Best Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs

In this post, we are chatting all things chicken thigh recipes. We’ll share how to make chicken thighs in a variety of different methods, teach you how to make our signature baked crispy chicken thighs, plus we’re rounding up all of the best chicken thigh recipes on Fit Foodie Finds.

Best Chicken Thigh Recipe!

We’re big chicken thigh fans over here on Fit Foodie Finds. Not only is this cut of chicken super flavorful, but it’s also super versatile and can be prepared in so many delicious ways.

Our Creamy Tuscan Chicken and Gnocchi is a reader favorite and Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs and Veggies are perfect any night of the week.

This particular chicken thigh recipe is basic in the cooking method, yet elevated when it comes to the outcome. Let’s get started with making crispy on the outside, ender on the inside baked chicken thighs!

Chicken Thighs vs. Chicken Breasts

Both chicken thighs and breasts are great sources of lean protein, but they differ in both the type of meat and the location in which it comes from in the chicken itself.

Chicken thighs come from the thigh of the chicken and are a dark cut of poultry. Because of this, it is a fattier cut of meat but still packs great protein. For a 3.5 oz. chicken thigh: 209 calories.

Chicken breasts come from the breast of the chicken and are a white cut of meat. Because white meat is leaner than dark meat, you’ll find that chicken breasts have less fat and calories than the same size chicken thigh. For a 3.5 oz. chicken breast: 165 calories.

What You Need

These crispy baked chicken thighs come together in a shortlist of easy ingredients:

Chicken Thighs: For this recipe, we’re using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. Why? Skin-on chicken thighs will crisp nicely when cooked due to the higher fat skin that is still intact.

Garlic Powder: Garlic powder gives these chicken thighs a delicious garlicky flavor that complements nicely with the honey.

Honey: We love a little sweetener with chicken! Honey not only provides great flavor, but also helps the chicken skin crisp up when baked.

Olive Oil: Oiling the chicken thighs nicely helps them stay juicy when baking.

Salt & Pepper: A classic seasoning! Salt and pepper complement the garlic powder in this recipe.

How to Cook Chicken Thighs in the Oven – Step by Step

Preheat & Season

Preheat the oven to 400ºF and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a metal cooling rack on top of the aluminum foil. This will allow the chicken thighs to drain excess fat, and crisp to perfection.

Add the granulated garlic, salt, and pepper into a small bowl, and set aside. 

Trim Chicken Thighs

Next, prep chicken thighs by using kitchen shears to trim any excess skin. Next, draw out moisture from the chicken thighs by patting them with a paper towel. Having dry chicken will allow the thighs to fully absorb the dry rub ingredients.

Sprinkle the spices on the chicken thighs and use your hands to massage the spices into the chicken. Be sure the chicken thighs are covered with spices, and then let the chicken sit for 10-15 minutes in the dry rub. 

Drizzle & Bake

Place the chicken thighs on top of the metal rack. 

In a small bowl, whisk the olive oil and honey together and drizzle the mixture over the chicken thighs. 

Then place the chicken in the oven and bake the chicken thighs for 30-35 minutes or until they reach 160ºF. When you allow the chicken thighs to rest after baking, the internal temperature will continue to rise to a safe 165ºF.

How long to bake chicken thighs?

Bake chicken thighs at 400ºF for around 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF. Bake time varies based on the size of your thighs.

Let Rest & Enjoy

Remove the chicken from the oven, and let rest for at least 5 minutes. Serve with your favorite sides (we share some of our favorite serving suggestions below!), and ENJOY!

Does this recipe work with boneless skinless chicken thighs?

This recipe absolutely works with boneless skinless chicken thighs. We recommend reducing the bake time to around 20-30 minutes depending on the size of the chicken thigh.

Can I Make this Recipe with Chicken Breasts?

If you’re looking to use chicken breasts, we recommend making this Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken instead as this recipe is timed and seasoned specifically for chicken thighs.

More Ways to Cook Chicken Thighs

There are many ways to cook chicken thighs! And the great news? We have recipes for each method of cooking here on Fit Foodie Finds!

• Sous Vide: You’ll LOVE our Crispy Sous Vide Chicken Thighs
• Instant Pot: Try these Instant Pot Chicken Thighs with Sticky Honey Garlic Sauce
• Baked: Have you tried our Sheet Pan Chicken and Veggies?
• Grilled: These Grilled Chicken Thighs have amazing flavor!
• Stove Top: This Skillet Chicken and Potatoes truly is a one-pot meal
• Air Fryer: Our basic air fryer chicken thighs are truly so crispy and tender.

Serving Suggestions

Make your crispy chicken thighs a complete meal by serving it with a grain and your favorite veggie. Here are some ideas:

Fried Rice: Whip up our Instant Pot Fried Rice for a veggie-packed side.

Coconut Rice: Coconut rice is sweet and sticky and would be a perfect grain for this chicken.

Quinoa: Keep things basic with Instant Pot Quinoa so that you get all the flavors from the honey garlic chicken!

Veggies: Serve these crispy chicken thighs next to your favorite steamed or sautéed veggies such as broccoli, green beans, peppers, onions, etc.

Storage

Let the chicken thighs cool completely. Then, store crispy chicken thighs in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.

Freezer Instructions

After Cooked: Let crispy chicken thighs cool completely. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe gallon-size bag and remove as much air as possible. Seal and freeze for up to 3 months.

Before Cooked: Place all raw ingredients into a freezer-safe gallon-size bag. Remove as much air as possible and seal. Freeze for up to 3 months.

When you are ready for cooking, allow the frozen chicken thighs to thaw fully before baking.

Best Chicken Thigh Recipes

We really do have some of the BEST chicken thigh recipes on the internet. Everything from sous vide chicken thighs, to Instant Pot chicken thighs to one pot meals with chicken thighs. Check out some of our faves:

Instant Pot Chicken Thighs with Sticky Honey Garlic Sauce

Ready for the most delicious Instant Pot Chicken Thighs recipe on the internet? Say hello to these sticky, sweet Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs.

Best Grilled Chicken Thighs

These are the best grilled chicken thighs because the skin gets nice and crispy on the outside while the inside is tender and juicy.

Skillet Chicken and Potatoes

This Skillet Chicken and Potatoes is the perfect easy weeknight meal! With savory fall veggies and deliciously seasoned chicken thighs, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen!

Sheet Pan Chicken and Veggies

This sheet pan chicken and veggie dinner is an easy dinner that anyone can make. You throw sweet potatoes, cauliflower, and chicken thighs on a baking sheet, season them all and bake them to perfection!

Roasted Balsamic Chicken Pasta

This roasted balsamic chicken pasta is flavorful, packed with veggies, and ready in under an hour! Make it this perfect weeknight dinner for the family!