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How Long To Bake Chicken Thighs To Perfection: A Guide For Beginner Cooks

We all love the juicy, tender, and flavorful baked chicken thighs. It's super delicious and easy to make. But to make it right, you need to know how long to bake chicken thighs to perfection.

(Photo by Levi T. on Unsplash)

Chicken thighs are a great part of the chicken with lots of juicy and flavorful meat. Baking them in the oven is a good way to cook them, and it's healthier than frying.
You can also add your favorite seasonings to make them taste just how you like.

The most important thing when baking chicken thighs is how long you cook them. If you cook them too long, they can become dry and not so tasty. But if you don't cook them long enough, they might not be safe to eat.

If you're a beginner cook, you might find it tricky to know whether the chicken thighs are already cooked perfectly or not. But don't worry, because, in this article, we will give you a simple guide to know how long to bake chicken thighs to perfection. We will also add some tips for beginners on how to bake chicken things perfectly like a pro. We collected these tips from various sources, Monday (18/9/2023).

A. Simple Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe

You can use or add different spices or herbs that you like to suit your taste. (Image by Mouhcine Bahassa from Pixabay)

Ingredients:

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)

Instructions:

1. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. In a small bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and dried thyme (if using).

3. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Then, brush each chicken thigh with olive oil. Make sure to coat both sides evenly.

4. Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over the chicken thighs. You can also gently rub it in to make sure it sticks.

5. Place the seasoned chicken thighs in a baking dish, skin-side up. Make sure they're not too crowded in the dish so they cook evenly.

6. Put the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake until the chicken is cooked perfectly and the skin is crispy and golden brown.

7. Once done, take the chicken out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to be redistributed, keeping the meat moist.

8. You can serve these delicious baked chicken thighs with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

B. How Long To Bake Chicken Thighs Perfectly

Do you want to know how long does it take to bake chicken thighs perfectly? Check out our basic guide!

(Photo by Mateusz Feliksik on Pexels)

The cooking time is very important to keep your baked chicken thighs juicy, flavorful, tender, and safe to eat.
However, the cooking time for the chicken thighs is different, depending on various factors, such as the oven temperature, the size of the chicken, and whether you use bone-in or boneless chicken thighs.

Here is the easy guide on how long to bake chicken thighs perfectly, according to the cooking temperature and the type of chicken thighs:

- 375°F (190°C): Bake bone-in chicken thighs for approximately 35-45 minutes and boneless chicken thighs for 25-35 minutes.

- 400°F (200°C): Bake bone-in chicken thighs for about 30-40 minutes and boneless chicken thighs for 20-30 minutes.

- 425°F (220°C): Bake bone-in chicken thighs for around 25-35 minutes and boneless chicken thighs for 15-25 minutes.

The basic guide above will help you to know the time you need to cook chicken thighs. But remember that the most accurate way to know if your chicken thighs are already cooked is by using a meat thermometer.

Stick the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat without touching the bone. If the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), your chicken thighs are safe to eat, and they should be tender and juicy.

C. Beginner Tips To Baked Chicken Thighs Like A Pro

Do you want to learn how to bake chicken thighs perfectly like a pro? Check out these helpful tips!
(Image by Mouhcine Bahassa from Pixabay)

1. Pat Them Dry: Before seasoning, use paper towels to gently pat the chicken thighs dry. This helps the skin get crispy while baking.

2. Season Generously: Don't be shy with your seasonings. Use a mix of salt, pepper, herbs, and spices to add flavor. You can even marinate the chicken in your favorite sauce for extra taste.

3. Preheat the Oven: Always preheat your oven to the recommended temperature in your recipe. This ensures even cooking.

4. Positioning Matters: When placing the chicken thighs in the dish, put them skin-side up. This helps the skin turn crispy and golden during baking.

5. Check the Temperature:

Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken's internal temperature. When it reaches 165°F (74°C), it's safe to eat. Stick the thermometer in the thickest part of the meat without touching the bone.

6. Don't Overcrowd: Give your chicken thighs some space in the baking dish. If they're too close, they might not cook evenly.

7. Consider Using Foil: You can cover the baking dish with foil for part of the cooking time to keep the chicken moist. Then, uncover it to crisp up the skin.

8. Rest Before Serving: After baking, let the chicken thighs rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the meat juicy.