To bake chicken thighs, the cooking time depends on whether they are bone-in or boneless and the oven temperature used:
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs typically bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 35 to 45 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 175°F (80°C) for tenderness and safety
. Some recipes suggest baking at 425°F for 35 minutes to get crispy skin
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs bake faster, usually at 400°F for about 20 to 25 minutes until they reach the same internal temperature of 175°F (80°C)
Key tips:
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C) for safety, though 175°F is preferred for tenderness
- Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute, keeping the meat juicy
- Patting the skin dry and optionally broiling for a few minutes at the end can help achieve crispy skin
In summary, expect about 35-40 minutes at 400°F for bone-in thighs and 20-25 minutes at 400°F for boneless thighs, adjusting based on size and oven
