Simple Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
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Chicken thighs are really one of the most underutilized pieces of the chicken. Thigh meat is so full of fantastic flavor so believe me when I say once you make this recipe, you’ll be asking yourself why did you wait so long to make a chicken recipe using thighs. Our Oven Baked Chicken Thighs are crispy, tender, and full of delicious flavor! And since this recipe goes together quickly, it’s a great weeknight meal idea!
Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
I don’t know about you, but I love finding recipes that I can serve with not only a variety of different sides but in a variety of different ways.
Take chicken for example. Not only can you use chicken as your main entrée but you can also use it in soups, casseroles, and of course as your main protein in a dish; such as our Creamy Chicken Pot Pie.
Of course, when you are thinking about delicious sides that go well with chicken, you have a lot of options such as potato salad, macaroni salad, and any other type of potatoes always work well.
Why Make This Recipe
This is one of those recipes that once you make it, you’ll be wondering why you haven’t made it before because it’s:
Budget-friendly – this recipe only costs $10.63 to make.
Quick Dinner Idea – start to finish in under an hour.
Leftovers – you can also use the leftover thighs for your lunch meal prep throughout the week.
Expert Tips, Ingredient List and Suggestions for Recipe Success
Chicken thighs – you can also use chicken breasts or drumsticks
Breadcrumbs – you can also use Panko or crushed saltine crackers.
Mashed potato flakes – trust me on this.
Can Chicken Be a Little Pink?
Yes, thighs are known to be a little pink inside. According to the USDA, as long as the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees, it is safe to eat.
Do Thighs Taste Good?
Yes, they are actually more flavorful and cost wise, they are actually cheaper than chicken breast.
Do Thighs Take Longer to Cook?
Yes, because they have a higher fat content. It’s best to always use a meat thermometer to ensure they are thoroughly cooked.
Should I Cover with Foil When Baking?
No, you don’t need to. By leaving it uncovered, you are allowing the outside of the chicken to not only brown up but get crispy.
Step by Step Instructions
Below are a few in-process photos and steps for your reference. The complete breakdown and instructions are in the recipe card below.
Step 1: Turn the oven to 400 degrees.
Step 2: Prepare your cooking dish.
Step 3: Divide paper towels into two piles.
Step 4: Wash, dry, and prepare you chicken. Make sure to thoroughly wash your hands afterwards.
Step 5: Combine all of the dry ingredients into a shallow dish.
Step 6: In a separate small shallow dish, combine your wet ingredients and make sure they are thoroughly combined.
Step 7: Dredge your chicken.
Step 8: Repeat the dredging until all of the thighs are coated.
Step 9: Drizzle the butter and coconut oil on top of the chicken.
Step 10: Place in the oven.
Step 11: At the end of the 30 minutes, turn the oven temperature up to 450 degrees and for at least another 10 minutes or until the thermometer reads 165 degrees.
Step 12: Remove from oven.
Step 13: Serve and enjoy.
Related Recipes
Tender and Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 4 – 5 lbs. Skin on chicken thighs
- 1/3 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup mashed potato flakes
- 2 eggs
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tbsp. unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp. coconut oil or your favorite oil
- 1/2 t. pepper
- 1/2 t. kosher salt
- 1/2 t. garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
- Spray a 9 x 13 baking dish with cooking spray.
- Grab some paper towels and divide into two small piles.
- Wash and pat dry the chicken with paper towels and set aside. Wash your hands and dry with more paper towels.
- Set up a dredging station and in your first shallow dish, add in all of the dry ingredients and whisk together with a fork.
- In the next shallow dish, add in the milk, eggs, and mayo and whisk together.
- Using thongs, dip a piece of chicken, skin side down, into the liquid mixture, the dredge the chicken into the dry, and place the chicken into the baking dish, skin side up.
- Repeat that same process until all of the thighs are finished.
- Add the butter and coconut oil (or oil of your choice) into a small microwave-safe dish and microwave in 15 second bursts until melted. Drizzle that mixture onto the top of the chicken.
- Place the baking dish into the oven for 30 minutes.
- At the end of the 30 minutes, turn the oven temperature up to 450 degrees and cook for an additional 10 – 15 minutes or until the chicken registers 165 – 170 on your meat thermometer.
- Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven.
- Serve and enjoy.
