Recipe

Juicy Baked Chicken Thighs

Crispy skin, tender meat, and a garlicky pan-juice situation you will want to spoon over everything. Weeknight-friendly, no brining, no drama.

By Matt Campbell

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4.9

Golden baked chicken thighs with crispy skin in a dark roasting pan with lemon slices, garlic cloves, and herbs

Jump to Recipe

If chicken breast is the coworker who always replies-all, chicken thighs are the friend who shows up with snacks and fixes your mood. They are naturally forgiving, juicy by default, and basically designed for the oven. This recipe leans into that power with a fast spice rub, a quick blast of heat for crisp skin, and a little lemony-garlic pan juice that tastes like you tried harder than you did.

Make these thighs once and you will start keeping a family pack in your cart for "future you." Future you deserves crispy edges.

Why It Works

High heat plus dry skin equals crisp, golden chicken skin without frying. Patting dry matters more than fancy ingredients.
Bone-in, skin-on thighs stay juicy because dark meat has a little more fat and connective tissue, which means it forgives you if you get distracted by a text.
Baking powder is the quiet MVP. A small amount raises the pH and helps the skin brown and crisp faster. You will not taste it, you will just feel validated.
Resting keeps the juices inside. Give the chicken 5 to 10 minutes after baking so the meat stays tender when you cut into it.
Pan juices become a built-in sauce with lemon, garlic, and chicken drippings. Spoon it over rice, potatoes, or straight into your mouth at the stove. No judgment.

Storage Tips

How to Store Leftovers

Refrigerate: Cool chicken to room temp for about 20 to 30 minutes, then store in an airtight container up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze thighs (preferably pulled off the bone) up to 3 months. Wrap well to prevent freezer funk.
Best reheating for crisp skin: Oven or air fryer at 375°F for 8 to 12 minutes until hot. If you microwave, cover and add a tiny splash of water or broth, then finish under the broiler for 1 to 3 minutes if you want the skin to wake back up.
Leftover glow-ups: Shred into tacos, chop into a grain bowl, or pile onto toast with mayo and pickles like a slightly feral chicken salad.

Common Questions

FAQ

What temperature should baked chicken thighs be cooked to?

Cook until the thickest part hits 175°F to 185°F for the best texture. Dark meat gets more tender as it goes a bit higher. Minimum safe temp is 165°F, but thighs truly shine above that.

Can I use boneless, skinless thighs?

Yes. They will cook faster and you will not get crispy skin, obviously. Bake at 425°F and start checking around 18 to 22 minutes. Pull at 170°F to 175°F.

Do I need to marinate chicken thighs?

Nope. The rub plus salt does plenty. If you want extra flavor, season up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate uncovered. That also dries the skin for better crisping.

Why add baking powder to the seasoning?

It helps the skin crisp and brown. Use aluminum-free baking powder if you have it. Do not swap baking soda here because it is stronger and can taste soapy.

Should I cover chicken thighs while baking?

No. Covering traps steam, and steam is the sworn enemy of crispy skin.

Can I make these on a sheet pan with veggies?

Yes, with a small tweak. Roast sturdy vegetables (potatoes, carrots, Brussels sprouts) for 10 to 15 minutes first, then nestle the thighs on top so everything finishes together and the veggies get those chicken drippings.

Matt Campbell

I have always had a huge passion for the culinary arts, people, working as a team, and so on. I wanted to pursue my love for cooking initially at Virginia Commonwealth University with a culinary arts degree; however, I instead decided to apply myself and acquire more practical skills. My end goal is to eventually open my own restaurant or similar establishment.

Kitchen Essentials

Rimmed sheet pan or roasting pan
Wire rack (optional but great for extra crisp skin)
Instant-read thermometer
Small bowl for mixing the rub
Tongs

I started making baked chicken thighs during a phase of life when I wanted dinner to feel impressive, but I also wanted to sit down and eat it before I aged another year. The first time I nailed the crispy-skin-to-juicy-meat ratio, I did what any reasonable person would do: I stood at the stove, eating one thigh over the sink, whispering, "Okay, wow." Now this is my default "I need a win" dinner. It tastes like you planned ahead, even if you absolutely did not.