How Long To Bake Bone-In Chicken Thighs

Perfectly baked chicken thighs are crispy on the outside with tender dark meat on the inside. Learn how long to bake bone-in chicken thighs and you can easily make a delicious meal in one pan!

Best Oven Temperature for Baking Bone-in Chicken Thighs

We recommend baking bone-in chicken thighs at a higher temperature for a shorter period of time, as they’ll be more tender than at lower temperatures.

How To Bake Bone-in Chicken Thighs

Bone-in skin on chicken thighs produce the most tender and juicy meat in the oven. The skin makes it extra crispy on the outside, and the bone adds more flavor to the mat. 

• Whisk soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper until combined.
• Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss to coat thoroughly. Let marinate for 30 minutes or up to 8 hours.
• Remove chicken thighs from the marinade and place on the rack.
• Bake at 400°F for 35-40 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Broil for 2-3 minutes to make them extra crispy while deepening the color.

Correct Internal Temperature for Bone-in Chicken Thighs 

When the chicken thighs are done, juices will run clear and the bone will no longer be pink. However, it’s best to check for a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in poultry with an instant-read thermometer inserted into the middle of the thigh.

How Long To Bake Chicken Thighs

It depends on your oven temperature and the size of chicken thighs. At 400°F / 204°C, bone-in chicken thighs need 35-40 minutes, or less if you’re using a convection/forced air oven. Boneless chicken thighs require about 10 minutes less.

Here are chicken thigh bake times for a range of setups:

How to Tell When Bone-in Chicken Thighs are Done?

Bone-in chicken thighs are fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. 

You may want to remove the chicken from the heat when it reaches 160°F because the internal temperature of the chicken will continue to increase as it rests. After 10-15 minutes, check the temperature until it reaches 165°F.

Tips for Baking Bone-in Chicken Thighs

• Shake off the excess marinade before baking and don’t pour leftover marinade onto the baking sheet.
• Place the oven rack in the upper third of the oven, where it’s hotter.
• You can broil the chicken thighs for 2-3 minutes after baking them for extra crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I Cover Chicken Thighs With Foil?

There’s no need to cover them with foil. We prefer to leave them uncovered for extra crispy skins. 

Can You Overcook Chicken Thighs?

Yes, you can overcook chicken thighs if they are cooked for too long. So it’s important to learn how long to bake chicken thighs for the best tender and juicy chicken. 

How to Store Baked Chicken Thighs?

It can last for 3-4 in the fridge. Alternatively, place them in a freezer-friendly bag, and they’ll last for up to 6 months.

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How to Bake Bone-in Chicken Thighs

Perfectly baked chicken thighs are crispy on the outside with tender dark meat on the inside. Learn how long to bake bone-in chicken thighs and you can easily make a delicious meal in one pan!

Keyword How Long to Bake Bone-in Chicken Thighs

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 35 minutes minutes

Total Time 40 minutes minutes

Servings 6

Ingredients

• 2 pounds chicken thighs bone-in, skin-on (6-8 pieces)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce low-sodium recommended
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons vinegar white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 4 cloves garlic minced (about 1 tablespoon)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• fresh parsley minced – optional

Instructions

• In a large bowl, whisk soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper until combined.
• Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss to coat thoroughly with the marinade.
• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place in the fridge to marinate for 30 minutes up to 8 hours.
• Place the oven rack in the upper-middle position. Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
• Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. Then add a wire rack.
• Remove chicken thighs from the marinade and place on the rack with the skin side up, shaking off excess marinade. (Discard leftover marinade.)
• Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Broil for 2-3 minutes to make the chicken extra crispy and add a nice caramelized brown color.
• Garnish with optional parsley and serve.