Perfectly baked chicken thighs golden brown and juicy on a white plate, crispy edges with paprika seasoning, ready to serve

Perfectly Juicy Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs in Oven

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Perfectly Juicy Baked Chicken Thighs

Recipe from IdeasHealthy.com by Ava Benhlchn

These baked chicken thighs are perfectly juicy every single time! In fact, this easy baked chicken thighs recipe has completely changed my weeknight dinners. Moreover, making baked chicken thighs is incredibly simple—they stay tender and flavorful with minimal effort, perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

Furthermore, this recipe is incredibly forgiving. Unlike chicken breasts that can dry out quickly, oven-baked chicken thighs have more fat, which means they stay tender even if you accidentally overcook them by a few minutes. As a result, you’ll get restaurant-quality chicken without the stress of precise timing. Additionally, with just a handful of pantry spices and 10 minutes of prep, you’ll have a protein-packed meal that the whole family will love.

If you’re looking for more quick and healthy protein options, you might also love my chicken stir fry recipe. Similarly, check out my complete healthy meal prep guide for making weeknight dinners a breeze.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
35 mins
Additional Time
5 mins
Total Time
50 mins
Servings
4

💡 Tips for Perfect Baked Chicken Thighs

  • Room temperature matters: First, take the chicken out of the fridge 15 minutes before cooking. As a result, it will cook more evenly.
  • Don’t skip the rest time: Furthermore, letting the chicken rest after baking isn’t optional—it’s what keeps it juicy!
  • Use a thermometer: Moreover, investing in a meat thermometer is game-changing for perfectly cooked chicken every time.
  • Try different seasonings: Additionally, feel free to swap the spices—Italian herbs, curry powder, or lemon pepper all work beautifully.

Perfectly Juicy Baked Chicken Thighs

Fresh ingredients for baked chicken thighs including raw chicken, olive oil, and spices on a white surface
All the simple ingredients you need to make perfectly juicy baked chicken thighs

Ingredients for Oven Baked Chicken Thighs

  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 8 pieces)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick)

How to Make Baked Chicken Thighs

1 Preheat your oven. First, start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Meanwhile, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray. This temperature ensures the chicken gets that beautiful golden exterior while staying moist inside.
2 Prepare the chicken. Next, pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels—this is crucial for getting a nice sear. Afterwards, place them in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil, making sure each piece is evenly coated.
3 Season generously. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using). Then, sprinkle this seasoning blend over the chicken thighs, rubbing it in well on both sides. Don’t be shy here—the seasoning is what brings all that flavor!
4 Arrange on the baking sheet. Once seasoned, place the chicken thighs on your prepared baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they’re not touching. As a result, this allows the hot air to circulate and helps them cook evenly.
5 Bake to perfection. Now, pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer. At this point, the chicken should be golden brown on top with slightly crispy edges.
6 Rest before serving. Finally, this is the hardest part—let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before cutting into it. Consequently, this allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping every bite tender and moist. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Based on 4 servings

285
Calories
16g
Fat
2g
Carbs
34g
Protein

🍽️ What to Serve with Baked Chicken Thighs

Now that you’ve mastered the perfect oven-baked chicken thighs, let’s talk about what to serve alongside them. In my experience, these chicken thighs pair beautifully with just about anything, but here are my favorite combinations:

For a Low-Carb Meal:

First, try serving them with creamy mashed cauliflower and roasted Brussels sprouts. Moreover, add a simple side salad for a complete, satisfying dinner.

For a Hearty Comfort Meal:

Alternatively, serve over creamy mashed potatoes with steamed green beans. In addition, drizzle any pan juices over the top for extra flavor.

For Meal Prep:

Furthermore, slice the chicken and pair it with quinoa and roasted vegetables. As a bonus, this combination reheats beautifully for easy lunches throughout the week.

Baked Chicken Thighs FAQ

How do I know when chicken thighs are fully cooked?
First and foremost, the safest way is to use a meat thermometer—chicken thighs should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part. Additionally, the juices should also run clear, not pink. However, if you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest piece to check that it’s no longer pink inside.
Can I use frozen chicken thighs?
Actually, I always recommend thawing them first for the best results. For instance, you can thaw them overnight in the fridge or use the cold water method if you’re in a hurry. Unfortunately, cooking from frozen will result in uneven cooking and can make the chicken rubbery.
What’s the difference between baking at 425°F versus a lower temperature?
Essentially, baking at 425°F gives you that perfect combination of a slightly crispy, golden exterior and a juicy interior. On the other hand, lower temperatures like 375°F will still cook the chicken through, but you won’t get that same beautiful color and texture on the outside. Therefore, if you do use a lower temp, add 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
How should I store leftovers?
Simply store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, I like to warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, which helps keep them from drying out. Alternatively, you can also freeze cooked chicken thighs for up to 3 months—just thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Can I marinate the chicken thighs beforehand?
Absolutely! In fact, marinating adds even more flavor. Specifically, you can marinate them for anywhere from 30 minutes to overnight in the fridge. However, just remember to pat them dry before seasoning and baking so you still get that nice golden color on the outside.
What can I serve with these chicken thighs?
Fortunately, these chicken thighs are incredibly versatile! For example, I love serving them with roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, cauliflower rice, or quinoa. Furthermore, they also work great sliced over pasta or in wraps for lunch the next day. For more meal ideas, check out my healthy meal prep guide.
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