How long does it take to cook chicken in convection oven

Posted: 3/10/22 Updated: 3/10/22

Table of Contents Show

reasons you'll love this recipe
Ingredient Notes
4 tips for Success
Step by step directions
How long to bake chicken thighs?
Serve it with
Stasher Silicone Storage Bags
More chicken recipes
Reader Interactions
Is it better to bake chicken on convection?
How long should I cook chicken breast in a convection oven?
Is 350 degrees the same in a convection oven?
Can chicken be cooked in convection mode?

This foolproof method results in PERFECT baked chicken thighs with the most deliciously crispy skin and juicy meat - every time! Plus four critical tips for perfect baked chicken, and a delicious spice rub.

Once you've learned how to make the perfect baked chicken breast, it's time to master perfect baked chicken thighs!

Featured Review

"Absolutely delicious! Followed the recipe and cooking instructions exactly and they came out perfect!"

- Melissa

This recipe has been tested 15 + times, to absolute perfection! During recipe testing, we noted four critical steps to achieve the perfect crispy baked chicken thighs that are juicy and tender on the inside, and crispy on the outside.

This no-fail recipe uses a combination of the perfect temperature, spice rub, and cooking time - resulting in the best crispy baked chicken thighs you've ever had!

reasons you'll love this recipe

the flavor and textures are on point - with crispy skin, and juicy meat
they are oven-ready in just 10 minutes
this is a simple, classic recipe that goes with everything

Learn all the tips and tricks for making perfect baked chicken thighs by watching the video below! You can find more of my recipe videos on my YouTube channel.

Ingredient Notes

Chicken thighs - we're using bone-in, skin on chicken thighs for the ultimate juicy and tender meat. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are not recommended for this recipe. For best results, ensure your thighs are of similar size.
Oil- the oil helps the rub stick to the chicken, and helps the outside brown up. We recommend extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil.
Spice rub - we're using onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper, oregano, and basil for classic flavor that goes with everything!

4 tips for Success

The details will make or break this recipe, and it's all in the preparation!

Start with dry chicken thighs - You will want to blot any extra moisture off the skin and underside of the thighs with a paper towel. This is particularly important if you have thawed chicken thighs.
Use oil - but not too much! Using too much oil will cause the thighs to splatter everywhere in your oven (ugh), and can make a paste with the rub, preventing that perfect, crispy skin. You just want a really thin coat...1 tablespoon for 2 lbs! I recommend olive oil or avocado oil.
Use a rack - I tested with and without a rack, and it was very clear: chicken thighs baked on the rack got crispy all around. Thighs without the rack were crispy on the top but not on the sides. Sitting up and away from the pan keeps the thighs crispy!
Use a rub - but not too much! Too much rub on your chicken thighs will cake and get soggy in the oven. No one wants soggy chicken thighs! This rub seems scant but it is *just* enough to get flavor and crispy skin.
BONUS - don't forget to rest. Resting your chicken is important to allow juices to evenly distribute. If you cut into the thighs just after baking, they will run out everywhere 🙁 Give your chicken thighs 5 minutes to rest before serving. Serve immediately after the resting time is over. As these thighs sit, they get less crispy.

Step by step directions

Heat oven to 400°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil (if desired); and place a wire rack on it. Blot chicken thighs with a paper towel until they are completely dry, then transfer to a large bowl.

Toss with oil until thinly coated, then transfer, skin side up, to the wire rack on the baking sheet.

Stir together rub, then sprinkle over thighs. Rub it in using your hands.

Bake chicken in the oven: cook time will depend on the size of your thighs and the oven setting you use:

Convection - if you use a convection oven, your thighs will take between 25-35 minutes earlier and you will not need to broil
Bake - if you do not have convection setting on your oven, your thighs will be ready between 35-40 minutes and you will need to broil 2-4 minutes to get that crispy skin.

Allow resting for 5 minutes before serving.

💡 Tip - Make sure your chicken thighs are cooked through by using a digital thermometer in the thickest portion of the thigh. When it registers 165°F, they are done!

FAQ

Is it better to bake chicken thighs at 350ºF or 400ºF?

Our tried and true method when it comes to juicy, perfect baked chicken is to cook it at a higher temp to lock in all the juicy flavors!

Should you cover chicken thighs when baking?

No! If you want crispy skin and juicy, tender meat - it's best to cook uncovered.

Is it better to bake chicken in glass or metal?

For this recipe, we use a 400°F oven temperature, which is getting quite hot for glass, so I suggest using metal. I recommend a sturdy baking sheet over a dish, as this allows for good air circulation around the chicken breasts as they bake.

How long to bake chicken thighs?

This recipe bakes at 400°F, as this is the perfect balance between crispy skin and juicy chicken.

How long to bake chicken thighs depends on two things: the size of your chicken thighs, and the oven setting that you use.

If you have the convection setting on your oven we highly recommend using it for the crispiest chicken thighs!

How long to bake chicken thighs at 400°F

convection- 25-35 minutes (small- 25 minutes, large- 35 minutes), no need to broil
non-convection- 35-40 minutes (small-35 minutes, large- 40 minutes), broil until skin is crispy

Serve it with

Fridge - Cool completely, then store in an air tight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer - Cool completely, then wrap in plastic wrap or parchment paper. Store in a larger meal prep container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat - heat up single servings in the microwave until steaming hot. Warm larger portions in a covered dish in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, until warmed through. Crisp up under the broiler or in an air fryer

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Learn how to make PERFECT baked chicken thighs with the most deliciously crispy skin and juicy meat. Four important tips and a delicious spice rub!

▢ 2 lbs bone-in, skin on chicken thighs roughly 6 thighs
▢ 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil

Rub

▢ 1 teaspoon onion powder
▢ 1 teaspoon garlic powder
▢ ½ teaspoon pepper
▢ ½ teaspoon salt
▢ ½ teaspoon oregano
▢ ½ teaspoon basil

Prepare - Heat oven to 400°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil (if desired); and place a wire rack on it. Blot chicken thighs with paper towel until they are completely dry, then transfer to a large bowl.
Add oil - Toss with oil until thinly coated, then transfer, skin side up, to the wire rack on the baking sheet.
Rub - Stir together rub, then sprinkle over thighs. Rub it in using your hands.
Bake - Bake chicken in the oven: cook time will depend on the size of your thighs and the oven setting you use:
1. Convection - if you use convection, your thighs will take between 25-35 minutes earlier and you will not need to broil
2. Bake - if you do not have convection setting on your oven, your thighs will be ready between 35-40 minutes and you will need to broil 2-4 minutes to get that crispy skin.
Serve - Check that your chicken is cooked through to reach an internal temperature of 165°F by measuring with a digital thermometer. Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

4 Tips for perfect crispy chicken thighs every time:

Start with dry chicken thighs - You will want to blot any extra moisture off the skin and underside of the thighs with a paper towel. This is particularly important if you have thawed chicken thighs.
Use oil - but not too much! Using too much oil will cause the thighs to splatter everywhere in your oven (ugh), and can make a paste with the rub, preventing that perfect, crispy skin. You just want a really thin coat...1 tablespoon for 2 lbs! I recommend olive oil or avocado oil.
Use a rack - I tested with and without a rack, and it was very clear: chicken thighs baked on the rack got crispy all around. Thighs without the rack were crispy on the top but not on the sides. Sitting up and away from the pan keeps the thighs crispy!
Use a rub - but not too much! Too much rub on your chicken thighs will cake and get soggy in the oven. No one wants soggy chicken thighs! This rub seems scant but it is *just* enough to get flavor and crispy skin.
BONUS - don't forget to rest. Resting your chicken is important to allow juices to be evenly distributed. If you cut into the thighs just after baking, they will run out everywhere. Give your chicken thighs 5 minutes to rest before serving. Serve immediately after the resting time is over. As these thighs sit, they get less crispy.

Storage

Thighs may be baked up to 4 days ahead. Store in an air-tight container in the fridge and rewarm in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.

Serving: 1thigh, Calories: 245kcal, Carbohydrates: 1g, Protein: 19g, Fat: 18g, Saturated Fat: 5g, Cholesterol: 77mg, Sodium: 266mg, Potassium: 200mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 144IU, Vitamin C: 2mg, Calcium: 14mg, Iron: 1mg

© Sweet Peas & Saffron - Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.

Meet Denise Bustard

Denise Bustard is the creator of Sweet Peas and Saffron, a meal prep-focussed food blog. With a PhD in biochemistry, Denise takes a scientific approach to perfecting her recipes. You can find Denise's work featured on Huffington Post, MSN, Self and more.

Reader Interactions

Is it better to bake chicken on convection?

Oven Setting: Roast the chicken using the convection setting on your oven, if you have it. I always use convection when roasting chicken. The chicken will cook more evenly and the skin while brown up and become perfectly crispy.

How long should I cook chicken breast in a convection oven?

Place into the center of the convection oven and bake for 1 hour. Check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F. It should take about 60-80 minutes to fully cook the chicken.

Is 350 degrees the same in a convection oven?

Reduce the oven temperature of a standard recipe by 25 degrees if using a convection oven. If a recipe calls for baking at 350 degrees in a still oven, reduce the temperature to 325 if baking in a convection oven.

Can chicken be cooked in convection mode?

6) Brush some oil on top of the chicken. 7) Pre-heat the oven in convection mode for 5 Mins at 200 C. 8) After 5 Mins, carefully open the hot oven and place the prepared tray with marinated chicken on the central rack. 9) Bake it in convection mode for 40 Mins by carefully observing the chicken every 10 Mins.