Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

Baked chicken thighs is one of the best meals that are inexpensive yet tasty. They are one of the most widely loved chicken recipes and are enjoyed as weeknight meals. Baking boneless chicken thighs vary from the size of the chicken to the temperature of the oven, and if you would love to bake them at a high heat of 400 degrees, it is best to know how long it would take for proper well-baked boneless chicken thighs.

However, in today’s blog post, we bring you the required timing, our favorite baking recipes, and step-by-step instructions with tips for juicy, tasty, delicious, and well-baked boneless chicken thighs at 400 degrees. Keep reading and learn more if you’ve never tried baking your boneless chicken thighs at 400.

Page Contents

How Long Does It Take To Bake Boneless Chicken Thighs At 400 Degrees?

How to bake your boneless chicken thighs varies, but the best results are when the right timing is used in baking. Baking boneless chicken thighs requires 30-45 minutes at 400 oF (or 204 C) without flipping them while baking. The timing and heat setting give you a crispy and juicy baked boneless chicken thigh.

However, there is a standard temperature guide according to the USDA; at the point where the internal temperature reaches 165^oF or 74^oC, the boneless chicken thigh should have been properly baked, and you can measure this using your meat thermometer every 5 minutes into the baking time, but if this isn’t so, then leave in the oven till the last timing.

The timing, however, depends, especially if you use a convection or forced air oven.

What’s The Difference Between Boneless And Bone-in Chicken Thighs?

The boneless chicken thighs have no bone, while the bone-in has its bones intact. The boneless chicken thighs, however, have a faster baking time than the bone-in. It takes about 15-20 minutes to cook, while the bone-in consumes more time.

The boneless chicken thighs are meaty with no fat skin, making them considered healthy. However, having a soft and juicy piece of baked meat requires more seasoning and extra baking.

Why Do I Need To Bake Boneless Chicken Thighs At 400?

It is best to bake proper and well-behaved chicken thighs at 400oF. This helps to have them thoroughly baked and makes them soft and juicy. Baking at 400 degrees is ideal for boneless chicken thighs because a higher heat baking setting will make them dry out and likely burn.

However, baking at a high-temperature setting for the first few minutes will give you a crispy skin-on. Then, you can reduce the heat setting back to 400 °F. This process isn’t always necessary, as you can get the best baking results without switching the temperature setting.

Can I Bake Frozen Boneless Chicken Thighs At 400?

Of course, the same baking process as fresh boneless chicken thighs. The time to bake frozen boneless chicken thighs is about 40-45 minutes.

When baking, use the meat thermometer to monitor the internal baking temperature. Ensure to have a temperature of 165^oF for a well-baked chicken. To defrost your frozen boneless chicken, do the following:

Fill the pot with hot water (not necessarily to the brim).
Deep the frozen chicken into the water while it is sealed in a plastic bag or container. Then, put a heavy object on it to make it stay in the water.
You can also bring it out from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking.

Can I Bake Boneless Chicken Using An Air Fryer At 400?

Yes, baking your boneless chicken thighs in an air fryer works, especially if you’re in a hurry. Air fryers allow hot air to flow through the chicken to have even baked on each side.

To bake using an air fryer, preheat the oven to 400 °F. Then, place your chicken thighs into the air fryer and allow them to bake. The baking time takes about 15 – 20 minutes. However, use your meat thermometer to measure the internal temperature until it reaches 165oF constantly.

How Do I Check The Doneness Of My Baked Boneless Chicken Thighs?

To be sure of properly and well-baked boneless chicken thighs, there are two ways to check the doneness of the chicken using a meat thermometer or a sharp pairing knife.

1. Using a meat thermometer

The meat thermometer allows you to monitor the baking process, and according to the standard guide, once the temperature reaches 165°F to about 196°F, the baking process should be complete.

If there’s still a pinkish trace, let it heat until 400 degrees. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat and leave for 2 to 4 seconds. This would allow it to read accurately.

2. Using a sharp knife

Poke the chicken and slice a small portion of the thickest part of the boneless chicken thigh. The juices tend to run when cutting, but the baking process is clear, and the colour is golden brown. However, the presence of pinkish or bloody traces means it isn’t ready yet, and you can leave it to heat through properly.

How Long Should Boneless Chicken Thighs Be Grilled At 400?

The size, however, determines this, but the standard timing for grilling boneless chicken thighs is approximately 5-8 minutes.

Over medium heat at 400 degrees, preheat the grill. Arrange the chicken thighs on the grill racks and grill for about 5 to 8 minutes, or monitor the temperature with your meat thermometer until it reaches 165 °F. Then, remove the grilled chicken thighs and rest for 5-6 minutes.

Baking Tips On How Long To Bake Boneless Chicken Thighs At 400 Degrees

Well-baked boneless chicken thighs are soft, aromatic, and juicy. Here are recipes, processes, and tips to achieve incredible baked chicken thighs.

Recipes

2 pounds of boneless chicken thighs
2 tbsp oil (olive oil or any preferred choice of neutral oil)
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp garlic powder/granules
1 tsp smoked paprika, chilli powder, and cumin (for colour improvement)
⅓ cup of sugar (brown sugar is best)
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp black and cayenne pepper
2 tbsp vinegar (either apple cider or white vinegar)
1 tsp salt (kosher salt will do)

Baking Instructions

The below baking process includes both baking and broiling.

Set your oven to 400^oF to preheat.

Mix the seasonings, spice rubs, and soy sauce in a large mixing bowl to form marinades.

Brush the boneless chicken thighs with oil.

Rub the mixed marinade over the chicken thighs or put the chicken into the bowl and flip to coat it properly.

Allow it to sit in the bowl for about 3 minutes to absorb the marinade thoroughly. Cover the bowl with foil or wrap and put it into the fridge to marinate (this can stay for 30 minutes before baking or overnight).

Line the baking tray properly to give a rimmed sheet.

Remove the chicken from the marinade, and arrange it in the tray.
You can squeeze the lemon over the chicken thighs and put them into the oven.

Then set the timer to bake for about 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165oF standard temperature.

To make the chicken crispier and golden brown, broil for 3-5 minutes.

Then, once it gets done, please remove it from the oven and rest for about 5 minutes. This helps to distribute the juice evenly. You can now serve and enjoy!

Baking Tips

Baking boneless chicken thighs are crisp and juicy without them drying out quickly. For the best results, here are a few tips to follow:

Avoid overcoating the boneless chicken thighs with marinades.

For a more juicy boneless chicken thighs meal, mix water, sugar, and salt and soak in the chicken thighs for about a few hours before baking or overnight. This helps to reduce the muscle fibres to absorb more moisture while baking.

For added flavour and crispness, sear the boneless chicken thighs with butter.

To apply a sweetened glaze or sauce, wait till the chicken is half-baked to prevent the sauce from burning or darkening.

Do not cover the chicken thighs with aluminium foil while baking. The foil causes steaming, hindering the crispness of the chicken thighs.

Arrange the chicken thighs over a well-prepared vegetable bed with celery, onions, or carrot. These vegetables release moisture while roasting, which keeps the chicken moist.

Ensure to pat dry your boneless chicken thighs before seasoning.

How Can I Bake Boneless Chicken Thighs Quickly?

Ovens offer convectional functions, such that the fan and exhaust system allow hot air to flow into the oven. This helps with quick baking.

However, you combine the broiling and baking processes or do them separately. Broiling exposes the boneless chicken thighs to direct heat, while baking uses indirect heat.

At 400 degrees, the boneless chicken thighs should be allowed to bake for about 25 or 30 minutes. Then, broil for about 8-10 minutes. The broiler allows for a thicker and crispier coating on the baked boneless chicken.

Can I Cover My Boneless Chicken Thighs While Baking?

However, covering your chicken thighs while you bake depends on preference, but an uncovered boneless chicken thigh allows you to have a more crispy result.

Is It Possible To Over-Bake Chicken Thighs?

Avoid over-baking if you want juicy, soft, and crispy baked boneless chicken thighs. Like every other meat, boneless chicken thighs can be overbaked if baked too long. Knowing how long it requires to achieve well-baked chicken thighs.

How Do I Store Baked Boneless Chicken Thighs?

Storing your baked boneless chicken thighs can be for days or months; whichever preference, You can store them in a fridge or a freezer. However, wrapping them in an airtight container or a sealable plastic bag for storage is recommended.

Can I Reheat Baked Boneless Chicken Thighs?

Yes, you can. The process of reheating baked boneless chicken thighs is fast and easy. The process can be done using a stovetop, oven, microwave, or air fryer.

Place a cooking or baking pan over medium heat on a stovetop and arrange the chicken thighs on the pan. Then, add a few drops of water to the pan and cook for about 7 minutes or until the water evaporates. Toss the chicken thighs halfway through to have an even heat distribution on all sides. After, take the pan off the heat and enjoy.

Reheating with an oven, preheat the oven to a heat setting of 380^oF (180^oC). Then, place the chicken tight on the baking tray or rack in a parallel position with enough space to allow even heat distribution. Sprinkle about 5 tbsps of water over the chicken (do not get it soggy). Then, leave to heat for about 7-10 minutes or use your thermometer to measure the internal temperature till it reaches 165^oF.

Using an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to a temperature of 180^oC (or 380^oF) and unwrap the covered chicken thighs. Then, properly place the chicken thighs in the basket of the air fryer and allow them to heat for about 7 minutes or until the heat has been evenly distributed through the meat.

In a microwave, arrange the chicken thighs on a microwave-safe plate and brush over the chicken with two tablespoons of water, then cover with a microwave-safe cover.

Allow heating at a high temperature for the first 2 minutes and an interval of 40 seconds till the heat is even through the chicken. Then, check the internal temperature, and once it reaches the standard 165^oF, it has fully heated and can now be served.

What Can I Serve With My Baked Boneless Chicken Thighs?

From side dishes like baked potatoes, macaroni salad, roasted carrots, or coleslaw to cooked grains like couscous, farro, or mushroom rice, to popular dipping sauces like ranch, barbeque sauce, ketchup, regional sauces like Indian korma, Alabama white sauce, Asian lime ginger sauce, Orange chicken sauce, Korean soy garlic, and several others, what to serve alongside your baked boneless chicken thighs should be the best.

Baking Boneless Chicken Thighs At 400 Recipe

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Ingredients

2 pounds of boneless chicken thighs
2 tbsp oil (olive oil or any preferred choice of neutral oil)
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp garlic powder/granules
1 tsp smoked paprika, chili powder, and cumin (for color improvement)
⅓ cup of sugar (brown sugar is best)
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp black and cayenne pepper
2 tbsp vinegar (either apple cider or white vinegar)
1 tsp salt (kosher salt will do)

Instructions

Set your oven to 400^oF to preheat.
Mix the seasonings, spice rubs, and soy sauce in a large mixing bowl to form marinades.
Brush the boneless chicken thighs with oil.
Rub the mixed marinade over the chicken thighs or put the chicken into the bowl and flip to coat it properly.
You can also allow it to sit in the bowl for about 3 minutes to absorb the marinade thoroughly. Cover the bowl with foil or wrap and put it into the fridge to marinate (this can stay for 30 minutes before baking or overnight).
Line the baking tray properly to give a rimmed sheet.
Remove the chicken from the marinade, and arrange it in the tray.
You can squeeze the lemon over the chicken thighs and put them into the oven.
Then set the timer to bake for about 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165oF standard temperature.
To make the chicken crispier and golden brown, broil for another 3-5 minutes.
Then, once it gets done, please remove it from the oven and rest for about 5 minutes. This helps to distribute the juice evenly. You can now serve and enjoy!

Video

Keyword chili powder, kosher salt, paprika, white vinegar

Conclusion

Baked boneless chicken thighs are second to none. They can be used to make several local and international cuisines.

Various seasonings, marinades, spices, rub, and sauce add flavour to your baked boneless chicken thighs. However, the baking time tends to maintain the same effect.

For properly and well-baked boneless chicken thighs with a soft, highly juicy taste, ensure to bake at 400 for 30-35 minutes. Also, monitor the baking process so the internal temperature reaches 165^oF with no blood or pinkish traces.