How Long to Cook Chicken Thighs at 375 Degrees Fahrenheit: The Complete Guide

Chicken thighs are a flavorful, juicy, and budget-friendly cut of chicken that are easy to cook. Baking chicken thighs at 375°F is a popular preparation method that consistently delivers delicious results. But how long should chicken thighs cook at 375°F? This comprehensive guide provides the ideal baking times and temperatures to achieve perfect chicken thighs every time.

Overview of Cooking Chicken Thighs at 375°F

Cooking chicken thighs at 375°F is a preferred temperature by many home cooks Here’s why

• 375°F allows the chicken thighs to cook evenly throughout without drying out Higher temperatures can cause the exterior to overcook before the inside is done

• Bone-in chicken thighs with the skin on are ideal candidates for 375°F baking. The bone conducts heat slower than meat, keeping the thighs juicy and moist.

• 375°F is a versatile temperature. Vegetables like potatoes, carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower can roast alongside chicken thighs on the same baking sheet.

• 375°F yields chicken thighs with lightly crisped, browned skin – not as crispy as higher temperatures, but still delicious.

So how long should chicken thighs bake at 375°F? Read on for ideal bake times.

Baked Chicken Thigh Cooking Times

Cooking times for bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs at 375°F:

• 4-6 oz chicken thighs: 35-40 minutes
• 6-8 oz chicken thighs: 40-45 minutes
• 8-10 oz chicken thighs: 45-50 minutes

For boneless, skinless chicken thighs, reduce bake time by 5-10 minutes.

These baking times are based on a conventional oven preheated to 375°F. Always check chicken thighs for doneness with a meat thermometer, not just by time.

Checking Doneness of Chicken Thighs

Using an instant-read thermometer is the most reliable way to ensure chicken thighs are fully cooked, regardless of baking time.

For food safety, chicken thighs should reach an internal temperature of 165°F throughout. Insert the thermometer into the thickest section of the thigh, avoiding the bone.

If the chicken isn’t quite done, return it to the oven for 5-10 additional minutes until 165°F is achieved.

Let chicken thighs rest 5-10 minutes before serving for juicier, more tender meat.

Tips for Baked Chicken Thighs

Follow these tips for baked chicken thigh perfection every time:

• Pat chicken thighs dry before baking for crisper skin. Wet skin steams instead of browning.

• Use a rimmed baking sheet and line with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.

• Arrange chicken thighs in a single layer, spacing them apart to allow air circulation. Overcrowding leads to steaming.

• Season chicken generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, thyme and other desired herbs and spices.

• For extra crispy skin, bake at 400°F for the last 10 minutes. Monitor closely to avoid burning.

• Brush chicken thighs with olive oil or melted butter before and during baking for added moisture and flavor.

Bone-In vs. Boneless Chicken Thighs

Which is better, bone-in or boneless chicken thighs? Here’s a comparison:

Bone-in

• Richer, deeper flavor from the bone
• More juicy and tender
• Take longer to cook through
• Harder to eat neatly off the bone

Boneless

• Cook faster
• Easier to portion and serve
• Tend to be less moist
• Lack some flavor from no bone

For ideal moisture, flavor, and ease of eating, choose bone-in chicken thighs. Allow the extra bake time required.

Marinating Chicken Thighs

Marinating chicken thighs before baking infuses them with tons of flavor. Try marinades with:

• Yogurt and lime juice
• Soy sauce, garlic, and ginger
• Balsamic vinegar and Italian herbs
• Chili powder, cumin, and garlic

Marinate for 30 minutes up to overnight. Pat chicken dry before baking. Discard used marinade.

Roasting Vegetables with Chicken Thighs

One-pan meals make weeknight dinners a breeze. Roast vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, Brussels sprouts, potatoes, and sweet potatoes alongside chicken thighs at 375°F.

Toss vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add to baking sheet around chicken thighs during last 20-30 minutes of bake time so everything finishes together. Easy clean-up too!

Let Chicken Thighs Rest

After baking, always allow chicken thighs to rest 5-10 minutes before carving and serving.

This resting period enables the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken. Skipping this step means the juices spill out when you cut into it, resulting in overly dry chicken.

For super moist and flavorful baked chicken thighs, let them rest first. Tent loosely with foil to keep warm.

Ensure Food Safety

Proper handling and cooking of chicken thighs prevents foodborne illness:

• Defrost frozen chicken thighs thoroughly in the refrigerator before cooking. Don’t thaw at room temperature.

• Use chicken within 1-2 days of purchasing if refrigerated, 9 months if frozen. Discard if odors or sliminess is present.

• Wash hands, utensils, surfaces after handling raw chicken. Avoid cross-contamination.

• Cook chicken thighs to an internal temperature of 165°F as measured by a food thermometer.

Following these safety guidelines keeps your baked chicken thighs delicious and your family healthy.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Store leftover baked chicken thighs in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave briefly until 165°F. Add chicken broth or sauce to keep moist.

Freeze cooked chicken thighs for 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Delicious Chicken Thigh Recipes

• Lemon Garlic Baked Chicken and Potatoes
• Chicken Fajitas with Peppers and Onions
• Chicken Thighs with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
• BBQ Chicken Thighs and Corn on the Cob
• Chicken Cacciatore with Tomato, Pepper and Herbs

With the proper baking times and temperatures, chicken thighs are guaranteed to become a regular on your dinner table. Enjoy juicy, flavor-packed chicken any night of the week.