What’s the best way to bake chicken thighs for juicy meat and crispy skin?

To bake chicken thighs with juicy meat and crispy skin, preheat your oven to 425°F. Arrange bone-in, skin-on thighs on a baking rack set over a baking sheet to allow fat to drip away. Bake for about 35-40 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. For extra crispiness, broil the skin for 2-3 minutes at the end. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to keep it tender.

Can I use frozen chicken thighs directly in the oven, or should I thaw them first?

It’s important to fully thaw frozen chicken thighs before baking to ensure even cooking and food safety. Thaw the thighs overnight in the refrigerator or use the cold water method by submerging them in a sealed bag in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until thawed. Baking frozen chicken may result in uneven cooking and longer cooking times.

How long should I bake boneless, skinless chicken thighs compared to bone-in ones?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs typically bake faster than bone-in thighs. Bake boneless thighs at 425°F for about 20-25 minutes, checking the internal temperature until it reaches 165°F. Bone-in thighs generally need around 35-40 minutes. Adjust baking times based on the size and thickness of the thighs, and always use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

What seasonings work best for baked chicken thighs?

A simple blend of paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and dried herbs like thyme or rosemary enhances the flavor of baked chicken thighs without overwhelming their natural taste. You can also try variations like lemon zest with dill or brushing the thighs with BBQ sauce in the last 15 minutes of baking to add a flavorful glaze.

How should I store leftover baked chicken thighs to keep them fresh?

Store leftover baked chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze the fully cooled chicken thighs in freezer-safe zippered bags or containers for up to one month. To reheat, thaw frozen chicken in the fridge overnight and warm in the oven or microwave until hot throughout.

Baked Chicken Thighs with Garlic Shrimp and Steak Stir Fry

Name: baked chicken thighs
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-487671H6M6S
Total time: PT-487671H6M6S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for main protein; 2 tablespoons olive oil for crisping the skin; ½ teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ¾ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ teaspoon dried thyme; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil for sauce; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar; 1 teaspoon packed brown sugar; Pinch of red pepper flakes

Description

🍗 Enjoy tender, juicy baked chicken thighs with perfectly crispy skin for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
🥩🍤 This recipe’s savory seasoning and optional garlic shrimp and steak stir fry pairing offer a delightful balance of tastes.

Ingredients

Scale

6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for main protein

2 tablespoons olive oil for crisping the skin

½ teaspoon paprika

½ teaspoon garlic powder

¾ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

¼ teaspoon dried thyme

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons olive oil for sauce

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

1 teaspoon packed brown sugar

Pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

First Step: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Equipment. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a rimmed baking pan with aluminum foil and place a baking rack inside to allow fat to drip away during cooking. If you do not have a rack, cooking directly on the lined baking sheet is acceptable.

Second Step: Pat Chicken Dry. Gently pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Removing moisture helps achieve crispier skin when baking.

Third Step: Make the Seasoning Blend. In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil, ½ teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ¾ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon dried thyme, rosemary, or basil if using. Stir well to mix the seasoning evenly.

Fourth Step: Coat the Chicken. Drizzle the olive oil seasoning blend over the chicken thighs, rubbing it thoroughly over and under the skin to ensure each piece is well coated with flavorful spices.

Fifth Step: Arrange Chicken on Rack. Place the chicken thighs skin side up on the prepared rack or baking sheet spaced evenly to promote even cooking and browning.

Sixth Step: Optional Sauce Preparation. In a small bowl, whisk together minced garlic, olive oil, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a tangy sauce. Toss the coated chicken thighs gently in this sauce before baking if desired, or brush the sauce on partway through cooking for a glaze.

Seventh Step: Bake the Chicken. Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) as checked with a meat thermometer and the skin is crisp and golden. For boneless, skinless thighs, reduce cooking time to 20-25 minutes.

Eighth Step: Optional Broiling. To intensify skin crispiness, switch the oven to broil for the final 2-3 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning.

Final Step: Rest and Serve. Remove the thighs from the oven, loosely cover with foil, and let rest for 5-10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute for tender, moist meat. Serve warm with sides or as part of a steak stir fry and garlic shrimp meal.

Notes

🔥 Pat chicken skin dry before seasoning for maximum crispiness.
🌿 Add fresh herbs or lemon zest for a bright, fresh flavor twist.
⏲ Let chicken rest after baking to keep it juicy and tender.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Resting time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
Calories: 360
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 250 mg
Fat: 29 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 3 g
Fiber: 0.2 g
Protein: 24 g
Cholesterol: 142 mg

Keywords: Baked Chicken Thighs, Garlic Shrimp, Steak Stir Fry, Savory Flavor