Oven roasted chicken thighs recipe is a delicious and easy way to get your chicken fix. This is also a budget-friendly recipe because the thighs are generally less expensive to prepare than other cuts of chicken. It is one of my all-time favorite recipes and it’s so easy to make. Preparing this only requires a few simple ingredients, but in the end produces absolutely delicious, crispy roasted chicken thighs that everyone loved. Even better, it’s a one-pan dish, so cleanup is a breeze.
With the holiday season coming up, and thanksgiving just around the corner now is a great time to think about what you’re going to cook over the holidays. Roasting a whole chicken as this spatchcocked chicken has long been considered one of the best-tasting dishes, but it can also be complicated and worrisome for inexperienced cooks. If you want something easier and with no fuss, this recipe for oven-roasted chicken thighs will be a delicious (and easy) dish for you to try out.
I always keep a few chicken thighs in my freezer so that I can have this dish anytime I want. When I’m ready to have them, I simply pop them in the oven and dinner is ready in no time! This recipe is great if you’re on a budget or trying out some new flavors. I found that adding lime zest, lime juice, lemon zest, and garlic powder gave the thighs a nice refreshing flavor- that you don’t want to miss out on.
When it comes to chicken recipes, the thigh is often considered the tastiest part, especially the bone-in chicken thighs; all you need to do is to first coat them in a simple mixture of olive oil and spices and then marinated them before roasting.
A simple seasoning of salt, black pepper, Adobo seasoning, lemon juice, paprika, onion, and garlic powder formed the rich marinade for this roasted chicken thighs recipe. The chicken was roasted at the temperature of 400 degrees F. The high temperature ensures that the chicken cooks evenly, resulting in a succulent and moist final product. This particular recipe uses bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, which adds even more flavor and juiciness to the dish.
There are many different ways to cook chicken thighs in the oven; one popular way is to bake chicken thighs in sauce. This method of cooking chicken is not only delicious but also very easy to do. If you’re not sure of what kind of sauce to use, here are a few ideas for you. For a sweet and sticky option, try using BBQ sauce or honey mustard. Try homemade tomato sauce or this pasta sauce for something more savory. Apart from the method mentioned above, you can try, bbq chicken thighs or slow-cook them using a slow cooker. Also, you can decide to pan-fried chicken on the stovetop, or in a cast iron pan.
Today I’m going to show you an easy oven-roasted chicken thighs recipe that is really quick to prepare. This recipe is simple and straightforward and can be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve; also, it produces a juicy, flavorful dish that will have you coming back for more.
The best tips for making juicy roasted chicken thighs recipe
- First, you need to make sure your chicken thighs are at room temperature before cooking. If they’re cold, they’ll cook unevenly. The room-temperature chicken will cook more evenly than cold chicken, so be sure to take the chicken out of the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking.
- Make sure to use even-sized pieces so they can finish cooking at the same time.
- You need to make sure they are properly seasoned. I like to use a mixture of salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, Adobo all-purpose seasoning, and onion powder to give the meat the best taste. You can try marinating them in this mixture for extra flavor. This will help to keep the meat moist and juicy while it cooks in the oven.
- Next, you need to cook the chicken thighs on high heat for a short amount of time. This will help to seal in all of the juices and flavors without overcooking the meat. A hot oven (at 400 degrees Fahrenheit or higher) will help to crisp the skin on the chicken.
- Also, you need to make sure that you don’t overcook the chicken. If they’re cooked for too long, they will dry out and become tough.
- If you are not sure about the doneness of the chicken, make sure to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken; it should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit before you take it out of the oven.
- Finally, always let your meat rest for a few minutes after cooking so that all the juices will redistribute evenly, this will make them even more juicy and delicious! By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your chicken thighs will always turn out juicy and delicious in the end.
Roasted chicken thighs temperature
Baking chicken at various temperatures yields different results. The cooking time and temperature that works best for you will depend on a number of factors, including the size and thickness of your chicken, the type of oven, the type of pan you are using, and your personal preferences. However, some people prefer baking their chicken thighs using a higher temperature because it results in more crispy skin, while others find the lower temperature gives the meat a juicier texture.
You can try cooking baked or roasted chicken thighs at 350, 375, 400, 425, and 450 degrees Fahrenheit and see which method gives you the results that you are looking for. Below are some recommended baking times and temperatures for you to try out.
Baked chicken thighs at 350
If you are looking for a more gradual and low-key cooking experience, then baking chicken thigh at 350 degrees Fahrenheit may be more your style. This lower temperature will take longer to cook your chicken all the way through, but it will result in a more tender and flavorful finished product. The perfect time to bake your meat at 350 degrees Fahrenheit is 40- 50 minutes.
Roasted chicken thighs at 375
Baking chicken thighs at 375 degrees Fahrenheit will result in slightly firmer meat; the chicken will be cooked through and through, with a crispy and golden brown skin. Plus, it’s relatively easy to achieve consistent results when baking chicken at this temperature. The cooking time can vary depending on the size of the meat, and the type of oven used but typically, it will take about 30 to 40 minutes to cook the thighs using this temperature.
Roasted chicken thighs at 400
Baking chicken at 400 degrees Fahrenheit will produce a crispier skin with moist flesh. If you are looking for a quick and easy roasted chicken thigh recipe, then baking at 400 degrees Fahrenheit is probably your best bet. This higher temperature will help to ensure that your meat cooks through evenly and are nice and juicy on the inside. At 400 degrees Fahrenheit, it is best to roast chicken for about 30-35 minutes depending on the size of the thighs. Also, have in mind that bone-in chicken thighs will take longer to cook through than boneless chicken thighs.
Baked chicken thighs at 425
The result of baking bone-in chicken at 425 degrees Fahrenheit is that the meat will be cooked through and through, with a crispy skin. The flesh of the chicken will be juicy and flavorful, and the bones will be well-cooked. There is no need to worry about undercooked chicken when cooking at this temperature. At 425 degrees Fahrenheit it can take the thighs 20 to 25 minutes to be fully cooked but this will depend on the size, weight, and thickness of the flesh too.
Roasted chicken thighs at 450
Baking thighs at 450 degrees Fahrenheit is too high but it will give you extremely crispy skin and it may make the meat dry and less moist if you leave it too long in the oven. At 450 degrees Fahrenheit, the perfect time to bake your meat is 15-18 minutes or less. Make sure to keep an eye on the chicken during cooking time, as the skin can burn quickly at this temperature.
Ingredients for roasted chicken thighs recipe
- 3 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, or 6 medium-sized
- 1 tbsp adobo all-purpose seasoning
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1tbsp lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp salt or more to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil.
- 2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley
Key ingredients for crispy roasted chicken thighs
Bone in skin on chicken thighs
For this recipe, I used bone in skin on chicken thighs. Roasting the chicken with the bone in and skin results in a more flavorful and moist dish. The skin helps to protect the meat from drying out during the cooking process, plus, the rendered fat from the skin adds a delicious flavor to the dish. While the bones add flavor and depth of flavor to the dish. However, this recipe will still work well with boneless, skinless thighs too.
Adobo all-purpose seasoning
I love to season many of my chicken recipes with adobo all-purpose seasoning. This is a popular spice blend that is commonly used in Mexican and Filipino cuisine, and it’s known for its bold flavor that imparts a bold and savory flavor to this roasted chicken thighs recipe. This dish turned out simply irresistible. Instead of using just plain old salt and black pepper, you can try using adobo seasoning to season your meat for a richer taste.
Onion powder
Onion powder provides a subtle onion flavor without the hassle of chopping fresh onions. It’s one of the perfect seasonings for this roasted chicken thighs recipe.
Garlic powder
Garlic has a distinctively pungent flavor that enhances the taste of the roasted chicken thighs recipe, making them more savory and delicious. When used in conjunction with other spices, garlic powder can create a truly mouth-watering chicken recipe that your family and friends will love. If you don’t have garlic powder handy, simply make use of freshly minced garlic but have in mind that garlic powder is less likely to burn during the cooking process, unlike fresh garlic.
Smoked paprika
We used smoked paprika powder to give the chicken thighs a deep, rich color, it also infuses the chicken with a rich, smoky flavor that elevates the dish to a whole new level.
Dried oregano
When it comes to seasoning your chicken, there are a lot of different herbs and spices you can use. Using dried herbs like parsley, basil and oregano could help the skin on the chicken to crisp up more while cooking. But if you want to add a bit of extra flavor to your dish, oregano is always a good choice.
Black pepper
Adding just a pinch of pepper to your chicken recipe can make a big difference in the taste; this black pepper has a sharp, biting flavor that can really liven up your chicken thigh dish and make it more interesting, and it pairs well with other common spices like garlic and onion and oregano. However, If you prefer a more spicy taste, try using red chili flakes or cayenne pepper or use a combination of both to get that.
Lemon
Lemon juice and lemon zest give the chicken thighs a fresh, tangy flavor that pairs well with the savory, roasted taste of the chicken. The acidity in the lemon juice helps to tenderize the chicken, while the lemon zest adds a bright and fresh flavor. This simple ingredient combination creates a bright and flavor-packed sauce that turned out perfect for drizzling over the chicken.
Salt
Salt is another great ingredient in many chicken recipes but you have to keep it really simple. I personally like kosher salt in this baked chicken thigh recipe because it dissolves quickly and evenly, creating a flavorful crust on the outside of the chicken. But if you want a more intense flavor, then sea salt is a good choice. This type of salt has a stronger flavor than kosher salt, so it will really stand out in your dish.
Parsley
A sprinkle of fresh parsley leaves adds a pop of fresh color and a touch of the herbaceousness that ties everything together perfectly.
How to make oven roasted chicken thighs recipe
In a large mixing bowl, combine Adobo all-purpose seasoning, onion powder, black pepper, garlic powder, dried oregano, smoked paprika, lemon zest, salt, lemon juice, and extra virgin olive oil. Whisk all the seasonings until well combined.
Transfer the chicken pieces to the mixture and toast until well coated. For this recipe, I’m using 8 medium-sized chicken thighs but you can use the larger size and cook them a bit longer.
Cover the bowl with a cling film and marinate it for 1 hour in the fridge. If you are not cooking the chicken immediately, you can marinate it overnight.
Greeze your roasting pan with some oil or cooking spray, and transfer the marinated chicken thighs to it, making sure they are not overcrowded.
Roast the chicken in the preheated oven at 400 F for 30 to 35 minutes, the chicken is ready when the internal temperature records 165F on the thickest part of the flesh. To ensure perfectly roasted bone-in chicken thighs, cook the thighs to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This will give you juicy, flavorful chicken that is neither overcooked nor undercooked.
Once the thighs are cooked remove them from the oven and rest them for 5 minutes. If you want to keep them extra juicy, scoop some delicious juice in the pan on the meat. For a pop of color and extra flavor, garnish your roasted chicken thighs with fresh parsley and serve it with lemon wedges.
And you now have your delicious crispy thighs ready to eat. If you like you can serve them with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Is it better to bake chicken thighs at 350 or 400?
There are a few factors to consider when deciding whether to bake chicken thighs at 350°F or 400°F. The first is the size and thickness of the flesh. If they are on the smaller side, they will cook faster at 400°F, but if they are larger, they will need the extra time at 350°F to make sure they are cooked through. Another factor is how crispy you want the skin to be. If you like it extra crispy, 400°F is the way to go. But if you prefer it a little more tender, then 350°F will be better.
Finally, consider what else you’re making in the oven. If you’re baking other things along with the chicken thighs (like vegetables), then you’ll want to lower the temperature so everything can cook evenly and not get burned. So, ultimately, it depends on your personal preferences and what else is going in the oven. But both 350°F and 400°F will work just fine for this recipe.
How long to bake bone-in chicken thighs?
Bone-in chicken thighs should be cooked until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This usually takes between 30 and 35 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. depending on the size of the meat. To ensure that your meat is properly cooked, use a meat thermometer to check its internal temperature before removing them from the oven.
At what temperature are bone-in chicken thighs done?
The best way to tell if your bone-in chicken thighs are done is when they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Simply Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh (avoiding the bone) and ensure that the internal temperature is at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Once your chicken has reached this temperature, it is safe to eat.
Generally, you should bake bone-in chicken thighs for 30-40 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. But keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on their size and thickness. You can use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked through.
How do you know when chicken thighs are fully cooked?
The best way to know if your chicken is fully cooked is to insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh (avoiding the bone). Chicken is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you don’t have a meat thermometer, there are a few other ways to check if your chicken thighs are done.
One way is to insert a knife into the thickest part of the thigh and see if the juices run clear. If they do, then your chicken is most likely done. Another way is to touch the chicken with your fingers and see if it feels firm to the touch. Once again, if it does, then your chicken is probably done.
And finally, you can always cut into the chicken to take a look at the color of the meat inside. If it is no longer pink, then it is safe to say that your chicken is cooked through.
You can also tell if the chicken is cooked through by its appearance. Cooked chicken will be opaque all the way through and will have lost its pinkish hue.
Should I use boneless skinless chicken thighs or bone-in with skin?
This recipe uses bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, and it produced an amazing result. However, boneless and skinless meat will also work well but you will have to cook the meat for a few minutes lesser than what the recipe indicated.
Is it better to cover chicken thighs with foil when baking?
It is not really compulsory to cover your chicken thighs with foil when baking.
If you’re looking for crispy skin, then you’ll want to roast your chicken uncovered so that the skin can brown and crisp up beautifully. However, if you’re looking for a more moist and tender chicken, then covering it with foil while it bakes will help to seal in the juices and prevent it from drying out. This is especially helpful if you are baking for a longer period of time.
Sometimes, I may decide to cover baked chicken with foil when I notice the top is beginning to get dark too quickly when it has not reached the proper internal temperature. In cases like this, just tear up a small piece of foil and cover only the top of the meat to prevent the skin from burning too quickly and keep cooking until it is properly cooked.
How do you keep chicken from drying out in the oven?
To prevent chicken thighs from drying out in the oven, there are a few things you can do. First, make sure not to overcook the chicken. While you want it to be cooked, overcooking will result in dry, tough meat. You can keep an eye on the chicken or use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken throughout the cooking process.
Secondly, baste the chicken thighs regularly with either pan juices or a mixture of olive oil and water or chicken stock. This will help to keep them moist and prevent them from drying out. Finally, allow the meat to rest for about 5-10 minutes after it has come out of the oven before cutting into them. This will give the meat time to reabsorb any juices that may have been lost during cooking.
Can you make baked chicken thighs when frozen?
Chicken thighs can be baked when frozen, but they will take about 50% longer to cook than if they were thawed first. Be sure to check the internal temperature before taking them out of the oven to ensure they are safe to eat. Also, if the chicken skin isn’t as crispy as you’d like, try broiling it for a few minutes toward the end of the cooking.
Roasted chicken thighs recipe
Equipment
- 1 Glass mixing bowl
- 1 Instant read thermometer
- 9 x 13 Roasting pan
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 3 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, or 8 medium-sized
- 1 tbsp adobo all-purpose seasoning
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt or more to taste
- 2½ tbsp lemon juice or juice from 1 whole lemon
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley
Instructions
Make the marinade
- In a large mixing bowl, combine Adobo all-purpose seasoning, onion powder, black pepper, garlic powder, dried oregano, smoked paprika, lemon zest, salt, lemon juice, and extra virgin olive oil. Whisk all the seasonings until well combined.
- Transfer the chicken thighs to the mixture and toast until well coated. For this recipe, I'm using 8 medium-sized pieces but you can use the larger size and cook them a bit longer.
- Cover the bowl with a cling film and marinate it for 1 hour in the fridge. If you are not cooking the chicken immediately, you can marinate it overnight.
Roast the chicken
- Greeze your roasting pan with some oil or cooking spray, and transfer the marinated chicken thighs to it, making sure they are not overcrowded.
- Roast the chicken in the preheated oven at 400 F for 30 to 35 minutes, they are ready when the internal temperature records 165F on the thickest part of the flesh. To ensure perfectly roasted bone-in chicken thighs, cook the thighs to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This will give you juicy, flavorful chicken that is neither overcooked nor undercooked.
Rest the chicken
- Once the chicken thighs are cooked remove them from the oven and rest them for 5 minutes. If you want to keep them extra juicy, scoop some delicious juice in the pan on the meat.
- For a pop of color and extra flavor, garnish your meat with fresh parsley and serve it with lemon wedges
- And you now have your delicious crispy roasted chicken thighs recipe ready to eat. If you like you can serve them with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Other variations
- Boneless chicken thigh recipe
- Baked chicken and rice
- Baked chicken thighs with sauce
- Teriyaki baked chicken thighs
Sauce for roasted chicken thighs
There are many delicious sauces that can be used to top baked chicken thighs. Here are a few of our favorites:- Barbecue sauce– This classic sauce is a perfect addition to any grilled or baked chicken dish.
- Honey mustard sauce– The sweetness of honey and the zing of mustard are a perfect match for baked chicken recipes.
- Teriyaki sauce– This Asian-inspired sauce is a great way to add flavor and moisture to your chicken dish.
- Pesto sauce– This flavorful sauce is a great way to add bright color and flavor to your chicken dish.
- Barbecue sauce– This classic sauce is the perfect addition to any roasted or baked chicken dish.
- Alfredo sauce– This rich and creamy sauce is a great way to add flavor and creaminess to your chicken dish.
- Soy sauce and honey glaze– This sauce gives your baked chicken a nice sweetness and umami flavor.
How to store roasted chicken thighs
Once you have baked your chicken thighs, you will need to store them properly to ensure they stay fresh and delicious. Place the chicken thighs in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Store them in the refrigerator for about 3 to 5 days. You can also freeze baked chicken thighs for up to 4 months. Just wrap them individually in aluminum foil or plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze them. When you’re ready to eat them, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge or cook them from frozen. To reheat, simply place the chicken thighs in a baking dish and cover them with foil. Bake at 350 degrees until heated through.Ways to use up leftover chicken thighs
- Chicken salad– This is a classic way to use up leftover chicken. Simply shred or chop the chicken and mix it with the rest of your salad ingredients
- Chicken Soup– Nothing is more comforting than a bowl of homemade chicken soup.
- Sandwich or wraps– You can also slice the chicken and use it in a sandwich or wrap.
- Chicken Enchiladas– This a family-friendly favorite, and is easy to make and can be tailored to your liking.
- Chicken Curry– Give your leftover chicken an international flavor by turning it into a curry dish.
- Pasta dishes– This chicken thigh recipe is perfect for serving with this chicken with spaghetti recipe.
- Chicken taco– Another way to use up leftover roasted chicken thighs is to make simply shredded chicken tacos.
What to serve with roasted chicken thighs?
Here are some of our favorite side dishes that go well with baked chicken thighs
Cauliflower rice- Cauliflower rice is a great low-carb alternative to traditional rice that still provides plenty of flavor and texture.
- Roasted potatoes: Roasted potatoes are a classic side dish that goes well with just about any main course Salad: A fresh salad is always a good idea when serving chicken for dinner.
- Roasted vegetables: Try roasting some veggies in the oven along with the chicken. Sweet potatoes, carrots, and brussels sprouts all go well with chicken thighs.
- Pasta primavera- This chicken thigh recipe is perfect for serving with pasta primavera.
- Salad: A fresh salad is always a good idea when serving chicken for dinner
- Rice or quinoa: These grains can be cooked in the oven along with the chicken and vegetables, or served on the side.
- Pasta with vegetables– You can serve your roasted chicken thighs along with pasta with vegetables. It’s a great way to get your veggies in while enjoying a delicious and satisfying meal.
- Steamed vegetables- Steam vegetables such as carrots, green beans, broccoli, and mushrooms make for a fantastic side.
- Bread: A nice crusty loaf of bread is perfect for sopping up any juices from the chicken
Looking for a delicious and easy chicken thigh recipe? Look no further than this oven-roasted chicken thigh recipe! This dish is packed with amazing flavor, thanks to the adobo seasoning, garlic, and lemon juice. The chicken thighs are also nice and juicy, making them the perfect main course for any meal. Plus, this recipe is extremely easy to follow, so you’ll be able to get it right every time. Trust me, your family and friends will be begging for more!
If you have made this recipe please leave a comment, it encourages me to read your great comments.