Oven Baked chicken thighs come out juicy, crispy, and flavorful. A quick spice marinade makes these bone-in chicken thighs an easy weeknight favorite.
Baked Chicken Thighs at 400°F (Juicy Meat, Crispy Skin Every Time)
Baked chicken thighs are my go-to easy dinner when I want juicy chicken with minimal effort. Whether you choose bone-in chicken skin-on chicken thighs, or boneless chicken thighs, this oven-baked chicken turns out tender and flavorful every time.
It's a budget-friendly recipe that's perfect for busy nights, just season, bake, and serve. The result is tender chicken that the whole family will love without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together fast with simple ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- A Healthier Choice: Oven-baking with olive oil keeps it lighter than frying, without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients
You'll find the exact measurements in the recipe card, but here's a closer look at a few of the ingredients and why I use them.
- Chicken Thighs: I prefer bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for tender, juicy meat with rich flavor. The fat keeps them moist and locks in seasoning. Boneless, skinless thighs work too, just reduce the cook time.
- Seasoning: A blend of salt, garlic powder, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning adds savory depth, color, mild heat, and a southern kick.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Coats the chicken for moisture, crispy skin, and a light, fruity flavor that complements the spices.
How to Bake Chicken Thighs
You can find the complete printable recipe with measurements below, but for now, here's a quick overview of how it goes:
1. Season and Marinate the Chicken Thighs: Dry the chicken thighs with paper towels for crispy skin if they're skin-on. Put the chicken thighs in a big bowl.
2. Season and Marinate the Chicken Thighs: Season the chicken thighs with salt, garlic powder, black pepper, paprika, Italian seasoning, and extra virgin olive oil. Rub well to coat and marinate for 30 minutes.
3. Arrange the Chicken in the Baking Dish: Place the seasoned chicken thighs in a baking dish, spacing them apart for even cooking.
4. Bake and Broil for Crispy, Juicy Chicken: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 30-35 minutes, then broil for 2-3 minutes for crispier skin. Take the chicken out of the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to keep it juicy.
What to Serve with Baked Chicken Thighs
This recipe is perfect for an easy dinner any time of the week. I love serving my baked chicken thighs hot with ciabatta for soaking up all that tasty sauce. For sides, I usually choose potato wedges, marinated tomatoes, Caesar salad, and French bean casserole.
My Tips for Recipe Success
Let it Marinate: I find the flavor really deepens if the chicken sits with the seasoning for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight in the fridge.
Storage: I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, then reheat them in the oven or on the stovetop so the skin stays crisp.
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Recipe
Baked Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 6 Bone-in skin-on Chicken Thighs
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- 2 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Instructions
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin (if using skin-on thighs).
- Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl.
- Season the chicken thighs with salt, garlic powder, black pepper, paprika, Italian seasoning, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Rub the mixture evenly over the chicken to coat it well. Let it marinate for 30 minutes.
- Place the seasoned chicken thighs on a baking dish. Make sure they are spaced apart for even cooking.
- Bake in the preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 30-35 minutes. For extra crispy skin, broil on high for 2-3 minutes at the end.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to be distributed, keeping the meat juicy.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.
Sandra says
This is the best baked chicken thigh recipe I've ever tried. The herbs and spices were a perfect combination and the cooking time was spot on. I'll be making this again and again.