Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs - The most amazing oven baked chicken thighs! These chicken thighs come out crispy on the outside and amazingly tender and juicy on the inside. Baked chicken thighs are so easy to make with only a few ingredients and one pan!
Ok, folks! One of the questions I get asked most often is how to cook chicken thighs. They're so easy to make, and this has become one of my most popular recipes! If you're looking for other fun chicken thigh recipes, try these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs and these Greek Chicken Thighs! We're also loving these Grilled Chicken Thighs during the summer months and of course Crispy Baked Chicken Wings all year long!
Questions that I hear about them the most are:
- How long do I cook chicken thighs in the oven and at what temperature?
- How do I cook chicken thighs in a pan but make sure they turn out crispy on the outside?
- Should I use boneless skinless chicken thighs are bone in with skin?
I think people love the thigh meat because it's super flavorful, but they just aren't as familiar with cooking them as they are the breast meat. Luckily, it's an incredibly easy process that takes only a few minutes of prep and then the thighs bake up to crispy tender perfection on a sheet pan.
And, I am here to answer those questions for you today with my favorite baked chicken thigh recipe ever, plus a quick video that shows just how I make them!
Let's go directly into tips for success when making baked chicken thighs:
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Pat them dry with paper towels before seasoning. The natural moisture from the chicken can prevent getting a really good sear. These thighs basically sear right in the oven, so this is an important but quick step to take.
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How long and at what temperature should you bake the thighs? You'll want to bake these at 400 degrees for 35-45 minutes without moving or turning them during the process. This temperature and time ensure that crispy outside and juicy inside we're looking for. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees before being consumed.
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Use a rimmed baking sheet. The chicken will produce some of its tasty natural juices, and you don't want those running off the pan into your oven!
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I use bone in and skin on chicken thighs for this recipe. I find that it produces the best results. However, if you have boneless skinless on hand or that is just your preference, they work just fine with this recipe as well! They may take about 10 minutes less to cook, so just keep an eye on them.
I hope you guys enjoy this simple chicken recipe as much as my family does! As always, leave me a comment if you have additional questions, I'm happy to answer them!
Be sure to check out our video for this recipe below and follow along on Facebook to see all of the yummy food videos we share!
~Nichole
Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 3 Pounds Chicken thighs, About 6-8
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 2 Teaspoons Salt
- 2 Teaspoons Garlic Powder
- 2 Teaspoon Onion Powder
- 2 Teaspoons Italian Seasoning
- 1 Teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 Teaspoon Paprika
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a large baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup and set aside.
- Remove the chicken thighs from their packaging and pat them dry with paper towels. Arrange the chicken thighs on prepared baking sheet and drizzle with the olive oil rubbing the oil into the chicken to coat.
- In a small bowl mix together the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Sprinkle the spices over the chicken evenly.
- Bake chicken in preheated oven for 35-45 minutes.*
Notes
Nutrition
If you're looking for other tasty chicken recipes for dinner try these:
If you're looking for baking recipes, these are some of my readers favorites:
I make this recipe about twice a month. I do about 8-10 thighs so I have meals for the week! So easy and so delicious!!
I've used this recipe many times. Great every time. I have even begun making a double batch of the dry ingredients for future use. This recipe works great with pork chops too!
Awesome and so easy and tasty!!!
Great recipe. Will make again. I brined my chicken the night before and it was great.
Made exactly as written. It's a hit!
This recipe is super easy and delicious. My children asked for more.
Thank you!
Very easy and tasty!
Didn't have Italian seasoning so I made my own by mixing basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, garlic powder and sage. Chicken turned out great. Thanks!
This has become a family favorite. The directions are very clear and easy and so easy to clean up.
Simple and Delish! 10 Stars !
I am making them right now as I type.
Boneless or with bones? Thank you. Excited to try this.
If you read the article, it says: I use bone in and skin on chicken thighs for this recipe. I find that it produces the best results. However, if you have boneless skinless on hand or that is just your preference, they work just fine with this recipe as well! They may take about 10 minutes less to cook, so just keep an eye on them.
You’re welcome.
I make this recipe at least once a month. I use skinless thighs and they come out delicious! I always make more than what we need for that night just so we can have it again that week. They reheat beautifully!! Thank you Nichole!!
How do you reheat.. I always cook it fresh because I'm afraid the reheat will dry the chicken out..
Very good. I prepared the chicken with the seasonings that morning & refrigerated till time to cook. Took chicken out of frig & brought to room temp about 45 min. Cooked 35 min till temp of chicken was 180. Skin was crispy & flavorful. Husband loved. Would make again.
So simple and delicious! I threw in some quartered red potatoes which went wonderfully with the chicken & seasoning. These are basic seasonings that I always have on hand but a great combination!
This recipe is amazing. It’s easy, tastes amazing, and is super budget friendly. I’ve made this at least a couple dozen times now, and will continue to!
This was delicious! Made it for supper and my spouse loved it. Highly recommend!!
Only way i will make chicken now.
Definitely a staple! Did the recipe as is and even my picky eater kids loved it! It's a family favorite and we make this regularly! It's delicious!
Thank you for sharing this recipe. I didn’t have the Italian seasoning but it still came out delicious. The family loved it. My chicken will always be tasty if I follow this recipe.
Thank you for sharing this recipe. I didn’t have the Italian seasoning but it still came out delicious. The family loved it. My chicken will always be tasty if I follow this recipe.
I never leave reviews out of pure laziness, but I just HAD to since I was already saving this recipe for later. The chicken came out so juicy on the inside, and crispy on the outside with amazing flavor. Even my picky kids were fighting over seconds which is rare. Can’t wait to make this again!