How Long Does Chicken Thigh Take to Bake to Perfection?

Chicken thighs are a budget-friendly and delicious cut of chicken that work great in a variety of dishes When properly baked, chicken thighs come out juicy, flavorful and delicious. But baking chicken thighs to the right doneness while keeping them moist and tender can be tricky. So how long does chicken thigh take to bake to perfection? Keep reading to find out

The baking time for chicken thighs depends on a few factors

Bone-in vs Boneless Chicken Thighs

Bone-in chicken thighs take longer to cook than boneless thighs. The bone acts as insulation, slowing down the cooking process.

• Boneless chicken thighs: 25-30 minutes at 425°F
• Bone-in chicken thighs: 30-45 minutes at 350-425°F

For boneless thighs, aim for an internal temperature of 165°F. The bones in bone-in thighs can give an inaccurate reading on a meat thermometer, so use visual cues instead. The meat should be opaque and juices should run clear.

Oven Temperature

Higher oven temperatures will significantly shorten cooking time. Lower oven temps will result in longer bake times.

• 350°F oven: 40-50 minutes
• 425°F oven: 25-30 minutes

Weight/Thickness

Larger, thicker chicken thighs will need more time in the oven than smaller, thinner ones.

• 4-8oz chicken thighs: 40-50 minutes
• Larger thighs: 50-60 minutes

Preheating Baking Sheet

Preheating the baking sheet before baking chicken thighs allows for faster, more even cooking. The initial blast of heat from the hot pan crisps the skin beautifully.

Marinating

Chicken thighs marinated or brined beforehand often require less time in the oven since the salt/acids help tenderize the meat.

Cooking Tips

• Pat chicken thighs dry before baking for crisper skin
• Use a meat thermometer for best accuracy
• Allow at least 1 inch between thighs for even cooking
• Bake in a single layer to promote browning
• Flip halfway through for even cooking

How to Tell When Chicken Thighs Are Done

It can be tricky to tell when chicken thighs are fully cooked through. Here are some tips:

• Temperature of 165°F on a meat thermometer
• Meat is opaque throughout
• Juices run clear when pierced with a knife
• Meat feels firm yet tender when pressed
• Skin is deep golden brown

If the juices are pink or red, the chicken needs more time. Thighs that jiggle or seem undercooked when pierced should also bake longer.

Overbaked chicken will be very firm and dry. If your chicken thighs are dried out, they likely overcooked.

Perfectly Baked Chicken Thigh Recipes

If you’re new to baking chicken thighs, try these foolproof recipes for tender, juicy results:

Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs

Coat bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs with a flavorful spice mix then bake at a high temp for 30-40 minutes until skin is brown and crispy.

Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs

Marinate boneless thighs in a sticky-sweet BBQ sauce then bake until caramelized and charred at the edges.

Lemon Garlic Baked Chicken Thighs

Boneless chicken thighs baked with lemon, garlic, and herbs become ultra tender in the tangy juices.

Baked Chicken Parmesan

Breaded chicken cutlets bake with marinara and mozzarella for an easy spin on classic chicken parm.

With the right technique, baking chicken thighs results in juicy, flavorful meat every time. Allowing enough time for bone-in and larger thighs to cook through while monitoring for doneness leads to the best results. For moist and tender chicken thighs, bake bone-in for 30-45 minutes at 350°F+ and boneless for 25-30 minutes at 425°F until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.