Best Baked Chicken Thighs Recipes

BAKED LEMON-BUTTER CHICKEN THIGHS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
• Place 3 tablespoons butter in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in a microwave oven until melted, 1 to 2 minutes. Smash garlic cloves with the side of a chef's knife and add garlic to the warm butter. Stir in lemon juice and onion powder. Set aside.
• Sprinkle both sides of chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Heat remaining 1 tablespoon butter in a medium-sized oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Brown chicken, skin-side down, for 3 to 4 minutes. Flip chicken over and brush skin with lemon-butter mixture. Pour remaining butter mixture into skillet and remove from heat.
• Bake in the preheated oven until chicken is no longer pink at the bone and the juices run clear, about 30 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted near the bone should read 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Brush skin every 10 minutes with pan juices.
• Remove skillet from the oven and place chicken on a serving platter. Drizzle chicken with pan juices and garnish with parsley.

CRISPY BAKED CHICKEN THIGHS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 475 degrees F (245 degrees C). Set a wire rack inside a broiler pan or baking pan.
• Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Lift up skin gently; sprinkle salt, pepper, and garlic powder under the skin. Replace skin. Season skin and underside of the thighs with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Arrange on the rack.
• Roast in the preheated oven until golden, about 20 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Continue roasting until juices run clear, about 30 minutes more. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

BAKED MAPLE CHICKEN THIGHS

Steps:

• Whisk maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and balsamic vinegar together in a bowl. Pour over chicken thighs in a bowl and marinate for 30 minutes.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spray a casserole dish with cooking spray.
• Place chicken in the prepared casserole dish and pour remaining marinade on top.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Flip chicken and continue baking until juices run clear and sauce is thick, about 25 minutes more. Serve with sauce over chicken.

BAKED CHICKEN THIGHS WITH APPLES AND ONIONS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Season both sides of the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
• Heat oil in a deep oven-proof skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs to the hot oil and cook until browned on both sides, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to a plate and keep warm.
• Add sliced onions to the skillet and saute until they just start to brown, about 3 minutes. Pour in apple cider and chicken stock, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits. Stir in thyme and salt. Simmer until the onions are soft, 4 to 5 minutes. Turn off the heat.
• Add chicken back to the skillet and spoon some sauce over the top. Arrange sliced apples around the chicken. Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Remove skillet from the oven and carefully uncover. Transfer chicken from the skillet to a plate and keep warm. Whisk heavy cream and cornstarch together in a small bowl. Stir gently into the sauce in the skillet. Place chicken back into the skillet and spoon some of the sauce over the chicken.
• Return skillet to the oven and bake, uncovered, until the chicken is no longer pink at the bone and the juices run clear, and an instant-read thermometer inserted near the bone reads 165 degrees F (74 degrees C), about 15 minutes more. Serve chicken and apples with the sauce.

BAKED CHICKEN THIGHS WITH MUSHROOMS AND ONIONS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Pat thighs dry with paper towels. Combine garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Sprinkle seasoning on both sides of the chicken thighs.
• Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a 12-inch nonstick oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Swirl the pan to coat the bottom with the hot oil. Place seasoned thighs in the skillet and cook until browned, about 3 minutes. Turn thighs and brown the other side, about 2 minutes. Transfer browned thighs to a plate and keep warm.
• Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the same skillet. Add mushrooms; cook and stir for about 2 minutes. Add smashed garlic cloves and herbes de Provence; cook and stir for 1 more minute.
• Move mushrooms to one side of the skillet and place 3 onion slices into the skillet. Place a browned chicken thigh on top of each onion slice. Move mushrooms to create an empty space in the skillet, and place the remaining onion slices and chicken thighs in the skillet.
• When all the onion slices and chicken thighs are placed, redistribute the mushrooms evenly around the skillet. Pour white wine over all and cover.
• Transfer skillet to the preheated oven and bake until chicken thighs are no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, about 15 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
• Serve each chicken piece with a slice of the cooked onion and some mushrooms. Garnish with snipped chives or parsley.

BAKED CHICKEN THIGHS/LEG QUARTERS

Steps:

• Arrange chicken thighs/leg quarters skin side up in a shallow baking dish.
• Sprinkle with garlic powder.
• Drizzle about 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce on each piece.
• Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 minutes to an hour, until the skin is crisp and brown and the meat is ready to fall off the bones.

OVEN-BAKED TERIYAKI CHICKEN THIGHS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
• Place a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add pineapple juice, soy sauce, water, rice vinegar, cornstarch, ginger, and garlic; stir to combine. Bring to a boil and stir well. Reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring often, until sauce is reduced, about 5 minutes.
• Place chicken thighs in an oven-safe casserole dish. Pour 1/2 of the teriyaki sauce over the chicken thighs.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, basting thighs every 10 minutes with the remaining sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds.

BAKED ITALIAN CHICKEN THIGHS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
• Combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and salt in a small bowl and set aside.
• Season chicken thighs on both sides with garlic powder and salt.
• Heat olive oil in an oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken thighs, smooth-side down in pan and brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Flip thighs over and remove skillet from heat. Top each thigh with an equal amount of ricotta cheese mixture. Spoon marinara sauce over the ricotta cheese and around the chicken thighs.
• Bake in the preheated oven until chicken is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, about 25 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Remove from the oven and leave oven on.
• Top chicken with mozzarella cheese and return to the oven until cheese has melted, 2 to 3 minutes. Garnish with parsley and serve.

CRUNCHY BAKED PESTO CHICKEN THIGHS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Combine panko, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
• Place chicken thighs onto the prepared baking sheet and coat each side with pesto. Press panko mixture onto chicken.
• Bake in the preheated oven until chicken is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, about 20 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

BAKED CHICKEN THIGHS WITH MUSHROOM BROWN RICE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
• Combine mushrooms, celery, onion, rice, and garlic in an ungreased 10-inch baking dish. Sprinkle thyme, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper on top.
• Add enough water to reserved mushroom liquid to measure 3/4 cup and pour over rice mixture in the baking dish. Place chicken on top, skin-side up. Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. Remove aluminum foil and bake until skin is browned to your preference, 30 to 45 minutes more.

BAKED CHICKEN THIGHS WITH MARMALADE-MUSTARD SAUCE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown chicken on both sides, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer chicken thighs to an 8-inch square baking dish.
• Combine orange marmalade, bourbon, mustard, onion, and garlic in a small bowl. Pour sauce into the skillet. Cook and whisk over medium heat to cook off the bourbon, about 2 minutes. Pour sauce over chicken thighs in the baking dish.
• Bake in the preheated oven, uncovered, until chicken thighs are longer pink and juices run clear, about 25 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted in the center should read 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

AMAZING BAKED LEMON GARLIC CHICKEN THIGHS AND POTATOES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°.
• Remove most of the skin from chicken thighs, leaving a small patch on top.
• Mince garlic and make a paste with the teaspoon of salt using side of large knife, then rub all over tops of chicken.
• Peel potatoes and cut into eight wedges each.
• Add salt and pepper to potatoes, drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat.
• Sprinkle chicken with black pepper and place in 9x13 pan.
• Place potatoes in and around thighs.
• Pour chicken broth into side of pan.
• Sprinkle lemon juice to taste over top of dish.
• Bake at 350° for about 1 hour and 15 minutes or until done.
• Turn chicken and potatoes over halfway through cooking time.
• Add more chicken broth during baking, if pan becomes dry during cooking.

SPICY HONEY-PEANUT BAKED CHICKEN THIGHS

Steps:

• Season chicken thighs on both sides with salt and pepper.
• Mix peanut butter powder and water together in a large bowl until fully incorporated. Stir in hot honey, soy sauce, and garlic powder; mix until well combined. Add chicken thighs and turn in marinade, making sure both sides are well coated. Cover bowl and refrigerate 8 hours to overnight.
• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
• Transfer chicken thighs to an oven-proof dish.
• Bake in the preheated oven until chicken is no longer pink at the bone and the juices run clear, 35 to 45 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted near the bone should read 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

OVEN-BAKED KETO CHICKEN THIGHS WITH CREAMED SPINACH AND MUSHROOMS

Steps:

• Place bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain bacon slices on paper towels and crumble once cool enough to handle. Reserve bacon drippings.
• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
• Pat chicken thighs dry and season with salt and pepper.
• Heat reserved bacon drippings in a large skillet over medium heat and cook onions and mushrooms, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms are soft and onions are translucent, 7 to 8 minutes. Place vegetables into a large mixing bowl and mix in well-dried spinach. Set aside.
• Wipe the skillet clean. Add ghee and melt over medium heat. Once skillet is hot, add chicken thighs and lightly brown on each side, 3 to 4 minutes per side; the chicken will still be pink in the middle. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
• Combine chicken broth, cream, softened garlic and herb cheese spread , and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese in a small bowl; whisk until well combined. Pour broth mixture over vegetable mixture in the mixing bowl and mix to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Add vegetable mixture to skillet and place browned chicken thighs on top. Top with crumbled bacon, sliced almonds, ground pork rinds, and remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese.
• Bake in the preheated oven until chicken thighs are no longer pink at the bone, juices run clear, and spinach mixture is bubbly, about 30 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted near the bone should read 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Remove from the oven and allow to rest about 10 minutes before serving.

GARLIC AND BASIL BAKED CHICKEN THIGHS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
• Arrange chicken thighs in a roasting pan; season with salt and pepper. Scatter onion over and around chicken. Top chicken with basil, garlic, and rosemary. Pour chicken broth into pan and evenly distribute carrots around the chicken. Cover pan with aluminum foil.
• Cook in the preheated oven until chicken is no longer pink at the bone and the juices run clear, about 1 hour. An instant-read thermometer inserted near the bone should read 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Remove aluminum foil and continue cooking until chicken is browned, 10 to 15 more minutes.

BAKED MUSHROOM CHICKEN THIGHS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• In a medium bowl combine the soup, milk, parsley and onion powder. Mix well. Place bread crumbs in a shallow dish or bowl; dip chicken thighs in soup mixture, then in crumbs, and place coated pieces in a lightly greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
• Drizzle with melted butter and bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 45 minutes, or until chicken is nicely browned and cooked through (juices run clear).
• Meanwhile, place remaining soup mixture in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in cornstarch to thicken, and cook over low heat until heated through. Use this as a sauce when chicken is done.

BAKED LEMON CHICKEN THIGHS WITH MUSHROOM SAUCE

Steps:

• Stir 1/4 cup lemon juice, salt, rosemary garlic seasoning, and oregano in a large bowl. Add chicken and enough water to cover; stir well. Cover and refrigerate chicken 4 hours to overnight. Drain and discard lemon juice brine.
• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a large baking dish with aluminum foil.
• Spread half the lemon slice in the baking dish. Arrange chicken thighs over lemon slices; top chicken thighs with remaining lemon slices.
• Bake chicken in preheated oven until no longer pink at the bone and the juices run clear, 30 to 40 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted near the bone should read 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
• Melt light butter with olive oil in a skillet over medium heat; cook and stir mushrooms, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried lemon peel in hot butter-oil mixture until mushrooms are browned and soft, 5 to 8 minutes.
• Meanwhile, combine chicken stock and flour in a jar with a tight fitting lid; shake well. Pour mixture into mushrooms.
• Increase heat to medium high; simmer mushroom sauce until thickened, about 10 minutes. Serve with chicken.

BAKED CHICKEN THIGHS COATED WITH CORN FLAKE CRUMBS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a half-sheet pan with aluminum foil. Place a baking rack on top.
• Place corn flake crumbs in a bowl.
• Mix teriyaki sauce, sriracha sauce, paprika, rice vinegar, and sugar together in a large bowl until sauce has a thick consistency.
• Place chicken thighs in the bowl with the sauce. Tumble thighs together until completely coated. Smear sauce onto any bare spots and under any loose flaps of skin.
• Place 1 thigh into the bowl with the corn flakes. Spoon crumbs on top using a tablespoon. Press crumbs onto the thigh using the back of the spoon, pressing the thigh down into the crumbs to coat the underside. Turn over and repeat pressing. Place onto the baking rack, skin-side up. Repeat with remaining thighs and crumbs, placing largest thighs in the corners of the rack to receive the most heat.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes depending on the size of the thighs. Reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) and continue baking, 15 to 20 minutes. Turn thighs over to help undersides crisp up. Bake until no longer pink at the bone and the juices run clear, 15 to 20 minutes more. An instant-read thermometer inserted near the bone should read 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
• Let the thighs rest on the baking rack for at least 15 minutes before serving.

RANCH-BAKED CHICKEN THIGHS WITH BACON, BRUSSELS SPROUTS, AND POTATOES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Place chicken thighs in a 9x13-inch baking dish.
• Toss potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and garlic together with olive oil in a bowl until vegetables are lightly coated. Add vegetables around and between chicken thighs in the baking dish. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Evenly pour the entire packet of ranch seasoning over chicken and vegetables. Sprinkle chopped bacon on top.
• Bake in the preheated oven until chicken is no longer pink at the bone and the juices run clear, 30 to 35 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted near the bone should read 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
• Set an oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the oven's broiler. Place the baking dish under the broiler and cook until chicken skin becomes golden brown and a bit crisp, 2 to 3 minutes

CRISPY AND TENDER BAKED CHICKEN THIGHS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray.
• Arrange chicken thighs on prepared baking sheet.
• Combine garlic salt, onion salt, oregano, thyme, paprika, and pepper together in a small container with a lid. Close the lid and shake container until spices are thoroughly mixed. Sprinkle spice mixture liberally over chicken thighs.
• Bake chicken in the preheated oven until skin is crispy, thighs are no longer pink at the bone, and the juices run clear, about 1 hour. An instant-read thermometer inserted near the bone should read 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).