Crispy, Juicy Classic Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs

Introduction

Get ready for the most delicious and easy meal you’ll make all week! These Classic Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs deliver incredible flavor with minimal effort. We’re talking about perfectly crispy skin and tender, juicy meat every time. This recipe is a true go-to for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends, proving that simple ingredients can create truly crowd-pleasing results. You’ll love how reliable and satisfying this dish is.

Why You’ll Love These Classic Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs

• Crispy Skin: Achieve golden, crackling skin without any complicated extra steps.
• Incredibly Juicy: Chicken thighs naturally self-baste as they bake, locking in all the delicious juices.
• Simple Pantry Glaze: A mouth-watering combination of honey, mustard, and garlic comes together effortlessly.
• Foolproof Method: This recipe consistently delivers delicious results, perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike.
• Reader Favorite: Thousands of positive reviews prove this recipe for Classic Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs is a consistent winner.

Ingredients

To make these incredible Classic Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:

• 2 pounds chicken thighs (bone-in skin-on)
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon whole grain Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 6 cloves garlic (minced)
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Notes & Substitutions

We recommend bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for the best flavor and juiciness. If you use boneless, skinless thighs, reduce the baking time by about 10-15 minutes. For the mustard, Dijon offers a complex flavor, but feel free to use classic yellow mustard for a milder taste or even more whole-grain for texture. Honey is essential for the glaze’s balance, providing sweetness and helping the skin crisp up. Freshly minced garlic adds a robust flavor that can’t be beaten. Adjust red pepper flakes to your liking for a hint of warmth.

Equipment

Gather these basic kitchen tools before you begin:

• Large mixing bowl
• Small whisk
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Meat thermometer
• Aluminum foil

Instructions

Making these Classic Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs is incredibly simple, even for beginners. Follow these steps for a perfect meal every time.

1. Prep Oven: Preheat your oven to a hot 425°F (218°C). This high temperature helps create that desired crispy skin.
2. Season Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large mixing bowl. Season them generously on all sides with salt and black pepper.
3. Whisk Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, whole grain Dijon mustard, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes until well combined. This forms your flavorful glaze.
4. Coat Chicken: Pour the prepared honey mustard garlic glaze over the seasoned chicken thighs in the large bowl. Toss the chicken thoroughly, ensuring each thigh is completely coated in the savory mixture.
5. Arrange for Baking: Transfer the glazed chicken thighs to a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange them in a single layer, skin-side up, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Pour any remaining sauce from the bowl over the chicken. There’s no need to grease the dish, as the chicken and sauce have enough fat.
6. Bake Until Golden: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 35 minutes, or until the Classic Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer. The skin should be beautifully golden brown and crispy.

   For comprehensive guidance on food safety, including recommended cooking temperatures, the USDA provides detailed information.

7. Rest Before Serving: Once baked, remove the chicken from the oven. Transfer the cooked chicken to a serving plate, cover it loosely with aluminum foil, and let it rest for 10 minutes. This resting period helps the juices redistribute, ensuring your chicken stays wonderfully tender and juicy.

   Understanding the culinary science behind this technique reveals how resting meat significantly impacts its final texture and juiciness.

Pro Tips for Perfect Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs

Achieving perfect Classic Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs is easy with these simple tips. Always check the internal temperature; 165°F (74°C) is food safe, but 175°F (80°C) often yields even crispier skin and more tender meat for thighs. Don’t overcrowd the baking pan; leave space around each thigh for even cooking and crisping. Patting the chicken skin dry with paper towels before seasoning helps achieve optimal crispiness. Resting the meat after baking is crucial for juicy results, allowing the flavorful juices to redistribute. For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze.

Serving Suggestions

These Classic Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve them alongside creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice to soak up the delicious glaze. Roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or carrots also complement the dish beautifully. For a lighter meal, offer a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing.

Storage & Reheating

Storing: Store any leftover Classic Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating (Oven): For the best results and to help retain crispiness, reheat chicken in the oven. Place it in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 325°F (163°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

Reheating (Microwave/Air Fryer): You can also reheat in the microwave for a quicker option, though the skin may not be as crispy. For a crispy reheat, use an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.

Nutrition Information

This recipe for Classic Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs offers a delicious meal with balanced nutritional values. Chicken thighs provide a great source of protein.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs? Yes, you can, but adjust the baking time. Boneless, skinless thighs will cook faster, typically needing only 20-25 minutes in the oven.
• What if I don’t have both mustards? You can use all Dijon or all yellow mustard. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
• Can I make it ahead of time? You can whisk the glaze and even coat the chicken thighs a few hours in advance, then refrigerate until ready to bake.
• How do I reheat leftovers without drying them out? Reheat Classic Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs in the oven covered with foil at a lower temperature, like 325°F (163°C), to help retain moisture.
• Can I make this in the air fryer? Yes! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway, until an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is reached.
• Is it spicy? The ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes adds just a hint of warmth, not strong spice. You can easily omit them or add more to customize the heat.

Conclusion

This recipe for Classic Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs truly makes cooking simple, flavorful, and incredibly rewarding. With minimal ingredients and a straightforward method, you can achieve a main course that’s consistently juicy inside and crispy outside. It’s versatile enough to pair with any side and perfect for any night of the week. Give this proven, beloved recipe a try tonight and discover your new favorite chicken dish. We love hearing from you, so please leave a comment and rating once you’ve made these fantastic Classic Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs!

Crispy, Juicy Classic Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs

These crispy, juicy classic oven-baked chicken thighs are seasoned to perfection and coated in a flavorful honey-mustard garlic sauce, making for an easy and delicious weeknight meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 480

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 pounds chicken thighs bone-in skin-on
• 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
• 1 teaspoon black pepper or to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoons whole grain dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoons mustard
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 6 cloves garlic minced
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Equipment

• oven
• bowl
• small bowl
• whisk
• 9x13 inch baking dish
• aluminum foil
• serving plate

Method

 

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F.
2. Season chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper in a bowl.
3. Whisk together olive oil, both mustards, honey, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl to make the sauce.
4. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken thighs and toss to coat evenly.
5. Transfer the coated chicken thighs and any remaining sauce to a 9x13 inch ungreased baking dish.
6. Bake for approximately 35 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the skin is crispy.
7. Remove chicken to a serving plate, cover with foil, and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For extra crispy skin, pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels before seasoning.