Wondering how long to bake chicken thighs at 350 in the oven? No problem!
This article will tell you that- and then some.
I explain how to bake thawed and frozen chicken, skinless and skin-on chicken, etc.
I’ll talk about air fryer cooking, foil techniques, safe temperature for cooked chicken, and more!
In short, this short article has a ton of great information. And I’ve gathered it all, so you can make succulent chicken every time.
Be sure to stick around until the end!
How Long to Bake Chicken Thighs at 350
On average, it takes 45-50 minutes to cook chicken thighs at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
However, this can change depending on the chicken’s thickness and other factors.
For example, cooking times will vary between boneless and bone-in chicken thighs.
If the chicken is frozen or only half-thawed, that will also alter cooking times. So, will your oven and your altitude.
Always check the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it is cooked. The reading should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
How Long to Bake Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs
Boneless, skinless thighs take significantly less time than bone-in chicken thighs. Typically, they only need 25-35 minutes in the oven.
Remember to check the temperature with a thermometer before eating them, though.
How Long to Bake Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken Thighs
The 45 to 50-minute average is for bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. This is how most people cook chicken thighs (with bones and skin).
It is a fantastic method. I think it yields the juiciest, most flavorful thighs.
Remember to set the chicken in the baking dish skin side up. And, as always, don’t forget to check the temp with the meat thermometer.
Does Foil Make Chicken Thighs Cook Faster?
Absolutely! You can wrap your dish of chicken thighs in a single layer of foil. This will cut the cooking time by 6-7 minutes.
Think of the foil as being a teeny tiny sauna for chicken. It locks in moisture and heat, allowing the chicken to cook faster.
How Long to Bake Chicken Thighs at 350 in an Air Fryer
With thawed thighs, the cooking time between the air fryer and the oven is similar. This goes for bone-in/skin-on and boneless/skinless.
- It takes 30-35 minutes to cook boneless, skinless thighs in the air fryer.
- The cooking time is longer if you have bone-in, skin-on thighs. Usually, they need 40-45 minutes in the air fryer.
- It’s still on par with cooking them in the oven, though. Maybe a tad faster.
In both situations, flip them once halfway through. This ensures that they cook evenly on both sides and all over. It also makes the skin crispier.
How Long Should You Bake Frozen Chicken Thighs?
I prefer cooking chicken that has thawed. However, sometimes I forget to lay my chicken out ahead of time.
Or sometimes I get a last-minute craving for chicken. Either way, when it comes time to cook the chicken… It’s still frozen solid.
Luckily, this is not a big problem. You can still cook your chicken thighs at 350 in the oven from frozen.
Just increase the cooking time by 10-15 minutes. It takes between 50-60 minutes to bake frozen chicken thighs.
Frozen chicken sometimes cooks more unevenly than thawed chicken. So check each thigh with the thermometer in multiple places.
What about the air fryer?
Frozen thighs actually take less time in the oven than the air fryer!
I know! I know! The air fryer is typically the fastest, most convenient way to cook things.
Due to heat distribution, it takes about 75 minutes to cook in the air fryer. Plus, you will need to flip them once about halfway through.
So, if your chicken is frozen, I recommend using the oven over the air fryer.
What Temperature Should Chicken Thighs Be Cooked To?
The USDA recommends cooking chicken until the internal temperature is 165-175 degrees Fahrenheit.
Check this by inserting the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken.
Tips & Tricks for Baking Chicken Thighs
Here are a few tips and tricks for the best oven-baked chicken thighs:
- Remember to season under the skin. Do not forget to add seasoning on and underneath the chicken skin. It makes the chicken much more flavorful.
- However, it also helps to lock in moisture for the juiciest, most tender chicken possible.
- Do this with your Thanksgiving turkey, too!
- Use similar-sized thighs. Using thighs that are similar in size helps ensure they cook more evenly.
- No thermometer? Check the juices. Puncture the chicken and check the juices that run out. If the chicken is cooked, the juices should come out clear.
- HOWEVER. A meat thermometer is the best, most accurate way to ensure your chicken is done.
- Add a marinade. Soaking your chicken thighs overnight will help lock in flavor and moisture. It makes it that much harder to accidentally overcook and dry them out.
- Only cover the chicken in foil if necessary. Using aluminum foil means the chicken will cook faster. However, you get the crispiest skin if you bake the chicken uncovered.
- I’ll pick crispier skin over saving 7 minutes any day of the week.
- Don’t forget to let the cooked chicken rest. Giving it time to rest serves the same purpose in chicken as in steak. It locks in the juices, making the chicken extra moist and flavorful.
How to Store Leftover Chicken Thighs
You can store leftover chicken thighs in the refrigerator or the freezer.
Here’s how:
- Refrigerator: Let the chicken cool first. Then, put it in a Ziploc bag or an airtight container. It should remain fresh for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Use a freezer-safe Ziploc bag to freeze leftover chicken. Press as much air out of the bag as possible before freezing. It will last for at least 1 month.
Reheat leftover chicken in the microwave or the oven. Let frozen chicken thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating it.
What to Serve with Chicken Thighs
Baked chicken thighs are a juicy, tender, and delicious dinner option. But you will need a few side items to make it a complete meal.
Here are some of my favorite options:
- Sweet potato fries
- Irish mashed potatoes
- Ina Garten mac and cheese
- French’s green bean casserole
- Wingstop fries
- Chick-fil-a waffle fries
- Amish broccoli salad with cheese and bacon
- Jennifer Aniston salad
Don’t forget dessert! Try these caramel pecan cinnamon rolls or this yummy Sprite cake.
How Long to Bake Chicken Thighs at 350
Wondering how long to bake chicken thighs at 350? Not anymore! Follow this easy recipe for the best baked chicken thighs. Plus, the best tips and tricks!
Ingredients
4 chicken thighs
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking tray with aluminum foil.
- Rinse the chicken thighs with cold water. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Generously coat each side of each thigh with olive oil. Then, evenly cover each side with a generous amount of Italian seasoning. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the chicken to the baking tray, skin side up.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 45 to 50 minutes. The chicken is ready when the internal temp reads 165 degrees on a meat thermometer.
- Remove the tray from the oven and let the chicken rest for 3 to 5 minutes before serving. Then, serve and enjoy!
