Oven-baked Chicken Thighs

Oven-baked chicken thighs are considered a family favourite in many homes. What we love about this recipe is that it is easy to make, with the oven doing most of the work. So, if you’re craving an easy protein-based meal that uses one casserole to bake in, then you’re in luck. We’ve used chicken thighs with the skin on. This technique will ensure that the chicken thighs have crispy skin, are full of flavour, and remain soft and juicy.

This dish has an amazing taste. The texture and flavour of the chicken are succulent, and the natural juices of the white meat add a ton of flavour. The tomatoes add a tangy taste in combination with the spices. You can also make this dish with drumsticks, wings, or a combination of the whole chicken.

Ingredients used to Make the Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs, Garlic cloves, Onion, Green bell pepper, Can of tomato, Worcestershire sauce, Olive oil, Brown sugar, Dried oregano, Dried basil, Ginger powder, Onion powder, Salt and Ground black pepper.

Oven-baked chicken thighs use a combination of spices, such as Dried oregano, Dried basil, Ginger powder, Onion powder, Salt, and Ground black pepper, to flavour the sauce. It provides a lovely Mediterranean taste that is simply addictive.

Brown sugar balances the flavours of the tomatoes. Vegetables such as onion and bell pepper add a crunchy taste to the sauce, while the garlic cloves make the dish a little spicy. Worcestershire sauce adds an umami taste.

Instructions

Prepare the ingredients: Rinse the chicken in running water. Make sure that the skin of the chicken thigh covers the meat. This allows the chicken to remain juicy and moist. Slice the onion and green bell pepper into chunky bits.

Gather the spices, such as brown sugar, dried oregano, dried basil, ginger powder, onion powder, salt, and ground black pepper. 

Prepare a casserole: Preheat the oven to 200ºC or 400ºF. Add the jar of tomato sauce, onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the casserole, and add the spices. Stir to mix the tomato sauce.

Bake the chicken thighs: Lay the chicken thighs on top of the tomato sauce. Sprinkle salt and black pepper on top of the chicken skin. This is important for flavour. Make sure the skin side is facing up. Bake the chicken for forty-five minutes with the oven fan on.

Expert tips

Put the skin side up while laying the chicken thighs on the casserole. Make sure to salt and pepper the skin of the chicken. Make sure not to cover the casserole with a foil for crispy chicken skin.

How do you store and reheat oven-baked chicken thighs?

The oven-baked chicken thighs must cool to room temperature. This will take about twenty minutes after they are removed from the oven. Place the chicken thighs in an airtight container. If you’re using a plastic or glass container, consider lining the bottom with parchment paper; it will make clean-up a breeze. Store in the fridge for two to three days. Freezing the chicken thighs is also possible; it will last for three to four months. Thaw and reheat in the oven for best results.

Is it better to bake the Chicken Thighs at 350°F or 400°F?

The thickness of the chicken thighs will determine the cooking time. If the chicken thighs are more than 1-inch in thickness, they will not cook all the way through. Smaller chicken thighs are preferred. However, if you are using larger thicken thighs, it is recommended to increase the cooking time by ten minutes. Turning the oven fan on will help to circulate and distribute the heat more evenly. This step translates to faster cooking times; check the chicken every eight minutes.

What can you serve with oven-baked chicken thighs in tomato sauce?

Pair with Roasted Vegetables or Mashed Potatoes. Consider an easy Green salad or a bowl of freshly made Rice. Oven-baked chicken thighs in tomato sauce will enhance so many dishes. You can also whip up some Couscous or Barley pilaf.