This Baked Tender Chicken Thighs Recipe is going to become a hit! Tender and melt in your mouth juicy chicken thighs with an easy seasoning is filled with so much flavor. Serve thighs with a side of mashed potatoes and salad.
This recipe with our Easy Baked Chicken is our go-to meal for busy evenings.
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chicken thighs recipe-
There are so many different methods for cooking chicken thighs. This recipe for baked chicken is going to become a favorite. The prep time is minimal and the ingredients for the thighs are already most likely in your pantry. The marinade for the thighs penetrates deep into the chicken and it becomes so juicy and flavorful.
The garlic olive oil with quick seasoning does wonders to the chicken thighs!
TIPS how to make baked tender chicken thighs:
- Trim and remove any excess far from chicken thighs.
- For best result, season the chicken thighs, cover tightly and refrigerate for at least two hours (up to overnight). The seasoning penetrates deep into the chicken and becomes flavorful.
- If you don’t have two hours, baking the chicken immediately is fine as well, just won’t be as flavorful.
- If you like to prep dinner in the morning, this is a great recipe. Season the chicken, cover tightly and keep stored in the refrigerator. When you come home from a long day of work, all you have to do is bake the chicken. So easy.
- Leftovers are wonderful to use in different recipes that require cooked chicken (like the Chicken Quesadilla recipe).
- To reheat, cover with foil and bake until warm.
what can I serve with baked chicken thighs?
You can serve baked chicken thighs with mashed potatoes, pasta, fried or baked rice, or even buckwheat. A salad, would of course compliment the dinner with some homemade bread (like this amazing bread machine bread).
can I substitute the thighs?
CHICKEN BREAST- You may substitute the chicken thighs for chicken breast. However, the flavor and texture will slightly change because chicken thighs have a stronger flavor, higher fat content and softer texture once baked than chicken breast. Depending on the size of the breast, the baking time will vary and most likely be less than the indicated time in this recipe. Use a food thermometer to cook breast until the thickest part registers at 165°F.
BONE-IN THIGHS- You most definitely may substitute for bone-in chicken thighs. The bone keeps the thighs juicier and even adds flavor. The only setback with bone-in thighs is the baking time will be longer. Keep the dish cover with foil for one-half of the cooking time plus an extra ten minutes. Then, remove the foil and allow the chicken to brown during the second half of cooking.
I hope you LOVE this Baked Tender Chicken Thighs Recipe and it becomes a regular in your home. Don’t forget to share your creations with us on Social Media. We LOVE seeing your recipes. Tag us with #ValentinasCorner! We so appreciate you, our online friends. <3
Try these other CHICKEN recipes:
- Chicken Mushroom Pasta– in the creamiest sauce.
- Chicken Stuffed Shells– in homemade Alfredo sauce.
- Chicken Shrimp Scampi– the perfect combination.
Baked Tender Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 3 pounds chicken thighs, skinless and boneless
- 3 Tbsp olive oil (or Canola oil)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp table salt
- ¼ tsp ground pepper
- 1 ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¾ tsp ground paprika
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine olive oil and minced garlic. Layout chicken thighs and coat with oil mixture (on both sides).
- Prepare the seasoning: In a bowl, combine the salt, pepper, Italian seasoning and paprika.
- Season boat sides of chicken with the seasoning. Transfer chicken thighs to a baking dish. Cover with foil. Set aside to marinate at least 2 hours (*or see note).
- Bake 45 minutes at 375°F. Remove foil and broil for 8-10 minutes (at same temp), until tops of thighs are crispy.
- Enjoy, friends.
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Instead of baking for 45 mins, bake for 30 mins. In my opinion 45 mins burns the chicken
Ashly, thanks so much for the feedback. That’s why we state baking time will vary depending on the size of the thighs and your oven. 🙂 I hope you enjoyed the recipe.
I’m a beginner cook and by beginner I mean my 14 year old cousin is a better cook! But, I do love good food and am very picky. This recipe is one of my go to! Easy to follow and easy to make!
Hey, we were all a beginner cook sometimes ;). I’m so glad you enjoyed this easy recipe. Stop by our online home again and visit!
OMG! This recipe is 🎵 fabulous 🎶
You DON’T need a knife. The chicken was juicy and very flavorful. My husband said that this recipe is “a keeper “. I used smoked paprika (I like the taste better) otherwise I didn’t change the recipe.
Thanks so much, TDM. We usually use smoke paprika as well but both work just as well. I’m so glad your Mr. enjoyed the thighs! 🙂
Can this recipe be done with the skin on with the same direction?
Sure can, Tammy. You may just need to broil just a little longer for the skin to get crispy. Enjoy the easy thighs recipe.
I’ve made this twice now and it’s delicious! Everyone was raving about the flavor and I was like hmm…how good can a marinade be? But wow this marinade was awesome! I’m addicted! Made it for family tonight and after one bite my father in law said wow this is amazing and asked me to give his wife the recipe!
You are so sweet, Denise. I thoroughly enjoyed reading your comment and so glad your family enjoyed the bake thighs.
I have been making this for months, it’s a stable for lunches! I cut off all the extra fat and use smoked paprika, delicious!
Thanks for sharing the wonderful feedback with us, Shelly. I’m so glad to hear that.
This recipe is definitely a keeper! My family really enjoyed having this for dinner. I marinated the chicken for almost two hours. The chicken was tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. Absolutely delicious!
That’s just wonderful, Sally. Thank you so much for sharing that with us.
Mmm mmm delicious and so easy! My guys loved it! Thanks!
Vikki, that is just WONDERFUL. So glad to hear you were able to please the men;).
I am 60 years old and had never even thought about cooking chicken thighs until I came across your recipe. I tried it and my family loved it! I rarely have time to marinate it for two hours but it is still very flavorful. It has become a regular dish in my home. Thanks!
This is wonderful, Laura. I’m so glad your family found a new favorite. 🙂 Thanks so much for visiting our online home and giving our recipe a try!
I am over 70, and have made many meals of chicken over those years. Have made this recipe twice in the last 10 days. It is the BEST – simple, tasty, tender, delicious (including the juices).
Linda, this comment is gold. Thank you. Feeling super special for such a compliment from someone with so many years of experience. Smiling big. Thanks for visiting and trying our recipe. 🙂
This chicken is amazing! I make it just as described, sooooo good!
Shelly, thank you so much for trying our chicken thighs recipe! 🙂