Juicy Baked Chicken Thighs are easy to make and the most delicious oven-baked chicken thighs ever! They're coated in pantry-staple spices and baked until crispy on the outside and unbelievably juicy inside. With one simple tip, this baked chicken thighs recipe turns out perfect every single time.

This juicy baked chicken thighs recipe hot out of the oven.

These babies are JUICY! If you've ever wondered how to bake chicken thighs, you're in the right place. This is the recipe we reach for again and again and it never fails to make us happy. 

Why these are our go-to baked chicken thighs

  • The combination of simple, pantry-staple spices gives them tons of flavor.
  • They are always juicy. We cook them with the skin on (but give instructions on how to prepare them if you'd prefer not to eat the skin) which ensures they never dry out. 
  • Based on the popular Perfect Baked Chicken Breasts recipe so you'll know they'll be a hit. 
  • After only 5 minutes of prep and they'll be ready to hang out in the oven and cook themselves. 
  • Sugar-free! Many chicken thigh recipes call for sugar, but we think it's unnecessary. This recipe is crazy delicious AND healthy. 
  • Whole30 + keto + gluten-free. All the good things. 
  • Leftovers are great sliced off the bone and served over salad for lunch. 1 recipe = 2 meals. Love meal prep!

A baking tray will juicy oven baked chicken thighs.

How to make this baked chicken thighs recipe

This is one of those ‘staple recipes' that you'll end up reaching for again and again. Only rather than reading the recipe each time, you'll simply head to your pantry and start pulling out the spices. It's a very simple recipe that is based on the popular Perfect Baked Chicken Breast recipe.

  1. Mix the spices together in a small bowl.
  2. Drizzle the chicken thighs with some olive oil.
  3. Sprinkle the spices over the chicken. 
  4. Bake.

That's it! After only 5 minutes of prep, these babies cook themselves. Dinner doesn't get any easier than this. 

How long to bake chicken thighs

Chicken thighs can vary widely in size which means that the time it takes to cook them also varies. An average bone in chicken thigh weighs about 6 ounces and will yield 2 ½ – 3 ounces of meat. 

You'll want to cook your chicken thighs for 35-40 minutes at 420 degrees Fahrenheit.

If the thighs you're cooking are very small, check them after 30 minutes. If they're very big, they may need 45 minutes to fully cook. Chicken thighs are pretty forgiving, so if they stay in your oven for an extra few minutes, chances are they'll still be juicy. 

A close up of a stack of juicy baked chicken thighs.

What to serve with oven baked chicken thighs

We often eat these baked chicken thighs with a big green salad tossed in one of my favorite salad dressing recipes. They go especially well with the Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette or Lifesaving Lemony Salad Dressing. It's a really quick and easy weeknight meal that takes almost no time to put together. 

A big pile of roasted veggies (cooked in the oven at the same time as the chicken) is another great option. 

If you're feeling extra hungry, make a side of Garlic Smashed Red Potatoes or Greek Lemon Potatoes for a full meal.

Baked chicken thighs on a white plate.

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A close up of a stack of juicy baked chicken thighs.

Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs

  • Author: Kristen Stevens
  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Cook Time: 35 mins
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

★★★★★

4.9 from 7 reviews
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Description

Juicy Baked Chicken Thighs are easy to make and the most delicious oven-baked chicken thighs ever! They're coated in pantry-staple spices and baked until crispy on the outside and unbelievably juicy inside. With a few simple tips, this baked chicken thighs recipe turns out perfect every single time.

Scale

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons paprika
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder and garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon each: chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 lb bone in chicken thighs

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 420 degrees. For easier clean up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Mix the onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
  3. Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken thighs then sprinkle the thighs with the spices. If you're not planning on eating the skin, sprinkle the spices under the skin. (see notes)
  4. Place the chicken thighs on the baking sheet and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. (see notes)

Notes

If you leave the skin on the chicken while it's cooking, it will stay the juciest. If you'd rather not eat the skin, simply sprinkle the spices under the skin. That way when you remove the skin after baking, the chicken will still be spiced.

The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken thighs. Check the thighs (preferably with an instant-read meat thermometer) after 35 minutes. If they are not quite done, leave them in for another 5 minutes before checking again. If you don't have a thermometer, cut one of the thighs to make sure the juices run clear.

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A close up of juicy baked chicken thighs with the recipe title on top of the picture.