How Long to Bake Chicken Thighs at 375 (Best Recipe)
Jun 12, 2023, Updated Mar 03, 2024
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How Long to Bake Chicken Thighs at 375 (Best Recipe)- These Baked Chicken Thighs with Italian flavors come out perfect every time- crispy skin and juicy and tender meat!
They are a perfect main dish with au gratin potatoes, glazed carrots, Panzanella salad, and steamed asparagus.
You might also want to try this variation – Bake Chicken Breast at 425!
Perfect Baked Chicken Thighs
These Italian Baked Chicken Thighs are golden brown and crispy on the exterior and succulent and juicy on the interior. They are made with olive oil, fresh rosemary, oregano, sage, and garlic. Your taste buds will go wild for these succulent chicken thighs. A simple one-pan meal your whole family will love!
More chicken recipes you will love: Stuffed Chicken, Chicken Involtini, BBQ Chicken, Roasted Whole Chicken, Fried Chicken Tenders, Chicken Thighs in Creamy Sauce, and Chicken Cutlets.
Table of Contents
- Perfect Baked Chicken Thighs
- Simple Ingredients
- How Long to Bake Chicken Thighs
- Best Temperature to Bake Chicken Thighs
- How Long to Bake Chicken Thighs Step-by-Step Photo Instructions
- Bone-in Vs. Boneless Chicken Thighs
- Variations for Making Best Baked Chicken Thighs
- Best Equipment for Baking Chicken Thighs in the Oven
- How to Store Baked Chicken Thighs
- Top tips
- FAQs
- More Recipes
- What to Serve with Baked Chicken Thighs
- How Long to Bake Chicken Thighs at 375 (Best Recipe) Recipe
Simple Ingredients
This is the perfect way to bake chicken thighs in the oven. With a few simple ingredients, you will have the most flavorful chicken thighs every single time.
- Chicken thighs (either bone-in or boneless adjust cooking time)
- Rosemary, finely chopped
- Sage
- Oregano
- Garlic cloves
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper to taste
See the recipe card for quantities.
How Long to Bake Chicken Thighs
There isn’t a one-time fits-all for baking chicken thighs or chicken breast in the oven! The exact baking time for chicken thighs will depend on several factors, such as the size and thickness of the chicken thighs and whether they are bone-in or boneless. Obviously, smaller chicken thighs will take less time.
However, as a general guideline, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be baked at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, while bone-in chicken thighs may take 30-35 minutes at the same temperature.
If you want the skin to be crispy, broil the chicken thighs for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Keep an eye on the chicken to make sure the skin doesn’t burn. I love this little trick and suggest it in this recipe!
If you love baking recipes, you might enjoy these Baked Polenta Fries! This chicken recipe will also go well with Oven-Roasted Butternut Squash!
Try our version of Bake Chicken at 400!
Best Temperature to Bake Chicken Thighs
The best temperature to bake chicken thighs in the oven is 375°F. This temperature allows the chicken to cook evenly and ensures it’s fully cooked without drying out, resulting in tender chicken thighs.
Cooking chicken thighs at a lower temperature may result in undercooked chicken, while cooking at a higher temperature may cause the chicken to dry out and become tough. I find that this temperature is the perfect way to cook chicken thighs.
By cooking chicken thighs at the ideal temperature of 375°F and checking the internal temperature, you can achieve perfectly cooked and juicy chicken thighs for a delicious dinner!
How Long to Bake Chicken Thighs Step-by-Step Photo Instructions
Make this your go-to baked chicken recipe!
Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
Season with salt and pepper on both sides. For more precise cooking- cover and let rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
Add olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs in a small mixing bowl. Whisk to combine.
Transfer the chicken thighs to a greased oven-safe baking dish or baking sheet.
Lay the chicken thighs (skin side up) in an even layer.
Generously brush or massage the chicken with olive oil and herb mixture on all sides.
Bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes (depending on how large the chicken thighs are, cooking time can vary from 25-30 minutes without skin and 35-45 minutes if bone-in and skin on) until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. To check the internal temperature, insert the instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh.
Turn oven to broil and broil the chicken thighs until the skin is extra crispy (2-3 minutes). Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with a little fresh chopped parsley or fresh herbs. Serve with your favorite sides, and enjoy!
Bone-in Vs. Boneless Chicken Thighs
Chicken thighs differ when baking them in the oven depending if they are bone-in or not.
Bone-In Thighs
Take longer to cook than boneless chicken thighs due to the presence of the bone. This is because the bone absorbs some of the heat, which slows down the cooking process. As a result, bone-in chicken thighs can take up to 5-10 minutes longer to cook than boneless chicken thighs, depending on the recipe and oven temperature.
However, bone-in chicken thighs can have some benefits when it comes to flavor and texture. The bone helps to keep the chicken moist and flavorful while also adding some depth of flavor to the dish. Additionally, the skin on bone-in chicken thighs can become crispy and delicious when cooked properly, adding an extra layer of texture to the dish. I love bone-in and skin-on!
Boneless Chicken Thighs
On the other hand, boneless chicken thighs are easier and quicker to cook than bone-in chicken thighs since they don’t have a bone that needs to be cooked through. They also tend to be more convenient to eat since there’s no bone to navigate around. However, boneless chicken thighs may not have as much flavor or depth as bone-in chicken thighs, especially if they don’t have skin.
Ultimately, choosing bone-in or boneless chicken thighs for baking in the oven will depend on your preferences!
Variations for Making Best Baked Chicken Thighs
There are numerous variations for making the best-baked chicken thighs in the oven. The same cooking method applies unless otherwise noted. Bake in the oven at 375°F for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
Here are a few ideas:
- Lemon and Garlic Chicken Thighs: Marinate chicken thighs in lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes. Bake in the oven at 375°F for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
- BBQ Chicken Thighs: Rub chicken thighs with your favorite BBQ seasoning or sauce.
- Teriyaki Chicken Thighs: Marinate chicken thighs in a mixture of soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and ginger for at least 30 minutes. Bake in the oven at 375°F for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
- Paprika Chicken Thighs: Rub chicken thighs with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs: Mix honey, dijon mustard, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Brush the mixture over the chicken thighs.
- Italian Chicken Thighs: Rub chicken thighs with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Top with sliced tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil leaves. Bake in the oven at 400°F for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly and to the correct internal temperature.
Best Equipment for Baking Chicken Thighs in the Oven
Here is the equipment you need to cook chicken thighs in the oven.
- Good Meat Thermometer– Remember to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork chops to ensure they are cooked to your desired level of doneness.
- Cast-iron Skillet
- Large oven Safe Skillet
How to Store Baked Chicken Thighs
To store leftover baked chicken thighs, allow them to cool to room temperature first. Then, transfer them to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Label the container or bag with the date, and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To freeze baked chicken thighs, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Label the container or bag with the date, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When reheating baked chicken thighs, ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Top tips
Here are some tips for baking chicken thighs at 375°F:
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel before baking to remove any excess moisture. This will help the chicken brown and crisp up nicely.
- Season the chicken thighs generously to infuse them with flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. The chicken is fully cooked and safe when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- If you’re baking bone-in chicken thighs, arrange them with the skin side up in the baking dish. This will help the skin crisp up and become golden brown and delicious.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the juices redistribute and ensure the chicken is juicy and flavorful.
Following these tips, you can achieve perfectly baked and delicious chicken thighs at 375°F.
FAQs
When cooking chicken thighs in an air fryer, the cooking time and temperature may need to be adjusted from traditional oven baking.
Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each thigh.
Cook for 18-22 minutes, flipping the chicken thighs halfway through the cooking time, until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
Once cooked, remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Note that the exact cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken thighs and the specific air fryer you’re using. It’s always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it’s fully cooked.
Baking frozen chicken thighs is generally not recommended, as it can result in uneven cooking. It is recommended to thaw the chicken thighs before baking them in the oven to ensure they cook evenly and thoroughly.
To thaw frozen chicken thighs, transfer them to the refrigerator and allow them to thaw overnight, or use the defrost function on your microwave to thaw them more quickly.
Once the chicken thighs are thawed, you can bake them in the oven at 375°F for approximately 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
More Recipes
Looking for other recipes? Try these:
What to Serve with Baked Chicken Thighs
Dishes to serve with this delicious baked chicken recipe:
How Long to Bake Chicken Thighs at 375 (Best Recipe)
How Long to Bake Chicken Thighs at 375 (Best Recipe)- These Baked Chicken Thighs with Italian flavors come out perfect every time- crispy skin and juicy and tender chicken thighs! A one-pan dinner to add to your weekly meal rotation.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 6 medium-sized chicken thighs with skin on- 2 lbs (either bone-in or boneless adjust cooking time)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- Black pepper to taste
- Optional- fresh parsley, chopped, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper on both sides. For more precise cooking- cover and let rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
- Add olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs in a small mixing bowl. Whisk to combine.
- Transfer the chicken thighs to a greased oven-safe baking dish or baking sheet. Lay the chicken thighs (skin side up) in an even layer. Generously brush or massage the chicken with olive oil and herb mixture on all sides.
- Bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes (depending on how large the chicken thighs are, cooking time can vary from 25-30 minutes without skin and 35-45 minutes if bone-in and skin on) until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. To check the internal temperature, insert the instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh.
- Turn oven to broil and broil the chicken thighs until the skin is extra crispy (2-3 minutes). Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with a little fresh chopped parsley. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Notes
TOP TIPS
Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel before baking to remove any excess moisture. This will help the chicken brown and crisp up nicely.
Season the chicken thighs generously to infuse them with flavor.
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. The chicken is fully cooked and safe when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
If you’re baking bone-in chicken thighs, arrange them with the skin side up in the baking dish. This will help the skin crisp up and become golden brown and delicious.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the juices redistribute and ensure the chicken is juicy and flavorful.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: up to 45 minutes
- Category: Savory
- Method: Italian
- Cuisine: Italian
This is a keeper baked chicken recipe! I followed the directions exactly except I used boneless skinless chicken thighs and they baked beautifully. Sorry, didn’t take a picture but it looked like yours. I served the chicken with homemade Mac and cheese and a garden salad.👌🏼
Yes! It is a great recipe to add to your meal rotation. You meal sounds lovely!
So easy and absolutely delish!
Thank you! Happy you loved it!
I love all of your chicken recipes, they are like my mom used to make it for us ❤️
Juicy and tons of flavor!
AWW! I’m happy to bring a little taste of your family food memories back to your table.
Best chicken thighs I ever made!
Hip! Hip! Hooray! Happy you loved them.
The chicken thighs were so tender and just the right flavor with the spices! I used boneless thighs and served with roasted veggies. Yummy healthy, dinner… so good!!
So happy you loved them!
Elena, I prepared this baked chicken last evening and it was a hit. I am usually not much a chicken eater, but this dish converted me. Easy and very flavorful.
Thank you!
Yes! So happy to have a chicken convert ;). This dish is easy and flavorful. Happy you loved it.
Delicious and simple 🥰 love your recipes
Grazie, Rita!
Very good recipe, easy and tasty.
Happy you loved it! Good one to have on rotation.
Loved this recipe very Italian, next time I will add more lemon 💗
Yum! More lemon sounds great.
Our favorite way to eat chicken thighs. So easy and tasty!