It’s a rainy evening here, and I’m cozy in my kitchen with the oven warming the house. There’s something so comforting about making Oven Baked Chicken Thighs—simple, flavorful, and filling. The smell of garlic, herbs, and buttery chicken wafts through the air, making me think of family dinners when everyone gathered around with smiles and hearty appetites. This Oven Baked Chicken Thighs recipe is one of those reliable, go-to meals that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The best part? You can easily adapt the seasoning to whatever you have on hand.
Table of Contents
Ingredients You’ll Need
For these juicy oven baked chicken thighs, you just need a few pantry staples. Olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, ground paprika, Italian seasoning, dried parsley, salt, and pepper create a savory, herby rub. Chicken thighs, of course, are the star here—skin-on and bone-in for maximum flavor. And a bit of butter adds richness at the end. If you keep a well-stocked spice cabinet, you probably already have everything.
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Chicken Thigh Types
Skin-on, bone-in thighs work best here. They stay juicy and flavorful. If you use boneless, skinless thighs, they’ll cook faster—about 25 minutes—and may need more butter to keep them moist.
Seasoning Swaps
Italian seasoning is handy, but dried parsley or oregano will work too. If you prefer a different flavor profile, you can easily adjust these herbs to taste.
Oil And Butter Options
Olive oil gives a lovely flavor, but other vegetable oils are fine too. Butter is optional, though I think it adds such a nice richness and helps with browning.
How To Make Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
Prepare The Oven And Pan
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Then, line a rimmed baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup and place it in the oven while it heats. This helps get a nice sear on the chicken.
Make Seasoning Paste
In a small bowl, stir together the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. You want this to become a thick, fragrant paste.
Coat And Season The Chicken
Pat the chicken thighs dry so the skin gets crisp. Toss them in the seasoning paste, rubbing it all over and really working it into the skin.
Bake, Baste, And Broil
Carefully remove the hot pan from the oven. Arrange the seasoned thighs skin-side up and dot them with small pieces of butter. Bake for 20 minutes, then baste with the pan juices. Bake 10 minutes more, baste again, and continue baking 5–15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. For extra crisp skin, you can pop them under the broiler for 1–2 minutes at the end.
Recipe Tips For Best Results
Rub the seasoning paste thoroughly into the chicken to ensure every bite is flavorful. If the juices wash away some of the seasoning during basting, sprinkle a little extra on top. Check doneness with a thermometer, as cooking time varies with size. And always use a rimmed pan to catch those delicious juices.
Serving Suggestions
These Oven Baked Chicken Thighs are so versatile! Serve it with starchy sides like roasted fingerling potatoes, mashed sweet potatoes, or rice. Pair it with veggies like sautéed green beans or zucchini. I love adding a crisp cucumber tomato avocado salad or a tossed green salad with ranch or honey mustard dressing for balance.
Oven Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe Card
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Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
- Total Time: 55 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Juicy, flavorful oven baked chicken thighs perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons onion powder
1 teaspoon ground paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon dried parsley
2 teaspoons salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 pounds chicken thighs (6–8 pieces, patted dry)
1 tablespoon butter, diced
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. Heat in oven.
2. In a bowl, combine olive oil and seasonings into a paste.
3. Pat chicken thighs dry and toss in seasoning paste.
4. Arrange chicken skin-side up on hot pan. Dot with butter.
5. Bake 20 min, baste, then bake another 10 min.
6. Baste again and bake 5-15 min until internal temp reaches 165°F.
7. Optional: broil for 1-2 min for crisp skin.
Notes
Use skin-on, bone-in thighs for juicier results.
Boneless, skinless thighs cook faster but may dry out without butter.
Check doneness with a thermometer.
Substitute dried oregano or parsley if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 45 min
- Category: Chicken Recipes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 thigh
- Calories: 347
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 892mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 131mg
Related Recipes To Try
If you’re craving more cozy chicken dishes, you’ll love my Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken for a sweet and savory twist. On chilly days, try my Easy Crockpot Chicken And Dumplings for a hearty comfort meal. For another easy oven dish, check out my Million Dollar Baked Chicken Breast for an indulgent option. Or keep the slow cooker going with my Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken for tender, flavorful chicken.
You can also find even more ideas on my Pinterest page here: https://www.pinterest.com/cozyrecipesbyclara/
FAQs
Do You Cover Chicken Thighs When You’re Baking Them In The Oven?
No, I leave them uncovered. This helps the skin get golden and crispy.
How Do You Know When Baked Chicken Thighs Are Done?
Check with a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh.
How Long Do Chicken Thighs Take To Cook In The Oven?
They usually take 35–45 minutes at 400°F, depending on size. Boneless thighs cook a little faster.
Can You Overcook Baked Chicken Thighs?
Yes, overcooking can dry them out, so watch these Oven Baked Chicken Thighs carefully near the end. Keep an eye on the temperature and pull them out as soon as they reach 165°F.
