Last week, my husband walked in the door and then began to float his way to the kitchen. “What smells so good?” It was this baked chicken thigh recipe, a whole dinner that you prep and then cook in your oven. It’s simple and perfect for a Sunday dinner or when guests join in. The kids love it too so get ready to make the best baked chicken recipe for your favorite people!
Best Chicken Thigh Recipe
Tender and juicy baked chicken thighs become phenomenal with the addition of fresh herbs and baby potatoes that just soak up all that flavor. Baking chicken thighs in the oven is the perfect way to prepare this delicious dish. If you’re tired of doing barbecue, branch out with these delicious oven roasted chicken thighs!
Baked Chicken Thigh Ingredients
- Chicken thighs – You’ll want the bone-in skin-on ones.
- Butter – Use an unsalted and softened stick.
- Minced garlic – Because garlic is the best for chicken dishes!
- Lemon zest – Adds a citrus taste and touch of elegance.
- Fresh herbs – You’ll need thyme, sage, and parsley.
- Red onion – Dice this up!
- Lemon – Cut it into rounds.
- Baby potatoes – Quarter them and get them ready to soak up these tasty flavors.
Easy Chicken Thigh Recipe
It just takes 20 minutes to prep and the rest of the work is done by your oven. So grab a glass of wine and take a break while you wait for your oven timer to ding!
Wicked chickens lay deviled eggs.
ANONYMOUS
How do you Make Chicken Thighs from Scratch
You’ll preheat your oven and pat the thighs dry. Then season them with salt and pepper. Mix butter, garlic, thyme, sage, and lemon zest into a bowl, then smear it onto the chicken, rubbing it underneath the skin too. Put the lemon rounds and baby potatoes in an even layer in your baking dish and then add the chicken. For crispy baked chicken thighs, bake them for about 35 to 40 minutes and then garnish with fresh parsley.
Expert Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Chicken Thighs Every Time
- Don’t skimp on the smear mixture! You really want it to get under the chicken skin so the meat gets tender and flavorful and the skin gets crispy.
- Use a meat thermometer. This way you can see if your chicken thigh internal temp has reached the USDA recommended 165F and is completely ready.
- Be patient.When cooking chicken thighs in the oven, bone-in chicken takes longer to cook but the results are worth it!
How long should you marinate chicken thighs?
This recipe does not use a marinade. All you need is to rub the chicken with the butter and herb mixture and it will create a sensational flavor. However, if you choose to use a recipe with a marinade I like to marinate the chicken in a ziplock bag in the refrigerator overnight.
How to Cook Chicken Thighs
Chicken thighs with bone-in do best in the oven. You’ll prep the chicken, lemons, and potatoes and then bake them together.
How do I cook chicken thighs with skin and bone?
Want a great recipe for cooking chicken thighs with skin and bone? Follow this one where you spend 20 minutes prepping and the rest is done by your oven.
What temperature should chicken thighs be cooked at?
The oven temperature can vary but the safe internal temperature to bake chicken thighs is 165F. Use a cooking thermometer inserted into the thickest part to read the chicken thigh temperature.
How long does it take for chicken thighs to cook in the oven?
Chicken thighs with the bone in need to cook for about 35 to 40 minutes. You should check the internal temperature to ensure they are fully cooked though as every oven will vary.
Does it take longer to cook chicken thighs with bone-in?
Yes, it takes longer to cook chicken thighs with the bone-in. In general, it will only be a few minutes longer.
Do you need to flip chicken thighs when baking?
No. There is no need to flip chicken thighs when cooking chicken in the oven. For crispy chicken thighs, let the top side roast and develop a nice golden brown color.
How long does it take to fully cook chicken thighs?
At 400F, it should take about 35 to 40 minutes for your chicken to cook.
How do you keep chicken thighs from drying out in the oven?
Cooking with this recipe, you’re going to get juicy and delicious chicken thighs that are anything but dry. The lemon plus the butter smear is what will render them juicy and delicious.
What goes well with Chicken Thighs
Since this dish bakes with potatoes together, you may want a nice crispy garden or Caesar salad to accompany it. You can also sauté fresh green veggies with garlic for more sides. Garlic bread or dinner rolls are another lovely side to serve with chicken thighs.
How to Store Baked Chicken Thighs
You need to wait until they cool first, but then you will need to put them in an airtight container in your fridge.
How Long Do Chicken Thighs Last in the refrigerator?
In your fridge, you can keep these chicken thighs for about 3 to 4 days. After that, you should keep them in the freezer.
Can You Freeze Chicken Thighs?
Yes! They’re perfect for meal prep so store them well. You should use them within 3 months though to ensure the best flavor.
How to Reheat Chicken Thighs?
Let them thaw in your fridge overnight, then heat them in the oven at 400F for about 15 minutes.