This is how to bake bone in skin on chicken thighs at 425 degrees to perfectly moist and juicy. In a cast iron skillet served with baked potatoes, this is an easy cheap family friendly dinner to make with tons of flavor.
Let’s talk about thighs friends. This is by far the best way for tender dark meat to be cooked for a protein packed, low carb meal. Healthy and simple, you will want to add this to your meal plan this week.
How Long to Bake Bone-in Skin on Chicken Thighs
Typical timing is about 40 minutes. We have shared a few different temperatures so far. There are slight differences them all. Depending on what else I am making determines the cook time I need. A bit lower, we have shared How Long to Bake Chicken Thighs 375 which I do with veggies on another tray. If you love crispy chicken skin though you’ll want to jump to recipe here.
As with anything else the seasonings are up to you. If you wanted to just use bottled sauce to caramelize on the top at the end I would make BBQ Chicken Thighs in Oven, so good. Timing doesn’t change though you would still want to brush a bit of olive oil on to keep them moist as they bake.
Ingredient Notes
For this we started out with about 5 chicken thighs bone-in skin on because that is what fit inside the cast iron skillet I wanted to use. You do want a bit of space in between them so you may be able to fit 6 if they are small.
- Olive oil or avocado oil works too
- Garlic powder and onion powder are basic seasonings but use your favorite ones
- Oregano we like with thyme
- Salt and pepper before and after too if desired
Substitutions
If you do use boneless skinless chicken thighs you can decrease the cook time a bit since they take less time and are smaller in size.
There are many sauces and rubs you can use to add flavor. If you want to make our Mediterranean Chicken Thighs we have directions for that here. If you have something you love with chicken breasts that works just fine with this dark meat just the same.
How long does 425 chicken take?
Chicken recipes at 425 degrees vary in their cooking time. The smaller the pieces are the faster they will bake in the oven. Thighs at 425 take 40 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. Higher temperatures will yield crispier skin and should be flipped halfway thru for even cooking.
Tips for Success
If you have never broiled anything before you need to be very careful not to leave the area. It doesn’t take long to achieve the ideal golden brown color and 1 minute too long can burn the top and ruin your dish. Stay close, keep your oven light on and watch closely taking your tray out as soon as it is perfect for you.
We shared with you Chicken Thighs on Stove before which is nice but if you are baking a side dish in the oven this is the way to go. Use one shelf to make these and another to add a sheet pan full of vegetables for instance.
Or you can Baked Potatoes in oven wrapped in Foil and serve together. Sometimes I will make both of these but then shred the meat off the bones and stuff inside with some shredded cheeses. Or make mashed potatoes with them. The kids love it that way as it gets oooey and gooey.
Bone in Skin on Chicken Thighs Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Bowl
Ingredients
- 4-6 chicken thighs, bone-in skin on used
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp oregano
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp pepper
- 1/8 tsp thyme
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425. Mix together oil with garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, pepper and thyme.
- Using a pastry brush, spread oil on chicken, coating both sides. Place chicken into an ovenproof skillet. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until internal temperature is 165.
- To crisp skins switch to broil for 2-3 minutes or until as browned as you'd like.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
If you would rather cook Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs together we have directions here for that. A great way to make everything together on a large baking sheet. Wilton has a great version with high sides that will fit it all. I like cut squash, carrots and other veggies that are firmer in nature. Serve with Broccoli Au Gratin in the last 25 minutes too for a great duo.
How to save leftovers
If you have some left make sure it cools to room temperature first. Then move to a freezer bag and suck out all the air. Kept in the fridge it will stay safe to eat again within the next 3 days. Keep whole and not cut for best results so it stays moist.
What to make with leftovers
You can make a great leftover chicken recipe with what isn’t eaten right away on the first day too. Check out our link here to get a few ideas. From shredded chicken tacos to burrito bowls, casseroles and salads you should never waste meat once you get the hang of how to make a whole new meal with it on day 2 or 3.
