Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs {With Veggies}

If you love chicken thighs, you’ll want to try these oven-baked chicken thighs. Chicken thighs are more flavorful than breasts, which many people prefer.

Roasted chicken is the best, but for a weeknight, there’s no better way to get dinner on the table than these oven-baked chicken thighs.

These tender chicken thighs have many uses. They make a great lunch or dinner and are very versatile.

What temperature should chicken thighs be baked at?

Generally speaking, chicken thighs can be cooked in a temperature range from 350°F up to 400°F. The recipes will vary, as will the ovens.

Is It Better To Bake Chicken Thighs At 350°F or 400°F?

In general, it’s better to cook low and slow, rather than high and fast. Why? Because when you cook low and slow, your chicken is far less likely to dry out. Higher temperatures will dry out your chicken.

Does It Take Longer To Cook Chicken With Bone-In?

It does. By an average of about 10-20 minutes, give or take, and depending on several factors such as oven, the thickness of the chicken, and so on.

Can You Make This In Something Other Than A Cast Iron Skillet?

Sure! As long as you brown the chicken first, it can bake in the oven on a baking sheet or baking dish. Even a sheet pan will work well.

How To Avoid Dry Chicken Thighs

As mentioned above, temperature plays a big role. Lower temperatures will yield juicier meat.

Another factor? The bone. Bone-in chicken will always be juicier than bone-out.

How Long To Bake Chicken Thighs At 375°F

On average, it can take approximately 40-50 minutes. But this can vary from oven to oven. So the best way to make sure your chicken is fully cooked is to use a meat thermometer. The chicken is done when it measures at least 165°F on a meat thermometer when placed at the thickest part of the chicken thigh. This is true for both bone-in and bone-out chicken. That said, you should never place the thermometer against the bone. Aim for the thickest part of the meat. Close to the bone is fine, but right up against it could give you a false temperature.

Can You Us Chicken Breasts, Legs, Or Wings In This Recipe Instead?

You can! Cooking times will vary based on the cut of meat, but you can definitely substitute with ease.

Should You Rinse Chicken Before Baking?

Nope! I know it’s a habit that a lot of people practice. But the CDC has stated that it is unsafe and unsanitary to do so. Simply take the chicken out of the package and place it directly into your hot pan (for this recipe). Any bacteria will be killed during cooking if you cook it thoroughly. Rinsing chicken does not get rid of bacteria on meat. It only spreads the bacteria around your kitchen.

Things You Can Do With This Recipe

If you want to use this to make something else, here are some suggestions:

• Salad
• Rice bowl
• Pasta bowl
• Wraps

Recipe Variations

This recipe is delicious in its simplicity. But if you want to change up the flavors a bit, try one or a few of them:

• Dijon mustard – Smear it on the breasts just before putting them in the oven.
• Oregano
• Rosemary
• Thyme
• Cayenne
• Paprika
• Chili powder
• Onion powder
• Italian seasoning
• Sauces – Add your favorite!
• Honey – Add in very small amounts
• Orange or apple juice – Add a little to the pan before putting it into the oven.

Other Vegetables You Can Add

• Fingerling potatoes
• Carrots
• Red onions
• Cauliflower

Browning The Thighs

If the process of browning the thighs, in the beginning, doesn’t get the chicken thighs brown enough for you, you can turn on the broiler in the last 5 minutes of baking.

If your thighs get too brown during baking, you can cover them with a loose piece of foil until they are done and have reached the proper temperature.

About The Ingredients

1 tbsp. oil – This can be whatever oil you normally cook with. Olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil are good choices.

1 lb. boneless skinless chicken thighs – You can use bone-in or bone-out. Your choice. But if you opt for the bone, you will have to cook this a bit longer. Use a meat thermometer to see when it’s done.

1 lb. asparagus – cleaned and trimmed.

1½ cups grape tomatoes – Leave these whole. They will roast better that way.

½ tsp. salt – I used pink Himalayan salt, but use whatever salt you normally cook with.

½ tsp. ground pepper

1 tsp. garlic granules – Garlic powder works too.

How To Make Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spray a castiron skillet with oil, using an oil sprayer, and heat the skillet.

Place the chicken thighs into the hot skillet.

Season one side of the chicken while browning.

Flip the chicken and season the other side while browning.

Add the asparagus to the skillet.

Add the tomatoes to the skillet.

Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 40-50 minutes or until the chicken reaches a temperature of 165°F inside. Serve while hot.

Note: Cooking times can vary by oven, so keep an eye on this the first time you cook it.

How To Store Leftovers

Store any leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

How To Freeze Leftovers

Wrap it well so no air can get to it, and freeze the chicken by itself for up to 4 months. You can freeze the veggies too, but they don’t hold up as well.

How To Reheat Leftovers

From Fridge – Place in a preheated oven at 350°F and bake for 10-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can microwave this, but the chicken will be more rubbery.

From Freezer – Thaw overnight in the fridge, and then follow the directions above.

Recipe Supplies

Click the image to get to the product on Amazon (affiliate links).

The two main tools you’ll need for this recipe are a good cast iron skillet and a sturdy spatula. The spatula here is the same one I have and I love mine. I have about 5 of them. They are sturdy, clean easily, and last forever.

More Healthy Chicken Thigh Recipes

• Tuscan Chicken Thighs (Air Fryer Recipe)
• Bacon Stuffed Chicken Thighs

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Oven Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe Card + Video