Name: Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 2 pounds chicken thighs, boneless, skinless (trimmed); ½ cup olive oil; ½ cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; Juice from ½ lemon; 2 teaspoons salt; ½ teaspoon pepper; 2 teaspoons garlic salt; 2 teaspoons onion powder; Finely chopped parsley for garnishing

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In the realm of poultry, chicken breasts often steal the spotlight, but let’s turn our attention to an unjustly overlooked part: chicken thighs. Oven baked chicken thighs, to be specific.

Yes, those perfectly sized, flavor-packed portions that can turn any dinner into a memorable feast.

Easy baked chicken thighs resonate with tons of flavor, making it a go-to for anyone ranging from the busy 18-year-old college student to the 65-year-old grandmother looking for a simple yet satisfying meal.

Chicken thighs on a bed of rice on a white plate.

Chicken Thighs Create A Richer Flavor

Why chicken thighs, you ask? Let’s dive into some statistics that often go unnoticed.

Chicken thighs contain more connective tissue, which translates to richer flavor and juicier meat, especially when compared to chicken breasts.

They are also more forgiving in terms of cooking time – a blessing for those who dread dry chicken.

Ingredients For Oven Baked Chicken Thighs

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, trimmed
½ cup olive oil
½ cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
Juice from ½ lemon
2 teaspoons salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons garlic salt
2 teaspoons onion powder
Finely chopped parsley for garnishing

Get the full printable recipe with the instructions and measurements in the recipe card below.

Cooked chicken thigh on a white plate of white rice.

Now, when it comes to preparing oven baked chicken thighs, simple ingredients like olive oil, garlic salt, and brown sugar can elevate the taste to a whole new level.

How to Make Baked Chicken Thighs in the Oven

Steps for making oven baked chicken thighs

Add all ingredients (minus chicken and parsley) to a large mixing bowl. Mix well to combine.
Add chicken thighs to the bowl, submerging them into the marinade. Cover and place inside the refrigerator for two hours or overnight.
When done, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Gently spray the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Remove chicken thighs from the bowl using a pair of tongs, allowing the excess juice to dip off. Arrange chicken thighs in the baking dish side by side.
Use a spoon to generously pour marinade over the top of the chicken thighs (enough to cover the tops of the thighs and bottom of the dish).
Bake chicken for 40-45 minutes.
When done, garnish with chopped parsley and additional lemon if desired. Served with white rice or a side dish of your choice.

A chicken thigh on a white plate with white rice.

And the best part? You don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen.

With a prep time of just a few minutes and a cooking time of 40-45 minutes, depending on your oven temperature and the size of the thighs, you can have a scrumptious meal ready in no time.

Drizzle on some zesty ranch dip for some different flavors.

Tips for How To Make Oven Baked Chicken Thighs

Achieving that crispy exterior and juicy interior is not as daunting as it seems. The secret lies in patting the thighs dry with paper towels and baking at a high temperature. This ensures you get that crispy and juicy chicken thigh every single time.
But what about the internal temperature? This is where a meat thermometer comes in handy. For perfectly cooked chicken thighs, the internal temperature should reach 165 degrees F. And don’t forget about resting time! This little bit of patience can make a world of difference in keeping your chicken thighs tender and juicy.
As for storage, chicken thighs are just as convenient. Whether they are bone-in, boneless, or boneless skinless, they can be stored in an airtight container and make delicious leftovers. Think crispy baked chicken thighs for dinner and a tasty chicken salad for lunch the next day.

Optional Ingredients

Add some lemon peel to the baking dish for more lemon zest.
Try Italian seasoning on a different night for different seasoned chicken thighs.
Add fresh garlic and top with garlic butter sauce, then drizzle some sweet honey over the top of the chicken thighs.

chicken thighs on a plate with white rice.

Pair These Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs With Your Favorite Side Dishes

Vegetables: be it green beans, a simple salad, some cheesy broccoli casserole, or loaded baked potato casserole.
Bread: make a hearty serving of jalapeño cornbread – and you have a meal that’s sure to impress the whole family.
Add some low-carb potato substitutes on the side of the dish.

And if you’re into meal prep, oven-baked chicken thighs can be a lifesaver. They reheat well and can be used in various dishes throughout the week.

Oven-baked chicken thighs are not just another poultry dish; they are a testament to the beauty of taking a few simple steps in cooking that brings forth the best flavors. They represent the warmth of home-cooked meals and the joy of gathering around a great recipe at the dinner table.

So, have you thought about what you’re cooking for your easy weeknight dinner tonight?