Baked Chicken Thighs

Baked Chicken Thighs are tender and juicy and baked in an AMAZING glaze mixture of Italian seasoning, Dijon mustard, sweet honey, and garlic cloves. This is a MUST make family meal!

Chicken thighs have so much tender, juicy meat on them! If you love chicken thighs as much as I do try this Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs and Veggie, this incredible Lemon Garlic Butter Herb Chicken with Asparagus, and this Roasted Honey Garlic Butter Chicken.

Oven Baked Chicken Thighs

This is it! This is the recipe that is a staple in our home. It is simple to make, easy to whisk together and has the BEST results! Baked chicken thighs are more than AMAZING. It is all you wanted and more! Crispy brown chicken skin on the outside then amazingly tender and juicy on the inside. Every bite of this dish is melt in your mouth worthy! It is one of our favorites as a family. Seriously, this recipe is a MUST make for sure!

The best part about this dish is that it is perfect served with anything! It’s so versatile, I love serving it with Instapot rice one day and an Asian ramen salad the next. You can go classic mashed potatoes and brown gravy with it and it’s always a hit. Chicken thighs are seriously the best part of the chicken if you ask me. They are so moist and flavorful, and perfect for baking in the oven because they won’t dry out. Grab some bone-in chicken thighs because the bone helps keep the moisture while they bake in the oven.

Ingredients

For the juiciest, tender chicken thighs, it is best to purchase bone in with skin on chicken thighs. This baked chicken thigh recipe is so simple to make with very few ingredients. You will be making this easy recipe over and over again! You can find the measurements below in the recipe card.

Chicken Thighs: Grab some bone in chicken thighs, they are perfect for baking in the oven!
Salt and Pepper: To season the thighs.
Butter: A must! The fat from butter helps to bring out all the juicy flavors in this dish.
Italian Seasoning: This is my go-to spice blend because it has all of my favorite herbs.
Honey: I like to add honey because it makes a kind of glaze over the chicken.
Dijon Mustard: I love the blend of flavors in Dijon mustard. You could try other types of mustard too, there are so many great options.
Paprika: A little spice goes a long way.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic makes all the difference!

Baked chicken thigh process with the whisked sauce ingredients, brushed on chicken thighs then adding garlic to the top.

How to Bake Chicken Thighs

No prepping the chicken thighs, just simply lay flat in a baking dish and add salt and pepper to taste. It is quick and easy to whisk the ingredients together and spread over the chicken thighs. With this baked chicken recipe the skin is going to turn a golden brown and become crispy while baking the chicken thigh meat inside to a tender and juicy meat. It is an AMAZING combination that you are going to love!

Prepare Chicken: Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the chicken in a single layer in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Salt and pepper.
Whisk Together: In small bowl whisk together the butter, Italian seasoning, honey, Dijon mustard, paprika, and garlic cloves.
Combine and Bake: Spread the mixture evenly over the chicken and bake for 35-40 minutes or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit and is browned on the tops.

How Long to Bake Chicken Thighs

The higher temperature when baking chicken thighs is what creates that golden brown outer skin that protects the dark meat from over cooking. It also keeps the meat more tender. I like to bake chicken thighs at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 35 to 40 minutes. Checking the chicken with a meat thermometer gives the best reading to find out if they have reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Here’s a simple chart to follow:

350°F – 50-55 minutes
375°F – 45-50 minutes
400°F – 40-45 minutes
425°F – 35-40 minutes

Tips for Making Baked Chicken Thighs

From how to choose the best chicken thighs to knowing when they are done, I’ve got all the pro tips to make this baked chicken thigh recipe a success! Here are some things to help you while you make this recipe.

Chicken Breast: If you prefer chicken breast instead of chicken thighs you can substitute the chicken breast. Chicken breasts tend to dry out quicker compared to chicken thighs. You will want to cook it at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 25 to 30 minutes checking it with a meat thermometer.
Choosing Chicken Thighs: It is best to find chicken thighs that are all the same size and shape. This will help the chicken cook more evenly so that every piece is perfectly cooked.
Preparing Chicken Thighs: Before placing the chicken thighs in the baking dish, pat them dry with a paper towel. Then add the salt and pepper.
Meat Thermometer: Using a meat thermometer is the best way to make sure that your meat reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cooking on the Stovetop: Cook your chicken thighs over medium heat in a skillet. Place the chicken thighs skin side down until it is a dark golden brown.

Additional FAQ about Baked Chicken Thighs:

Should I cover my chicken thighs when baking? There is no need to cover your chicken thighs while baking. This will ensure the crispy outer layer on the chicken thighs turns a golden brown and cooks up quickly.
What temperature should chicken thighs be cooked? It is best to have a higher temperature cooking setting to crisp up the outside of the chicken thigh and tenderize the inside making it so delicious and juicy.
Do you put water in the pan when baking chicken? No, there is no need to add any water to the baking dish. The glaze that is whisked together is AMAZING and will bake perfectly in this baked chicken thigh recipe.
Should I trim my chicken thighs? Another great thing about chicken thighs is there is less preparation when using them. They do not need to be trimmed. Simply add them to the baking dish with the glaze over top of it.
Why are my chicken thighs tough? Normally chicken thighs do not come out tough unless they are overcooked in the oven.

Baked chicken thighs in a baking pan with lemon slices.

Storing Leftovers

Baked chicken thighs are so simple to make and in less than an hour you have a delicious meal with tender chicken to enjoy with your family. This recipe is perfect for preparing ahead of time and making it easier during the busy week ahead.

Make Glaze Ahead of Time: Prepare the glaze about 3 days ahead of time before it needs to be baked with the chicken thighs.
In the Refrigerator: Let your chicken thighs completely cool before adding them to an airtight container or ziplock bag. Try not to stack them over top of each other. It is best if they are laying flat, side by side. They will store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
In the Freezer: It is best to freeze the chicken thighs in a flat layer in a ziplock bag with the air completley removed. Properly stored when laying flat and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake or reheat, let thaw in the refrigerator over night.
To Reheat: It is best to let your chicken thaw before cooking or reheating again. Once your chicken thighs are thawed from the refrigerator place on a baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 to 25 minutes or until the meat thermometer reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. It is best to only reheat chicken one time.