how long bake chicken thighs at 375

The Perfect Bake: How Long to Cook Chicken Thighs at 375°F

Chicken thighs are a weeknight dinner champion. They’re flavorful, forgiving, budget-friendly, and incredibly versatile. Baking is one of the easiest and healthiest ways to prepare them, offering juicy meat and potentially crispy skin. A common and reliable temperature for this is 375°F (190°C). But the big question always remains: exactly how long do they need in the oven?

While a simple time estimate is helpful, the golden rule of cooking poultry is always internal temperature, not time. However, understanding the typical timeframe gives you a great starting point.

The General Timeframe at 375°F (190°C):

As a guideline, expect chicken thighs to take approximately 25 to 40 minutes to bake at 375°F (190°C).

• Boneless, Skinless Thighs: These tend to cook faster, often falling in the 25-30 minute range.
• Bone-In, Skin-On Thighs: The bone acts as an insulator, and the skin adds a layer, so these usually take longer, often needing 30-40 minutes, sometimes slightly more depending on size.

Why Time Isn’t Enough: The Importance of Internal Temperature

Relying solely on a timer is risky for two main reasons: food safety and quality.

1. Safety: Undercooked chicken can harbor harmful bacteria like Salmonella. Cooking chicken to the correct internal temperature ensures these bacteria are killed.
2. Quality: Overcooked chicken thighs, while more forgiving than breasts, can still become dry and tough. Conversely, slightly undercooked thighs (even if technically safe at 165°F) won’t have the best texture, as the connective tissue won’t have fully broken down.

The Magic Number: Target Internal Temperature

The USDA recommends cooking all poultry to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding contact with the bone.

However, for chicken thighs specifically, many cooks prefer a higher temperature. Cooking them to 175°F – 185°F (80°C – 85°C) helps break down more connective tissue (collagen), resulting in exceptionally tender and juicy meat. Don’t be afraid to aim for this higher range with thighs – they can handle it beautifully.

Factors Influencing Cooking Time:

Even at a consistent 375°F, several factors can change how long your thighs need:

1. Size and Thickness: Larger, thicker thighs will naturally take longer than smaller, thinner ones.
2. Bone-In vs. Boneless: As mentioned, bone-in thighs take longer.
3. Starting Temperature: Chicken straight from a very cold fridge will take longer than chicken that has sat at room temperature for 15-20 minutes (though avoid leaving it out longer for safety).
4. Oven Accuracy: Ovens can vary. Some run hot, some run cool, and some have hot spots. An oven thermometer can help you know your oven’s true temperature.
5. Crowding the Pan: If the thighs are packed too tightly on the baking sheet, airflow is restricted, leading to steaming rather than roasting and potentially increasing cook time. Give them some space!

Simple Steps for Baking Chicken Thighs at 375°F:

1. Preheat: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prep: Pat the chicken thighs thoroughly dry with paper towels (essential for crispy skin, if applicable). Season generously with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices (garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, rosemary are great choices). You can also toss them lightly in oil.
3. Arrange: Place the thighs on a baking sheet (lined with parchment paper or foil for easier cleanup). Ensure they aren’t touching. For skin-on thighs, place them skin-side up.
4. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Start checking the internal temperature around the lower end of the estimated time range (e.g., 25 minutes for boneless, 30 minutes for bone-in).
5. Check Temperature: Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of a thigh, avoiding bone. Look for 165°F (minimum) but preferably 175°F-185°F for optimal tenderness.
6. Rest: Once the target temperature is reached, remove the chicken from the oven. Tent loosely with foil and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more moist and flavorful thigh.

In Conclusion:

While 25-40 minutes is a solid estimate for baking chicken thighs at 375°F (190°C), always trust your thermometer over your timer. Aiming for an internal temperature of 175°F-185°F (80°C-85°C) in the thickest part, away from the bone, is the most reliable way to guarantee perfectly cooked, safe, tender, and juicy chicken thighs every single time. Happy baking!