How To Cook Chicken Thighs

Today, I’m sharing my baked chicken thighs recipe. These chicken thighs are crispy on the outside and moist on the inside. The reason I love this recipe is the fact that I can have dinner ready from start to finish in an hour.

Kitchen Tools Needed

• Colander
• Large Baking Pan
• Foil
• Mixing Bowl
• Pastry Brush
• Meat Thermometer

How To Cook Chicken Thighs

Step One: Wash the Chicken

The first step for me is washing the raw chicken. The CDC and FDA recommend you do not wash the chicken due to bacteria that may splash on your countertop, clothes, etc.

You decide what works for you, I can’t place that bloody chicken in my pans, that’s just how I roll. So, I rinse my raw chicken under cold water and make sure I clean up the work area very well after washing the chicken.

Step Two: Combine the Ingredients

Grab a large bowl and place all of the ingredients into the bowl except the chicken. Stir the oil and spices until smooth. Place the chicken thighs on the rack and coat the thighs evenly.

Step Three: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to (350°F) = (176°C) degrees. Grab a 9 by 13-inch baking pan, preferably with 2-1/2 to 3-inch sides. Cover the pan with foil and place a baking rack inside the pan. Spray the pan and rack with vegetable oil. Place the chicken thighs on the rack inside the foiled pan.

Step Four: Coat the Chicken Thighs

Use a pastry brush to coat the thighs evenly with the oil and spices mixed above.

Step Five: Bake Uncovered

Bake uncovered for 55 minutes, or until done. Make sure the meat thermometer registers at least (165°F) = (73°C) degrees. to be sure the meat is safe to eat. Let the meat rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with your favorite side dishes.

Baking Times: Baked Chicken Thighs

I typically bake my chicken thighs at 350 degrees F, but you can cook them a little faster if you want to as shown in the list of temperatures below. Times will vary based on the weight of each chicken thigh, so I highly recommend a Meat Thermometer

• 350 degrees F. Chicken thighs: 50-55 minutes
• 375 degrees F. Chicken thighs: 45-50 minutes
• 400 degrees F. Chicken thighs: 40-45 minutes
• 425 degrees F. Chicken thighs: 35-40 minutes

Please keep in mind, if the thighs are boneless and skinless they will need about ten minutes longer to bake. Bake until you see the juices run and you no longer see any pink near the bone. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness when you see it register (165°F) = (73°C) degrees.

How long can I store uncooked chicken?

According to the USDA and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, you can store raw chicken in your refrigerator for 1-2 days. It doesn’t matter if it’s legs, breasts, or a whole chicken, 1-2 days is the maximum time to store raw chicken to be safe.

How long can I store the cooked chicken after baking it?

Place them in the refrigerator in airtight containers or baggies for 3-4 days, according to the USDA and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Can I freeze these cooked chicken thighs?

Yes, you can freeze these chicken thighs. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, airtight containers, or freezer bags. They will keep for about 3-6 months in the freezer.

How To Cook Chicken Thighs

Final Word

I really hope you try making my baked chicken thighs recipe. Sometimes you can find chicken thighs marked way down and save even more money when grocery shopping. Are you like me and love to cook at home?

There is something so awesome when my oven is baking chicken thighs or any meal for that matter. Mark loves to walk into the house when dinner is baking in the kitchen. Life is so good!

Thanks for being prepared for the unexpected. May God bless this world, Linda

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