Baking chicken thighs at 375°F in the oven can result in a tender and flavorsome meal. With a variety of recipes that include olive oil and simple seasonings, you can create a delicious and protein-packed dish. Whether you prefer bone-in or boneless skinless dark meat, you’ll find plenty of options that can be easily prepared, brushed with sauce, or baked on a sheet pan alongside vegetables.
No matter which method you choose, the end result will be juicy, tender chicken thighs that pair wonderfully with grilled vegetables or other side dishes. All it takes is proper preparation and a little attention to cooking time and temperature. Now, let’s delve into the specifics of creating that perfect meal.
Key Takeaways
Choose from various recipes for baking chicken thighs at 375°F in the oven
Enjoy a protein-packed dish with either bone-in or boneless skinless thighs
Create a complete meal by serving your tender, juicy chicken alongside grilled vegetables or other sides
How to Bake Boneless Chicken Thighs at 375 Degrees
Baking boneless chicken thighs at 375 degrees Fahrenheit is quite simple and takes approximately 35 to 50 minutes. The duration may vary slightly based on factors like the size of the chicken thighs, your oven’s specifications, and altitude. Boneless and skinless chicken yields a quicker cooking time, as heat penetrates the meat without being obstructed by bones, thus saving about 10 minutes.
To ensure your chicken thighs are cooked to perfection, use a digital instant-read meat thermometer to measure the internal temperature. The chicken is ready and safe to eat once it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Boneless chicken thighs not only cook faster but are also more convenient to eat, especially when served with mouthwatering sauces like a baked teriyaki glaze. Enjoy your delicious, perfectly cooked chicken thighs while savoring the simplicity of the process.
How to Bake Bone-in Chicken Thighs at 375°F
Baking bone-in chicken thighs at 375°F generally requires around 40-50 minutes. However, factors such as the size of the thighs, oven temperature, and whether they have skin or not can vary the cooking time. It’s essential to consider these factors when preparing your dish. To keep the chicken moist and flavorful, follow these easy steps:
Ingredients:
4-6 bone-in chicken thighs
2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: herbs and spices (e.g., garlic powder, paprika, or dried herbs)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper/non-stick aluminum foil, or use a 12-inch cast iron skillet.
Use paper towels to pat the thighs dry and place them on the baking sheet.
Brush the tops with olive oil or melted butter, then season generously with salt, pepper, and any preferred herbs or spices.
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C).
Remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving.
Pro tip: To make a complete meal, you can add diced vegetables to the same tray as the chicken. Simply cut your choice of vegetables into large bite-sized pieces, toss with olive oil and seasonings, and add them around the meat.
How to Determine Chicken Thigh Cooking Time in the Oven
To achieve tender and juicy chicken thighs with loads of flavor, cooking them in the oven is a popular method. Remember to use a thermometer for precise temperature control. Oven-cooked chicken thighs should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
To do this, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the seasoned chicken thighs on a baking rack in the oven. The following table shows estimated cooking times based on the type of chicken thigh:
Chicken Thigh Type
Cooking Time
Bone-in, skin-on
40 – 50 minutes
Boneless, skinless
20 – 25 minutes
Using a meat thermometer or instant-read thermometer is crucial for checking the internal temperature of the chicken thighs. Insert the thermometer into thickest part of the meat, avoiding touching bone, to ensure an accurate reading.
Keep in mind that oven cooking is not the only way to achieve a tasty, juicy outcome with chicken thighs. Alternative cooking methods include:
Grilling: Cook the chicken thighs on a preheated medium-high grill for 6-8 minutes per side, brushing with oil or marinade. This method yields a crispy skin and smoky flavor.
Stovetop: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet on medium-high heat, then add the chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless) and cook for 6-8 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Slow cooker: Add chicken thighs into a slow cooker along with your favorite sauce, like BBQ or teriyaki. Cook the thighs on low heat for 6-8 hours until they’re fork-tender and easy to shred.
Always remember to use an instant-read thermometer when employing any of these methods to guarantee that your chicken thighs are cooked thoroughly and safely.
Oven Baked Chicken Thighs at 375
For optimal, tender baked chicken thighs, try roasting them at 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This versatile method allows for a little flexibility – feel free to increase the temperature to 400 for quicker cooking or reduce it to 350 if you’re simultaneously cooking another dish. Adjusting the temperature slightly won’t impact the deliciousness of your oven baked chicken thighs, so enjoy crafting your meal to fit your needs!
Best Way to Achieve Crunchy Chicken Skin
To get that perfect crunchy chicken skin, try these methods:
Roast at a high temperature of 425 degrees for a few minutes at the end of cooking.
Place your chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet to let hot air circulate.
Roast for 5-10 minutes.
Monitor internal temperature; stop at about 155 degrees to prevent drying out the meat.
Broil your chicken under the broiler for a quick and effective result.
Switch from bake to broil on high for 3-4 minutes per side.
Keep an eye on it, as it crisps very fast.
Pan-fry with a little olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
Place the chicken skin-side down in the skillet.
Cook for 3-4 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
Flip and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.
You don’t have to choose just one of these methods; experiment with different techniques to find your favorite way of achieving the perfect crispy chicken skin. Enjoy this delicious and satisfying treat with confidence!
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Halve the baby potatoes and combine them with the cherry tomatoes in a bowl. Toss them with 1.5 tbsp of olive oil, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, toss the chicken thighs with 1.5 tbsp of olive oil and season with salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme.
Line a 9"x13" baking dish with non-stick foil. Pour the vegetables (with oil) into the dish, positioning each chicken thigh among the vegetables with some space in between. Drizzle the remaining 1 tbsp of olive oil over everything and season with salt and pepper.
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Uncover, then continue baking for an additional 15-25 minutes, until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F and the potatoes are fork-tender.
Remove the dish from the oven, cover with foil to retain warmth, and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. Add a squeeze of lemon juice, if desired.
What is the duration for cooking boneless chicken thighs at 375°F?
Boneless chicken thighs typically take around 25-30 minutes at 375°F. Ensure internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C) for safety.
Is it better to bake chicken thighs at 350°F or 375°F?
Both temperatures work, but 375°F yields a slightly faster cooking time and crispier skin. At 350°F, it may take 5-10 minutes longer to cook the chicken thighs.
How much time should I allot for bone-in chicken thighs at 375°F?
Bone-in chicken thighs require approximately 40-45 minutes at 375°F, but ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C) for safety.
What’s the baking time for skinless chicken thighs at 375°F?
Skinless chicken thighs typically take around 25-30 minutes at 375°F. Ensure internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C) for safety.
What is the optimal temperature to bake chicken thighs?
The ideal oven temperature for baking chicken thighs is 375°F (190°C). This will provide a good balance of cooking time and texture.
How can I tell if chicken thighs are fully cooked at 375°F?
To determine if chicken thighs are fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C). The meat should no longer be pink near the bone and juices should run clear.
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
