This oven baked chicken thighs recipe is a go-to one-pot recipe for busy weeknights that has a prep time of 5 minutes. It's a truly easy, family-friendly dish that delivers the juiciest chicken thighs straight from your oven.
If you're looking for a simple, no-fuss meal that doesn't compromise on flavor, then these oven-baked chicken thighs are for you. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you can have a delicious meal on the table in 45 minutes.
For a hearty chicken dish that's a little different, I also recommend my chicken thighs with bell peppers. You'll also love my mustard chicken that's a reader-favorite! And if you're in the mood for something rich and comforting, my Hungarian chicken paprikash is a must-try.
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Why This Is The Best Oven Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe
- Convenience: This oven-baked chicken thigh recipe is a one-pan wonder. Once it's in the oven, you're free to attend to other things while it cooks to perfection.
- Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 5 minutes, this recipe is incredibly easy to prepare. It's a straightforward process that delivers delicious results every time.
- Family Favorite: This dish is a hit with the whole family. The tender, juicy chicken thighs are packed with flavor, making this a go-to recipe for family dinners.
- Budget-Friendly: Chicken thighs are an affordable cut of meat, making this recipe easy on the wallet without skimping on flavor.
- Comfort Food: There's something so comforting about a plate of oven-baked chicken thighs. This recipe is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for those days when you crave a hearty, satisfying meal.
Key Ingredients
Here's an overview of some key ingredients for this recipe. For the full list of ingredients and measurements, please scroll to the recipe card below.
- Chicken Thighs: We'll be using 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs in this recipe. They're packed with flavor and stay incredibly juicy, making them a great choice for oven-baked dishes.
- Paprika: A combination of regular paprika and smoked paprika gives our dish a balanced, smoky flavor.
- Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: These two powders add depth and a savory twist to the dish, enhancing the natural flavors of the chicken.
- Ground Coriander: This spice brings a warm, citrusy flavor that pairs beautifully with the other spices.
- Avocado Oil: This oil is used to drizzle over the chicken and helps the spices adhere to the chicken. It also adds a hint of buttery flavor.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley is sprinkled over the chicken after it's baked, adding a fresh, herby note. It also adds a pop of color to the dish.
How to Make Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
Making this incredible oven baked chicken thighs recipe at home is super easy and will give you great results every single time. Here's how to make it step by step:
- Preheat your oven: First, set your oven to 400 F. While your oven is heating up, place your chicken thighs in a large, rimmed baking dish.
- Mix your spices: In a small bowl, combine paprika, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground coriander, salt, and pepper.
- Season your chicken: Drizzle your chicken with avocado oil and then sprinkle your spice mix over the chicken. Rub the spices in to make sure the chicken is evenly coated.
- Bake your chicken: Pop your dish in the oven and bake for around 40 minutes or until your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 185F. For the best results, I recommend using a meat thermometer to check the doneness of your chicken.
- Add the finishing touch: Once your chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and sprinkle it with fresh parsley. This will not only add a pop of color but also a fresh flavor.
- Serve: Serve your chicken over rice, pasta, or mashed potato, and enjoy your flavor-packed, oven-baked chicken thighs!
For a full list of ingredients and instructions, see the recipe card below.
Tips For Making the Best Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
- Use a Meat Thermometer: I recommend using a meat thermometer. This will help you to avoid overcooking, which can make the chicken dry, or undercooking, which can be unsafe.
- Coat the Chicken Evenly: When you rub the spice mix into the chicken, make sure it's evenly coated. This will guarantee that every bite is packed with flavor.
- Choose the Right Chicken Thighs: For a juicier and more flavorful dish, consider using skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs. They tend to be more tender and moist thanks to the extra fat and bone.
- Let the Chicken Rest: After cooking, let your chicken thighs rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to be redistributed, making the chicken more juicy and tender.
- Check the Internal Temperature: Always check the internal temperature of your chicken thighs before serving. They are safe to eat when the thermometer reads 165°F (75°C).
- Use a Good Quality Pan: The type of pan you use can affect the outcome of your chicken thighs. A heavy-duty, oven-safe pan is recommended for this recipe.
Serving Suggestions
- For a hearty dinner, pair these flavorful oven-baked chicken thighs with your favorite side dish, like some creamy mashed potatoes. The robust flavors of the chicken and the creamy potatoes complement each other perfectly.
- Another favorite is to serve this one-pot meal with some cooked basmati rice. It tastes great and allows the chicken dish to shine. Try some green beans and sweet potatoes on the side.
- Want a cozy, comforting dish? These oven-baked chicken thighs also go well with a side of roasted vegetables. The earthy flavors of the vegetables pair wonderfully with the spiced chicken. Crunchy cucumber salad will also pair well with chicken thighs.
- You can also shred and use leftovers to make a delicious chicken sandwich! This chicken recipe is truly so versatile!
Recipe Variation Ideas
- Spicy: If you're a fan of spicy food, this variation is for you. Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the spice mix. This will give your chicken thighs a fiery twist.
- Citrusy: For a refreshing, tangy flavor, try adding the zest of one lemon and one lime to the spice mix. This will give your chicken thighs a bright, citrusy flavor that is perfect for summer.
- Herby: If you love the fresh flavor of herbs, you can intensify it by adding a tablespoon of mixed dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano to the spice mix. This will give your chicken thighs a robust, herby flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to know if my oven-baked chicken thighs are cooked?
You can figure out if your chicken thighs are cooked by using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken. When it reads 165F, your chicken is ready.
What can I use if I don't have avocado oil?
If you don't have avocado oil, you can use olive oil or any other cooking oil that you have on hand. Just make sure it's a type of oil that can withstand high heat.
Can I make this chicken thigh recipe with the skin on?
Absolutely! You can make this recipe with skin-on chicken thighs. Just keep in mind that the skin will add extra flavor and become crispy when baked.
How to Store Leftovers
- Storing: After enjoying your delicious oven-baked chicken thighs, you may have some leftovers. Don't worry, you can store them in the fridge. Simply place the chicken thighs in an airtight container and they will keep for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: If you want to extend the shelf life of your cooked chicken thighs, you can freeze them. Place the chicken thighs in a freezer-safe container or bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: When you're ready to enjoy your frozen chicken thighs, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge. Once thawed, you can reheat them in the oven or on the pan until they are heated through.
You'll Also Like These Chicken Thigh Recipes
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Recipe
Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
This oven baked chicken thighs recipe is a go-to one-pot recipe for busy weeknights that has a prep time of 5 minutes. It's a truly easy, family-friendly dish that delivers the juiciest chicken thighs straight from your oven.
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Servings: 4
Calories: 567kcal
Ingredients
- 8 chicken thighs skinless, boneless
- 2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 F and place the chicken in a large-rimmed baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix paprika, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground coriander, salt and pepper.
- Drizzle chicken with avocado oil and sprinkle it with a spice mix. Rub the spices into the chicken to coat.
- Bake for 40 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 185F.
Notes
Making it with skin-on chicken thighs? You can make this recipe with skin-on chicken thighs. Just keep in mind that the skin will add extra flavor and become crispy when baked.
Let the Chicken Rest: After cooking, let your chicken thighs rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to be redistributed, making the chicken more juicy and tender.
Coat the Chicken Evenly: When you rub the spice mix into the chicken, make sure it's evenly coated. This will guarantee that every bite is packed with flavor.
Storing: After enjoying your delicious oven-baked chicken thighs, you may have some leftovers. Don't worry, you can store them in the fridge. Place the chicken thighs in an airtight container and they will keep for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: If you want to extend the shelf life of your cooked chicken thighs, you can freeze them. Place the chicken thighs in a freezer-safe container or bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating: When you're ready to enjoy your frozen chicken thighs, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge. Once thawed, you can reheat them in the oven or on the pan until they are heated through.
Nutrition
Calories: 567kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 45g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g | Monounsaturated Fat: 21g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 221mg | Sodium: 757mg | Potassium: 518mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.2g | Vitamin A: 916IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 2mg
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Iryna Bychkiv is the founder and writer of the culinary website Lavender & Macarons, where she shares clean, European-inspired recipes that are delicious, easy to prepare, and made with wholesome ingredients. Iryna loves creating meals that are simple yet healthy and unique, including vegan and vegetarian recipes.
Iryna is also a freelance writer for MSN and Associated Press Wire.
KM Hoitomt says
I’m almost 70 and I don’t think I’ve ever cooked chicken thighs. (I’ve been a vegetarian most of my life.) I sort of loved this. It’s simple, quick, nicely spiced - good combination and amounts, and tasted great.
I have very little experience with meats/poultry. Do you season both sides? I just put oil in the pan and coated both sides but only threw seasoning on one side. Thank you.
Margaret says
Nice recipe, but next time I'll put a lid on the casserole dish as, unfortunately, the chicken juices splattered all over my new oven interior making quite a mess to clean up.
Deb says
Very good! Will be a regular on our menu. Thank you!
Iryna Bychkiv says
Deb, thank you for your comment and 5-star rating! I'm very happy you liked this recipe!