutes | 18-22 minutes |
| 425°F | 25-35 minutes | 15-20 minutes |
As shown, baking at relatively lower temperatures like 350°F requires longer cook times, while hotter temperatures like 425°F slashes the baking time but can also cause the exterior to burn before the center is cooked through. That’s why 375°F or 400°F are ideal for baking juicy, tender chicken thighs.
How to Tell When Chicken Thighs Are Done
Here are ways to test that chicken thighs are fully cooked and ready to remove from the oven:
- Use a thermometer – Chicken is safely cooked at 165°F. Insert the probe into the thickest part of a thigh, taking care not to hit bone.
- Look for visual signs – The skin will be golden brown and crispy. The meat will be white throughout with no pink spots.
- Cut into a thigh – Juices should run clear with no traces of pink when slicing into the meat.
- Poke with a fork – The meat should feel firm and should pull apart easily with light poking.
Relying on the thermometer is the most sure way to confirm doneness and prevent undercooked chicken. Let thighs rest 5-10 minutes once removed from the oven before serving.
Baked Chicken Thigh Recipes
Once you know the basics of how long to bake chicken thighs, try these delicious baked chicken thigh recipes:
Easy Baked Chicken Thighs
For basic baked chicken thighs, coat bone-in, skin-on thighs with olive oil, salt, pepper, and spices like garlic powder, paprika, thyme or rosemary. Bake at 375°F for 40 minutes until crispy and browned.
Honey Glazed Chicken Thighs
Whisk honey, soy sauce, mustard, and spices to make a glaze. Brush over boneless thighs and bake 25 minutes at 375°F. Broil 2 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
BBQ Chicken Thighs
Toss bone-in thighs with BBQ sauce and bake 35-40 minutes at 400°F. For extra flavor, add smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic, and cayenne pepper to the sauce.
Chicken Parmesan Thighs
Bread boneless thighs with Italian breadcrumbs, bake 20 minutes at 400°F, then top with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. Bake 5 more minutes until melted.
Jerk Chicken Thighs
Marinate bone-in thighs in a Jamaican jerk seasoning blend before baking. Bake at 400°F for 30-35 minutes until caramelized and tender.
Chicken Tikka Masala Thighs
Marinate boneless thighs in yogurt with Indian spices like cumin, coriander, and garlic. Bake 25 minutes at 375°F then serve in curry sauce.
Common Questions About Baking Chicken Thighs
Should chicken thighs be baked uncovered or covered?
For crispy, browned skin, bake chicken thighs uncovered in the oven. Covering can cause soggy skin. If baking boneless thighs that don’t need crispy skin, then loosely covering with foil helps keep the meat moist.
Do you put water in the pan when baking chicken thighs?
Adding a small amount of liquid like water, broth, or wine to the bottom of the baking pan can help keep bone-in thighs extra juicy. The liquid prevents any browned bits on the pan from burning and adds moisture. About 1/4 cup liquid is enough for a standard baking dish.
Should you flip chicken thighs when baking?
It’s not necessary to flip chicken thighs while baking. Placing them skin-side up will help the skin get crispy. The hot air circulates and cooks the thighs evenly on both sides.
Can you overbake chicken thighs?
It is possible to overbake chicken thighs if left in the oven too long. Overbaking leads to dry, stringy meat. Use a thermometer to check for 165°F doneness and remove thighs promptly once they reach this safe internal temperature.
Is baking or grilling chicken thighs better?
Baking and grilling chicken thighs both have benefits. Baking is easier and more hands-off. The oven creates an even, ambient heat that crisps the skin. Grilling imparts a smoky flavor from the char. Grilling requires more monitoring to prevent burning.
Conclusion
Knowing how long to bake chicken thighs results in perfectly cooked chicken every time. Bone-in thighs bake for 30-45 minutes at 375°F, while boneless thighs take less time at a higher temperature. Checking internal temperature and looking for visual signs of doneness like crispy skin and clear juices ensures thighs are not under or overcooked. With the right time and temperature, baked chicken thighs are juicy, flavorful, and an easy dinner option.