Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe with a Crispy Finish

Oven-baked chicken thighs shine as a go-to comfort meal that warms the heart. Their juicy, tender meat pairs seamlessly with a sauce that’s both tangy and subtly spicy, creating an unforgettable flavor experience.

Cooking them in the oven allows for crispy skin while locking in moisture, making each bite incredibly satisfying. This dish stands out whether you’re planning a cozy weeknight dinner or hosting friends over the weekend.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly to deliver delicious results you can’t resist. Let’s get into how you can whip up this delightful recipe!

Best Tips for Serving Oven Baked Chicken Thighs

  • Serve With Fresh Herbs: Adding chopped parsley or cilantro enhances the dish's appearance and flavor.
  • Pair With Simple Sides: Consider serving alongside steamed vegetables or a light salad for balance.
  • Offer Dipping Sauces: Providing ranch, barbecue, or garlic aioli adds variety and excitement to your meal.
  • Present On A Platter: Arranging the chicken thighs on a decorative platter creates an inviting display at your table.
  • Add Lemon Wedges: Serving lemon wedges brightens up flavors when squeezed over the chicken just before eating.

How to Store Oven Baked Chicken Thighs Safely

  • Refrigerate Promptly: Place the dish in the refrigerator within two hours after cooking for best quality and safety.
  • Freezer-Friendly: For longer storage, wrap each thigh tightly with plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
  • Reheat Carefully: When ready to enjoy again, reheat gently in the oven at a low temperature to maintain crispiness without drying out.

Tasty Variations of Oven Baked Chicken Thighs to Try

  • Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs: Add fresh lemon juice and zest to the sauce for a zesty kick.
  • Spicy Honey Soy Glaze: Replace honey with soy sauce and add extra red pepper flakes for heat.
  • Herb-Crusted Chicken Thighs: Mix in your favorite herbs like rosemary or thyme into the marinade for added flavor.
  • Barbecue Style Baked Thighs: Swap out mustard for barbecue sauce, creating a tangy twist on classic baked chicken.
  • Maple Mustard Variation: Use maple syrup instead of honey to create a sweet-savory combination that’s hard to resist.

A Flavorful Finish: Oven Baked Chicken Thighs

Oven-baked chicken thighs bring out rich flavors and tender textures, making them a reliable choice for any occasion. Pairing these with roasted vegetables or a crisp salad creates a satisfying experience that everyone can appreciate.

The simplicity of preparation allows you to focus on enjoying your time with loved ones rather than stressing in the kitchen. This dish not only fills plates but also warms hearts around the table.

Don’t forget to like this article if it inspired you, share it with friends who love cooking, and leave a comment about your favorite sides!

What Makes Oven Baked Chicken Thighs So Irresistible

  • Simple Ingredients: The recipe uses everyday ingredients like olive oil, mustard, and honey that you probably already have at home.
  • Quick Preparation: With just 45 minutes total time, this dish fits perfectly into a busy schedule while still delivering great taste.
  • Flavorful Sauce: A blend of garlic and honey adds depth to the chicken thighs, making each bite memorable.
  • Crispy Skin Guarantee: Baking at a high temperature ensures your chicken skin turns crispy while keeping the meat juicy inside.
  • Minimal Cleanup: No greasing required for the baking dish means less mess in your kitchen after cooking.

Ingredients for Oven Baked Chicken Thighs

Main Ingredients:
  • Chicken Thighs: Rich in flavor and juicy texture, they serve as the heart of this dish.
  • Olive Oil: This adds moisture and enhances the overall taste with its fruity notes.
Seasonings:
  • Salt: Essential for bringing out natural flavors; adjust to your preference.
  • Black Pepper: Offers a mild heat that complements other seasonings beautifully.
Sauce Components:
  • Whole Grain Dijon Mustard, Mustard: These mustards provide depth with tanginess and a bit of crunch from whole grains.
  • Honey: Balances the mustard's sharpness with sweetness for an enticing glaze.
  • Garlic (Minced): Infuses robust aroma and flavor into both chicken and sauce.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces a subtle kick, perfect for those who enjoy spice without overwhelming heat.

How to Make Oven Baked Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Heat The Oven

Set your oven to a temperature of 425℉ (220℃) to ensure it’s hot enough for cooking.

Step 2: Add Seasoning To Chicken

Take the chicken thighs and place them into a bowl. Generously sprinkle salt and pepper over the meat, ensuring every piece is seasoned well.

Step 3: Mix Sauce Ingredients

Grab a small mixing bowl. Combine these ingredients using a whisk:
  • Olive oil
  • Whole grain Dijon mustard
  • Regular mustard
  • Honey
  • Minced garlic
  • Red pepper flakes

Step 4: Apply The Sauce On Chicken

Pour the sauce mixture directly over the seasoned chicken thighs. Use your hands or utensils to toss everything together until all pieces are thoroughly coated with sauce.

Step 5: Place In Baking Dish

Carefully transfer the sauced chicken thighs into an ungreased baking dish measuring 9×13 inches, making sure any leftover sauce goes along too.

Step 6: Cook The Chicken Thighs

Put the baking dish in your preheated oven and cook for around 35 minutes. Check that each thigh reaches an internal temperature of at least 165℉ (74℃), ensuring they’re cooked through with crispy skin on top.

Step 7: Let It Rest Before Serving

Once done, move the chicken onto a serving plate and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Allow it to rest for about10 minutes before diving in; this keeps it juicy while you prepare plates!

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Oven Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe

Oven Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe


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4.7 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Oven-baked chicken thighs are seasoned and roasted to golden perfection, creating juicy, flavorful meat. This dish is easy to prepare and pairs well with various sides.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon whole grain Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 6 cloves garlic (minced)
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flake

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425℉ (220℃).
  2. In a bowl, season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper.
  3. Combine all sauce ingredients in a small bowl using a whisk until blended well.
  4. Pour the sauce over the seasoned thighs and toss them thoroughly for even coating.
  5. Place the chicken thighs into a 9×13 inch baking dish along with any leftover sauce; greasing is unnecessary here.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for around 35 minutes, checking that the internal temperature reaches 165℉ (74℃) and skin becomes crispy.
  7. Transfer cooked chicken to a serving plate, cover it loosely with aluminum foil, allowing it to rest for about 10 minutes before enjoying.

Notes

Letting the chicken rest for 10 minutes after baking ensures juicy and flavorful meat.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg

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