Juicy Baked Chicken Thighs
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
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.
We love to serve these thighs with a creamy cucumber salad and some greek lemon potatoes. If you love chicken recipes, also try our perfect baked chicken breasts!
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!
How to make this baked chicken thighs recipe
This is one of those āstaple 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.
- Mix the spices together in a small bowl.
- Drizzle the chicken thighs with some olive oil.
- Sprinkle the spices over the chicken.
- 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 Ā½ ā 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.
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, Greek Lemon Potatoes, or some perfect basmati rice for a full meal.
Favorite chicken recipes
- Perfect Baked Chicken Breasts
- Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
- Cilantro Lime Chicken
- Easy Chicken Bites
- Asian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner
- Baked Sesame Orange Chicken
Juicy Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon EACH: 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
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees. For easier cleanup, line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.2 tablespoons paprika, 1 tablespoon EACH: onion powder and garlic powder, 1 teaspoon EACH: chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper
- 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)2 tablespoons olive oil, 3 lb bone-in chicken thighs
- 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)
Video
Notes
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here.
This recipe was amazing! I used Hidden Valley Ranch Seasoning under the skin and then followed the recipe for the skin. Oh my goodness! It was the best and so easy!
Chicken should be cooked for temp. 180 degree’s
The FDA recommends cooking chicken to 165 degrees Fahrnheit. If you’re interested, you can see here: https://www.fda.gov/media/93628/download
Great recipe, simple yet absolutely delicious!
Unbelievably easy and most delicious chicken thighs ever! This is now a family favorite!Ā
Spices on the top ended up being quite burned, and that was a shame since chicken skin is my favourite part, and this recipe just didn’t do it justice.
What changes need to be made if using boneless, skinless chicken thighs? Also, what would change if you wanted to cook on the stovetop or grill, (also using b/s chicken thighs)? I did make this and it turned out great. I actually loved the seasoning so much that I searched my history for 6 hours the other day trying to figure out what it was I made with this seasoning, but never found it! The reason I never found it though, is bc I was searching for salmon seasoning! I thought I used this seasoning recipe on the salmon I cooked for Easter. Then I remembered I didn’t even season the salmon, much less cook it, my husband did! Lol ? So today I decided to go through ALL of my history in case I found it while cooking something else. Lo and behold, there it was, I had found it! It wasn’t a fish recipe, but your chicken thigh recipe! That was a lot of history to go through, but I finally found it and that’s all that matters.
So happy that you found the recipe again!
If you’re grilling, I recommend this recipe: https://www.theendlessmeal.com/grilled-chicken-breast/
For baked chicken breast, this is the best recipe: https://www.theendlessmeal.com/perfect-baked-chicken-breasts/
I had chicken thighs defrosted and was looking for a quick recipe. Ā This was a complete surprise and will now be on our regular rotation. Ā My husband is diabetic (not overweight- just hereditary). Ā He loved the taste and with a side of vegetables, it did not affect his glucose level. Ā
Next time I will cut a large onion in eighths, coat the pieces with the same rub, and bake them together. Ā And, yes. Ā Once they are rested, turning the thighs to coat the tops in the savory oil before plating made them extra juicy.
Definitely a winner for so many reasons.
DELICIOUS. Used Italian Seasoning since I didn’t have oregano and was very pleased. Added a small dab of butter before putting in over. Would likely make a really good Rib Rub too….Definitely a keeper! Thank you!
Righteous!
Wow. All I needed was a little reminder on temp and cook time and they are MONEY. Mine were smaller so I did 30min exactly. PERFECT. While they cooked I had my rice in the instant pot, and charred up some veggies. Thank you for this entry!
This website has given me some of the best of the best. However this particular chicken receipt was just chicken
So delicious and super easy to make! Will definitely make again
how do you get the top to not be very dry and powdery looking?
Do you mean after you cook it? I’ve never experienced that so I’m not sure. Maybe all it needs is for some of the pan juices to be poured over the top.
Suggestions for if the chicken thighs come without skin? Would a vinegar & oil based marinade be better?
This recipe works for bone-in skinless chicken thighs too. š
Great
I have made this recipe several times and we love it!! It’s easy to prepare and a great meal for family or guests. I serve the chicken with a salad, potato or rice and it is filling and satisfying. AND healthy!!!