How Long To Bake Chicken Thighs: Recipes, Tips & More

Chicken thighs are a delicious cut of poultry you can use to build a satisfying meal. While they can be cooked in several ways, baking is a popular choice due to its simplicity and ability to draw out the natural flavors. This convenient method cooks the chicken evenly and creates crispy skin.

Not sure how long to bake chicken thighs? No worries! In our cooking guide, we’ll break down the steps, factors that affect the baking time and even a few recipe ideas to get you started.

How to cook chicken thighs in oven

Baking chicken thighs in the oven is a simple and effective method that allows the natural flavors to shine through. Follow these steps to cook chicken thighs in the oven.

1. Preheat the oven

Before you get started, preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). It’s important to preheat your oven to ensure the chicken is cooked evenly and develops that tasty, crispy skin. We recommend baking chicken thighs at 400°F instead of 350°F, which runs the risk of drying out the chichen.

2. Prep the chicken 

It’s time to prep your chicken thighs. Select your favorite herbs, spices or marinade to enhance the flavor of your chicken thighs. Season the chicken thighs a few minutes before baking. Make sure to marinate your chicken at least two hours before baking. You can also dry rub the chicken to add an extra layer of flavor or brine it to retain more moisture.

To enhance the flavor of your chicken thighs, season them with your favorite herbs, spices or marinades. Some popular choices include:

• Rosemary
• Thyme
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Lemon-herb
• Honey-soy
• Cayenne pepper and its substitutes

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Kosher salt

Ground black pepper

Garlic powder

Onion powder

Italian seasoning

Garlic salt

Paprika

Maple syrup

Honey

Cumin

Oregano

Curry powder

Rosemary

Thyme

Red pepper flakes

Balsamic vinegar

After you season your chicken thighs, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. You can also use a wire rack, which allows heat to circulate around the chicken to create a crispier result.

3. Baking chicken thighs 

Pop the chicken thighs in the preheated oven and use these general baking time guidelines. 

• Bone-in, skin-on: 25-30 minutes
• Boneless, skinless: 20-25 minutes
• Bone-in, skinless: 20-25 minutes
• Boneless, skin-on: 25-30 minutes

If you’re unsure how long to bake chicken thighs, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Insert the meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh to get an accurate read. According to the USDA, the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

You can also use our cooking calculator to determine the cooking times for other cuts of meat.

4. Let the chicken thighs rest 

Allow the cooked chicken thighs to rest for five to 10 minutes before serving. This will help the juices redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish. 

For bone-in chicken thighs, serve them whole for a visually appealing meal. Boneless chicken thighs can be served whole or sliced, depending on your preference.

Serve your baked chicken thighs with your favorite side dishes. Here are a few side dish ideas:

• Roasted vegetables (carrots, potatoes, Brussels sprouts)
• Rice or quinoa
• Pasta
• Mashed potatoes
• Green salad

Factors that affect baking chicken thighs

It’s one thing to know how long to bake chicken thighs; it’s another to know the factors that go into the baking process. Let’s explore them to help you achieve great results every time.

Temperature

The temperature of your oven plays a significant role in how quickly the chicken thighs cook. A higher temperature can lead to a crispier exterior, whereas a lower temperature can dry out the chicken and take longer to cook.

Bone-in vs. boneless

Bone-in chicken thighs generally take longer to cook than boneless thighs because the bone retains heat. This can also affect the cooking time and require adjustments to ensure even cooking.

Skin-on vs. skinless

The presence or absence of the skin can impact both the cooking time and the flavor of the chicken thighs. The skin can add a crispy texture and enhance the flavor, but it may also increase the cooking time. Skinless thighs will cook faster but may require additional moisture.

Thickness

The thickness of the chicken thighs also influences the cooking time. Thicker thighs will take longer to cook than thinner ones. It’s important to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken is fully cooked without being overdone.

Seasoning and marinades

The seasonings and marinades you use can affect the flavor of the chicken thighs but may not significantly impact the cooking time. However, some marinades may contain ingredients that can tenderize the meat and reduce the overall cooking time. Citrus juices, vinegar and even dairy products like yogurt and buttermilk can tenderize the meat.

Tips for juicy, flavorful chicken thighs

Ready to bake juicy, flavorful chicken? Follow these tips and tricks to bake your chicken thighs to perfection.

• Brine or marinate: Brining or marinating chicken thighs before baking can help tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor. Use a simple brine solution of salt and water, or choose seasonings or a marinade with your favorite flavors.
• Season generously: Don’t be afraid to season your chicken thighs with herbs, spices or a combination of both. Create your own spice mixture with rosemary, paprika, garlic powder, thyme or honey and soy.
• Baste for added moisture: Periodically baste the chicken thighs with pan drippings or a marinade while baking to help keep them moist and flavorful.
• Rest before serving: Allow the cooked chicken thighs to rest for five to 10 minutes before serving. Letting them rest helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender chicken.
• Combine with vegetables: Take your baked chicken thighs to the next level by roasting vegetables like carrots, potatoes or Brussels sprouts alongside them. The vegetables absorb the flavorful drippings from the chicken, creating a delicious meal.
• Experiment with different flavors: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and marinades to find your favorite flavor combinations. There are endless possibilities to explore.

Chicken thigh recipes

Now that you know how long to bake chicken thighs, it’s time to plan out your meals. Check out these chicken thigh recipes to find your next favorite dish.

• Honey garlic chicken thighs
• Garlic, lemon and honey chicken thighs
• Curried chicken thighs
• Marinated Asian chicken thighs
• European bone-in chicken thighs
• Miso glazed chicken thighs with broccolini
• Teriyaki glazed chicken thighs
• Garlic mushroom chicken thighs
• Baked chicken thighs with garlic and herbs

Master the art of baking chicken thighs with Instacart

Now that you understand how long to bake chicken thighs, it’s time to get cooking. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just dipping your toes into the culinary world, keep in mind our seasoning and marinade ideas, the factors that play into the cooking time and our recipe ideas –– this way, you can create juicy, flavorful chicken thighs cooked to perfection.

Ready to get baking? Order all the ingredients you need for your baked chicken thighs with the help of Instacart. Simply add your items to your virtual cart and receive your order right to your home –– leave the heavy lifting to us! This way you can focus on planning your weeknight dinner. Fire up the oven, grab your choice of seasonings or marinade and start cooking!

Cady Cohen

Author

Cady Cohen is a culinary writer at Instacart who empowers home cooks to navigate the exciting world of food with confidence. She has worked in digital media for over seven years covering food, health, and wellness. From handy conversion charts and recipe calculators to in-depth cooking guides, Cady's work makes grocery shopping a breeze and empowers you to make informed choices about what you put on your plate.

Heather Matley

Editor

Heather Matley is an editor at Instacart whose passion for food and cooking has inspired her work on everything from grocery guides to recipe development. With over eight years of experience in editing, content creation, and search engine optimization, she strives to empower readers with the most effective tools, guides, and ideas to transform their home cooking.