Types of Chicken Thighs

The first step in understanding how long to bake chicken thighs is knowing the different types of chicken thighs.

There are two main types of chicken thighs: bone-in chicken thighs and boneless chicken thighs.

Bone-in chicken thighs have the bone still attached and are usually sold with the chicken skin on.

Boneless thighs are usually sold without the skin and have had the bone removed.

Both types of chicken thigh can be cooked in the same way, but they will require different cooking times.

Internal Temperature

No matter which type of chicken thigh (or, alternatively, chicken breast or chicken drumsticks) you choose, you’ll need to make sure that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

This is the minimum safe temperature for eating poultry.

To check the internal temperature of your chicken thigh, you’ll need a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, making sure not to touch any bones.

Once your chicken thigh reaches 165°F (74°C) on an instant read thermometer, it is safe to eat.

Chicken Thigh Recipe

Now that you know which type of chicken thigh you have and what temperature it needs to reach, it’s time to start baking!

The best way to bake chicken thighs is in an oven temperature preheated to 400°F (204°C).

If you have skin-on chicken thighs, make sure to rub them with olive oil and season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and brown sugar before baking.

This will help ensure that your tender chicken thighs come out crispy and flavorful.

If you have boneless skinless chicken thighs, you can bake them in an airtight container or baking dish with a little bit of olive oil and your favorite seasonings.

Once your chicken is seasoned and ready to go, place it on a baking sheet or in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Tips for Juicy & Crispy Chicken Thighs

To ensure that your baked chicken thighs come out juicy and crispy, there are a few tips that you should keep in mind.

First, make sure that your oven is preheated before baking your chicken thighs. This will help ensure that they cook evenly and don’t dry out.

Second, if you have skin-on chicken thighs, make sure to pat them dry with a paper towel before seasoning them. This will help ensure that your seasoning sticks and that your skin gets nice and crispy.

Third, if you have skinless or boneless chicken thighs, make sure to cover them with aluminum foil while baking. This will help keep them from drying out.

Finally, once your juicy chicken thighs are done cooking, let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will help ensure that they stay juicy and flavorful!

Baking Sheet or Baking Dish

When baking chicken thighs, you can either use a baking sheet or baking dish.

A baking sheet is ideal if you’re looking for crispy skin on your chicken thighs.

A baking dish is better if you’re looking for juicy and tender chicken without the crispiness.

Marinade or Seasonings

For extra flavor, consider marinating or seasoning your chicken before baking it.

Marinades are a great way to add moisture and flavor to your chicken while seasonings can help bring out the natural flavors of the meat.

Some popular marinades and seasonings include olive oil, garlic powder, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, and black pepper.

Storing Leftovers

Once your baked chicken thighs are done cooking, let them cool before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit before eating.