Introduction

Oven baked chicken thighs are a simple, flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. With a sweet and tangy coating, these tender chicken thighs come out juicy and delicious every time.

The image shows several pieces of glazed chicken wings placed closely together on a white marbled surface. The wings are covered in a thick, shiny sauce that is a rich orange-red color with visible black pepper and spice flakes, creating a textured, sticky appearance. The sauce pools slightly around the wings, giving a glossy look with small areas of oil reflecting light. The chicken skin appears crispy with a mix of dark brown and golden tones under the sauce, showing a well-cooked texture. The overall presentation emphasizes the saucy, spiced, and juicy nature of the chicken wings. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4-6 boneless skinless chicken thighs (fat removed)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 (0.6 oz) packet Italian dressing mix

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and Italian dressing mix until well combined.
Step 3: Place the chicken thighs in the baking dish and evenly coat each piece with the brown sugar mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Step 4: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is nicely caramelized.
Step 5: Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

For crispier edges, place the chicken under the broiler for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking but watch carefully to avoid burning.
You can use bone-in chicken thighs, but increase baking time by 10-15 minutes.
Add a pinch of garlic powder or chili flakes to the seasoning mix for extra flavor and heat.
Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or over a bed of rice to make a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to keep them moist and avoid drying out.

How to Serve

The image shows several pieces of chicken wings coated in a shiny, sticky sauce that is a mix of deep orange and reddish colors with visible black pepper flakes. The wings have a crispy, slightly bumpy texture with some charred spots, giving a crunchy look. They are placed close together on a white marbled surface that has some shiny sauce stains and small spots of seasoning around the wings, adding to the mouth-watering appearance. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but chicken breasts are leaner and can dry out more easily. Reduce the baking time and check for doneness frequently to ensure juicy results.

Is it necessary to remove the skin and fat?

Removing the skin and excess fat is recommended for a leaner dish and to prevent flare-ups or excessive grease, but leaving skin on will add crispiness and richness.

Best Oven Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 56 reviews

This Best Oven Baked Chicken Thighs recipe offers perfectly juicy, tender, and flavorful chicken thighs coated with a sweet and savory blend of brown sugar and Italian dressing mix. Baked in the oven to crispy, golden perfection, it’s an effortless and delicious meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping.

Author: Bella
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

4–6 boneless skinless chicken thighs (fat removed)

Seasoning

1/2 cup brown sugar
1 – 0.6 oz packet Italian Dressing Mix

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even cooking for tender and juicy chicken thighs.
Prepare Seasoning Mix: In a small mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar and Italian dressing mix packet to create a sweet and flavorful rub.
Coat Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Evenly coat each chicken thigh on all sides with the brown sugar and Italian dressing mix blend to infuse the flavors.
Arrange in Baking Dish: Place the coated chicken thighs in a single layer in a baking dish, ensuring they do not overlap for even cooking and crisping.
Bake Chicken: Bake the chicken thighs in the preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the outside is caramelized and slightly crispy.
Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken thighs from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, then serve warm with your favorite sides.

Notes

Remove excess fat from chicken thighs for a leaner meal.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked safely to 165°F (75°C).
For extra crispiness, broil for the last 2-3 minutes but watch carefully to avoid burning.
Can be served with rice, roasted vegetables, or salad.
Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: oven baked chicken thighs, baked chicken, Italian seasoning chicken, easy chicken recipes, brown sugar chicken