A recipe for Easy Baked Chicken Thighs. This is such a wonderful recipe that has a prep time of 10 minutes and results in the most tender and juicy baked chicken dinner, using ingredients you most likely already have in your kitchen!
This chicken recipe, along with our Tender Chicken Thighs is on our dinner menu regularly.
easy baked chicken thigh recipe-
I am a huge fan of easy chicken recipes, especially ones that have minimal prep time, like this recipe.
Chicken thighs are my favorite cut of chicken to bake in the oven, they come out so juicy and tender.
can I stip the marinade time?
Marinading the chicken 3-4 hours is preferred, but not necessary. These easy chicken thighs will taste just as wonderful if you prepare them and cook them immediately. The thighs just won’t be as tender as the marinade will not have time to penetrate through the meat yet.
can I prepare oven chicken thighs in advance?
Yes, this is the perfect recipe to prepare in advance! You can marinate the chicken up to one day in advance and just keep it refrigerated.
Place the marinated chicken in a mixing bowl or Ziploc bag and just transfer to a baking dish once you are ready to bake the thighs
can I taste the mayo?
You will not be able to taste the mayo once the chicken is baked. The mayo is used as a tenderizer and once the seasoning is added and chicken is baked, you’d never know there was mayo involved! 🙂
how to make the most tender chicken thighs?.
This chicken thigh recipe is so so quick to prep and please don’t be turned away by the ingredients. The final product is phenomenal and it will become a favorite – even the picky eaters will approve.
- In a bowl, combine the mayo, olive oil and minced garlic.
- Add the chicken thighs and coat with mayo mixture.
- Prepare the seasoning. In a separate combine the salt, pepper, chili pepper and paprika.
- Generously season boat sides of chicken thighs with the seasoning.
- Add the thighs to a baking dish and cover.
- Set aside to marinate at least 3 – 4 hours in the refrigerator.
- Bake.
how long should I bake chicken thighs in the oven?
Bake boneless, skinless chicken thighs about 45 minutes at 375°F. Remove foil and broil for 8-10 minutes, until the tops of the thighs are crispy.
TIP: Keep in mind, the size of the thighs and different ovens may slightly affect the baking of the chicken thighs. It is best to test the readiness of the thighs with a cooking thermometer. Cooked chicken should read 165°F internal temperature. (Check the thickest part of a chicken for readiness.)
can I reheat chicken thighs?
Yes, these juicy chicken thighs are great when reheated. To reheat, cover thighs and bake until heated or reheat in a skillet with the extra juicy over med/low heat until reheated.
what to do with leftover chicken?
If you have any leftovers, shred the chicken and use the chicken in Quesadillas or even Buffalo Chicken Dip or cube the meat and use in Chicken Fried Rice.
I hope you give these Baked Chicken Thigh Recipe a try. You’ll be so surprised at the flavors of the chicken. SO GOOD!
Try these other recipes with minimal prep time:
- Salmon Shrimp and Asparagus– Baked salmon with shrimp and asparagus.
- Potato and Chicken Casserole- Potatoes with chicken in a creamy sauce.
- Easy Potatoes and Meat Casserole- Hearty meat and potato casserole.
- One Pan Chicken and Vegetable- Chicken thighs with vegetable baked as a one-pan meal!
Easy Baked Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 3 lbs chicken thighs (boneless & skinless)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 Tbsp olive oil (or canola)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground pepper
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground paprika
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine mayo, olive oil and minced garlic. Add chicken thighs and coat with mayo mixture.
- Prepare the seasoning. In a separate combine the salt, pepper, chili powder and paprika.
- Season boat sides of chicken with the seasoning. Add chicken thighs to a baking dish. Cover with foil. Set aside to marinate at least 3 – 4 hours.
- Bake about 45 minutes at 375°F. Remove foil and broil for 8-10 minutes, until tops of thighs are crispy.
- Enjoy, friends.
Do you add the seasoning mixture to the chicken before marinating it or after just before baking?
You add the seasoning right after you add the mayo and allow it to marinate with the seasoning. I hope you love the recipe, Shawn.
Does this work with chicken breast?
The recipe would work with chicken breast, you’ll just have less of baking time. Time will vary, depending on the size of the breast.
How long do I cook if I’m using bone in chicken thighs?
Liz, it will depend on the size of the thighs. I’d remove the foil about 10 minutes earlier and add at least 5 minutes and continue cooking until internal temp of the thighs is reached.
Is this spicy? Subs?
Not spicy at all, Gg. Enjoy the thighs.
My family loves this recipe! I make different variations with different spices. I make it once a week and even my one year old eats it! The best part is everyone thinks I work so hard on it lol. Thank you so much!
That just makes me smile from ear to ear, Nicole. I’m so glad to hear that!
Wow – these are really tasty! The first time I made them, I followed the recipe exactly. Then, this week, I planned to make them again but was running late and didn’t have 45 minutes to bake, so I tossed them on the grill! I didn’t marinate, just mixed the spices in with the mayo mixture and coated the thighs in it. Done in less than 10 minutes on a medium grill, and still super tender and juicy. This one is definitely becoming a go-to family dinner in our house!
Oh I love the idea of grilling the thighs! Thanks so much for sharing and I’m so happy your family enjoyed the chicken. 🙂 Visit our online home again.
Love this recipe!!! Thank you! Any suggestions on sides to serve with the chicken?
You can serve it with mashed potatoes or baked rice and of course an easy salad or some roasted vegetables or roasted cauliflower.
Thanks for giving our recipe a try! Stop by and visit our online home again.