Cooking chicken thighs in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit is a great way to prepare juicy, flavorful chicken thighs. But how long should you cook chicken thighs at this temperature to ensure they are cooked through without drying out? In this article, we’ll provide a complete guide on oven cooking times for bone-in and boneless chicken thighs at 300°F.
Factors That Affect Chicken Thigh Cooking Time
Several factors impact how long it takes chicken thighs to cook in the oven at 300°F including
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Thickness and size – Larger, thicker thighs take longer to cook than smaller, thinner ones Bone-in thighs also require more time than boneless.
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Bone-in vs. boneless – Bone-in chicken thighs cook slower than boneless since the bone insulates the meat Boneless cuts cook faster
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Arrangement – Thighs baked in a single layer cook more evenly than overcrowded.
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Temperature – The oven temperature impacts cooking time. 300°F is moderate and prevents drying out.
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Marinade/seasoning – Marinated chicken thighs require slightly longer cooking than plain.
By keeping these factors in mind, you can better estimate the oven bake time needed for juicy, cooked through results.
Oven Cooking Times for Chicken Thighs at 300°F
Here are general guidelines for how long to bake bone-in and boneless chicken thighs at 300 degrees Fahrenheit:
Bone-in chicken thighs:
- Small/thin (1 – 1 1⁄2 inches thick): 25 – 30 minutes
- Medium (1 1⁄2 – 2 inches thick): 35 – 40 minutes
- Large/thick (over 2 inches): 45 – 55 minutes
Boneless chicken thighs:
- Small/thin (1 – 1 1⁄2 inches thick): 15 – 25 minutes
- Medium (1 1⁄2 – 2 inches): 20 – 30 minutes
- Large/thick (over 2 inches): 30 – 40 minutes
The USDA recommends chicken reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Be sure to use a food thermometer to check for doneness at the minimum cooking times above. Adjust bake time up if needed until thighs register 165°F.
Let thighs rest 5-10 minutes before serving for juicier meat. Tent loosely with foil while resting.
Tips for Baked Chicken Thighs
Follow these tips for the best oven-baked chicken thighs at 300 degrees:
- Pat thighs dry before baking for crispy skin
- Use a broiler pan or wire rack to allow airflow and crisping
- Brush with oil or rub with herbs/spices to add flavor
- Bake in a single layer without overcrowding
- Flip thighs halfway through for even cooking
- Check temperature early and extend time if needed
- Allow thighs to rest before slicing for juicier meat
Sample Chicken Thigh Recipes for 300°F Oven
Here are a couple delicious recipes to try baking bone-in or boneless chicken thighs at 300 degrees Fahrenheit:
Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs
- 1 lb bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 Tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 1 tsp each salt, garlic powder, paprika
- Bake 30-40 minutes until 165°F
BBQ Baked Chicken Thighs
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 Tbsp chili powder
- Bake 25-35 minutes until 165°F
The oven temperature, thickness, bone-in vs. boneless, and other factors impact total chicken thigh cook time. Follow the guidelines provided and use a meat thermometer for perfectly cooked chicken thighs every time. With a few simple tips, you can enjoy tender, juicy oven-baked chicken thighs at 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
Quick and Easy Slow Roasted Chicken Thighs
The great thing about doing a slow roasted chicken thigh is that this cut is usually less expensive than a boneless chicken breast. You can make this on Sunday and have leftovers for a few lunches too. I like to use the leftover baked chicken to make salads for my weekday lunches.
The preparation of these roasted chicken thighs are quick and easy but you will need about 75 – 90 minutes for cooking. But while they are baking you are going to be hands-off so you won’t have to babysit these.
Your chicken thighs will pair great with some Instant Pot Brussels Sprouts too – they’ll cook in 3 minutes! Or if you have the time for something a bit more try my baked Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin or All Natural Mac ‘n Cheese.
Why I Love Bone-In Chicken
I rarely, if ever cook boneless chicken. Bone-in varieties, especially thighs, have a much richer flavor and are always juicy. I can’t stand a thick, dry, flavorless chicken breast. You can really use this slow roasted chicken recipe with any cut of bone-in chicken. We love with legs too. But I tend to buy thighs for all my baked chicken recipes; they are tasty and affordable. If you do use this recipe with a bone-in breast you will need to adjust the cooking time and make sure you have an internal temp of 165 before you take them out.
One note, if you are not raising your own chicken you should consider getting pastured raised for the best quality and nutrition.
How long does it take to cook chicken thighs at 275 degrees?
FAQ
How long to cook chicken thighs at 300 degrees?
How long to cook chicken thighs at 300 on the grill?
Is it better to cook chicken thighs fast or slow?
The slower you cook chicken, the better. That’s the overall rule for cooking protein. Start by having the heat medium-high when you put the chicken breast in the pan. Sear it quickly. Then get the heat down to medium-low. The average-size boneless chicken breast takes only about 6 minutes of cooking time.
What is the lowest temperature you can cook chicken thighs at?
According to this article, also backed up with data from the USDA, you can cook chicken as low as 140F (60C) as long as the internal temperature of the bird reaches and maintains that temperature for at least 35 minutes.
How long to cook chicken thighs at 350?
When smoking chicken thighs at 350°F, the general guideline for cooking time is about 1 hour or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. The amount of time needed will vary depending on their size and thickness; thicker thighs may require more time whereas thinner thighs will require less.
Can you cook chicken at 300 degrees?
Yes, you can cook chicken with bones at 300 degrees Fahrenheit. For bone-in chicken breasts or thighs, the cooking time will be slightly longer, ranging from 35-40 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. 2. Is it necessary to preheat the oven before cooking chicken at 300?
How long to cook boneless chicken thighs?
Boneless chicken thighs should be cooked for about the same amount of time as bone-in between 2 and 4 hours at 225°F-250°F. The internal temperature needs to reach 165°F before it can be safely consumed, so make sure to use a thermometer when checking for doneness.
What temperature should chicken be cooked at?
While you can cook a whole chicken at 300 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s generally recommended to use higher temperatures (such as 350-400 degrees) to achieve a crispy and golden skin while ensuring the chicken cooks thoroughly. 4. What are the signs that chicken is cooked at 300 degrees?
Can chicken thighs be cooked at low temperatures?
Thighs: Chicken thighs have higher fat content, which makes them more forgiving when cooked at lower temperatures. Breasts: While chicken breasts can be cooked at low temperatures, they require careful attention to avoid drying out. To enhance flavor and juiciness, marinating or brining the chicken is highly recommended.
How long to cook boneless chicken breast at 300 degrees?
The ideal cooking time for boneless, skinless chicken breasts at 300 degrees Fahrenheit is approximately 25-30 minutes. However, it’s crucial to note that the exact cooking time can vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.