How Long to Bake Chicken Thighs at 350, 375, 400 and 425°F
By The Recipes by Mom kitchen · Last checked October 21, 2026 · Not kitchen-tested; see how our recipes are made
Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs bake in about 35 to 45 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Boneless, skinless thighs are quicker, taking about 20 to 25 minutes at the same temperature. These times are estimates, as many factors can change how long chicken needs in the oven.
Using a food thermometer is the only way to be sure that chicken is cooked safely. The USDA states that all poultry must reach a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The time and temperature chart provides estimates to help you plan your cooking.
How Long to Bake Chicken Thighs at 350, 375, 400 and 425°F: time chart
| What | Heat | Time | Done when |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bone-in, skin-on thighs | 350°F (175°C) | 45 to 55 minutes | 165°F, skin browned |
| Bone-in, skin-on thighs | 375°F (190°C) | 40 to 50 minutes | 165°F |
| Bone-in, skin-on thighs | 400°F (200°C) | 35 to 45 minutes | 165°F |
| Bone-in, skin-on thighs | 425°F (220°C) | 30 to 40 minutes | 165°F, crisp skin |
| Boneless, skinless thighs | 400°F (200°C) | 20 to 25 minutes | 165°F |
| USDA chart: legs or thighs | 350°F (175°C) | 40 to 50 minutes | 165°F |
Table source: USDA FSIS approximate chicken cooking times (Chicken from Farm to Table). Ovens, grills and pieces vary: start checking at the low end of each range.
Good to know
- Thighs stay juicy past 165°F, so many cooks take them a little higher for texture; 165°F is the safety minimum
What changes the cooking time
The times in the chart are a guide, but your actual cooking time will vary based on several factors. Understanding these can help you get the best results.
- Bone-in or boneless: Bones absorb and distribute heat, so bone-in chicken thighs take longer to cook than boneless thighs. Boneless thighs cook in about 20 to 25 minutes at 400°F, while bone-in thighs need 35 to 45 minutes.
- Oven temperature: A higher oven temperature cooks the chicken faster. For example, bone-in thighs take 45 to 55 minutes at 350°F but only 30 to 40 minutes at 425°F.
- Size and thickness: Larger, thicker thighs will take longer to cook than smaller, thinner ones. For even cooking, try to use pieces that are similar in size. If your thighs are much larger than average, they may need more time than the chart suggests.
- Starting temperature: Chicken straight from a cold refrigerator will take longer to cook than chicken that has rested at room temperature for a short time before baking.
- Oven accuracy: Not all ovens are perfectly calibrated. An oven that runs hotter or cooler than its setting will change the cooking time.
How to tell when chicken thighs are done
Visual cues like clear juices or browned skin are not reliable indicators of doneness. The only way to guarantee food safety is to use a food thermometer.
According to the USDA, all poultry, including chicken thighs, must be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). To check the temperature correctly:
- Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh.
- Be careful not to touch the bone, as this can give an inaccurate, higher reading.
- Check several pieces to ensure they have all reached the safe temperature.
Chicken thighs are a forgiving cut of meat with a higher fat content than chicken breasts. They remain juicy and tender even if cooked slightly above 165°F. Many cooks prefer the texture when thighs are cooked to a higher temperature, but 165°F is the required minimum for safety.
Tips for better baked chicken thighs
A few simple techniques can improve the texture and browning of your baked chicken thighs.
- Pat the skin dry: For bone-in, skin-on thighs, use a paper towel to pat the skin completely dry before seasoning. A dry surface helps create skin that is brown and crisp rather than soft and rubbery.
- Arrange in a single layer: Place the chicken thighs in a single layer on your baking sheet or dish. Do not overcrowd the pan. Leaving space between the pieces allows hot air to circulate freely, which promotes even cooking and better browning.
- Use the right oven temperature: While chicken cooks at any of the temperatures in the chart, higher heat helps create crispier skin. Baking at 400°F or 425°F helps achieve a golden-brown exterior.
- Let the chicken rest: After removing the chicken from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful thigh.
Sources and method
- USDA FSIS Safe Minimum Internal Temperature Chart
- USDA FSIS approximate chicken cooking times (Chicken from Farm to Table)
- Time ranges not marked as USDA are typical ranges from standard cooking practice
Last checked October 21, 2026.