Oven Baked Chicken Thighs: Juicy, Crispy, and Perfectly Glazed

Transform your weeknights with a truly delicious and effortless meal! These Oven Baked Chicken Thighs deliver on all fronts: incredibly crispy skin, irresistibly juicy meat, and a simple yet profound honey mustard garlic glaze that everyone will adore. This foolproof recipe makes preparing a crowd-pleasing dinner wonderfully simple, even for busy beginners.

Why You’ll Love These Oven Baked Chicken Thighs

You are going to love making these flavorful oven baked chicken thighs for dinner. Here is why:

• Super Crispy Skin: Achieve golden-brown, crackly skin without any fuss.
• Consistently Juicy Meat: Bone-in, skin-on thighs stay wonderfully tender throughout baking.
• Simple, Flavorful Glaze: A quick mix of honey, mustard, and garlic creates an unforgettable taste.
• Foolproof & Reliable: This recipe is designed for success, ensuring perfect results every time.
• Widely Loved Dish: It is a go-to favorite for families and a proven hit with guests.

Ingredients

Here are the simple ingredients you will need to create these delicious oven baked chicken thighs:

• 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

Notes & Substitutions

Using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs provides the best flavor and moisture, plus that irresistible crispy skin. For boneless, skinless thighs, reduce baking time to 20-25 minutes, checking for doneness. If you do not have both Dijon and yellow mustard, feel free to use just one; the flavor will still be fantastic. You can substitute honey with maple syrup or brown sugar for a different sweetness profile. Adjust the red pepper flakes to your preferred level of heat, adding more for a spicier kick or omitting them for a milder dish. Feel free to use more or less garlic based on your personal taste.

Equipment

Gathering your equipment beforehand makes cooking these oven baked chicken thighs even smoother. You will need a large mixing bowl for seasoning and tossing the chicken. A 9×13 inch baking dish is ideal for arranging the chicken in a single layer. An instant-read meat thermometer ensures your chicken is perfectly cooked and juicy. Lastly, a whisk and standard measuring tools are helpful for preparing the glaze.

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to prepare your perfectly glazed oven baked chicken thighs:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). This high heat helps achieve wonderfully crispy skin.
2. Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl. Pat them very dry with paper towels; this is key for crispy skin. Season them generously on all sides with salt and pepper.
3. Make the glaze: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, both mustards, honey, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
4. Coat the chicken: Pour the prepared glaze over the seasoned chicken thighs in the large bowl. Toss the chicken well to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the savory honey mustard sauce.
5. Arrange for baking: Transfer the coated chicken thighs to the 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange them in a single layer, ensuring the skin side is facing up. Pour any remaining sauce from the bowl over the chicken in the dish. There is no need to grease the dish.
6. Bake the chicken: Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 35-45 minutes. The exact time depends on the size of your chicken thighs.
7. Check for doneness: Your oven baked chicken thighs are ready when the skin is deeply golden brown and crispy, and an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh (avoiding the bone) registers 165°F (74°C). According to the USDA, maintaining safe cooking temperatures is crucial for poultry to prevent foodborne illness. For specific guidelines, refer to the USDA safe internal temperature chart.
8. Rest and serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven. Transfer the chicken to a serving plate, cover loosely with aluminum foil, and let it rest for 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in incredibly moist and tender chicken. Culinary experts emphasize that resting meat is key to a juicier result as it allows muscle fibers to relax and reabsorb moisture. Serve hot and enjoy!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

• For Crispiest Skin: Always pat your chicken thighs very dry with paper towels before seasoning and glazing. This removes surface moisture, promoting superior crisping.
• Prevent Dry Chicken: Do not overcook your chicken. Using an instant-read meat thermometer is essential; pull the chicken from the oven as soon as it reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Flavor Boost: For an even deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in the honey mustard garlic glaze for 30 minutes at room temperature, or up to overnight in the refrigerator.
• Even Cooking: Always arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer in your baking dish. Overcrowding can steam the chicken instead of crisping it, leading to uneven cooking.
• Avoid Burnt Glaze: The honey in the glaze can caramelize quickly. If the sauce looks like it is browning too much before the chicken is cooked through, loosely cover the dish with foil.
• Sauce Too Thin: After baking, if the pan sauce is thinner than you would like, carefully pour it into a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for a few minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.

Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations

These versatile oven baked chicken thighs pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve them alongside creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or your favorite roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. A simple green salad or some crusty bread for soaking up the delicious pan sauce also makes a perfect addition.

Storage: Store any leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating: For best results, gently reheat the chicken in a 325°F (160°C) oven, covered with foil, until warmed through. You can also use a microwave or an air fryer for quicker reheating, though the skin might not be as crispy.

Freezing: Cooked chicken thighs with their sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Flavor Variations:

• Lemon Herb: Add fresh lemon zest, a squeeze of lemon juice, and chopped fresh rosemary and thyme to the glaze for a bright, aromatic twist.
• Smoky BBQ: Skip the honey mustard glaze entirely and coat the chicken with your favorite smoky BBQ sauce before baking.
• Spicy Maple: Replace the honey with maple syrup and increase the red pepper flakes. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.

Nutrition Information

Enjoying these delicious oven baked chicken thighs also comes with notable nutritional benefits. Chicken thighs are a good source of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth. They also provide important vitamins and minerals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs? Yes, you certainly can. Reduce the baking time to about 20-25 minutes, or until an internal temperature of 165°F is reached.
• What if I don’t have both mustards? No problem at all! Using just one type of mustard will still yield a delicious glaze.
• Can I make these oven baked chicken thighs ahead of time? Yes, you can prep and coat the chicken with the glaze. Store it in the baking dish in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
• How do I reheat leftovers without drying them out? Reheat gently in a 325°F oven, covered with foil, or use an air fryer for best results in maintaining moisture.
• Can I make this in the air fryer? Absolutely! Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked to 165°F.
• Is it spicy? The red pepper flakes add a subtle warmth. You can easily adjust the quantity or omit them entirely based on your heat preference.

Conclusion

There you have it – a truly simple, incredibly delicious, and endlessly versatile recipe for Oven Baked Chicken Thighs! With minimal effort, you can create a meal featuring juicy chicken, crispy skin, and a glaze bursting with flavor. We encourage you to try this beloved dish for your next family dinner. Please share your comments, ratings, and photos; we love seeing your creations!

Oven Baked Chicken Thighs: Juicy, Crispy, and Perfectly Glazed

These oven-baked chicken thighs are perfectly glazed, juicy on the inside, and crispy on the outside. A simple yet flavorful dish, they are seasoned and tossed in a honey-mustard garlic sauce before baking to perfection.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 450

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

• Bowl
• Whisk
• Baking Dish (9x13 inch)
• Aluminum Foil
• Serving Plate

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Place chicken thighs in a bowl and season generously with salt and pepper.
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients.
4. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken thighs and toss to coat evenly.
5. Transfer the chicken and any remaining sauce into a 9x13 inch baking dish; no greasing is needed.
6. Bake for approximately 35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy.
7. Remove the chicken from the oven, transfer to a serving plate, cover with foil, and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Allowing the chicken to rest after baking ensures it remains juicy and tender.