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Sheet Pan Baked Italian Chicken Thighs
If you're looking for a chicken thigh recipe that's juicy, flavorful, and effortlessly easy, these Baked Italian Chicken Thighs are exactly what you need.
Marinated in Italian dressing, garlic, and classic herbs, then roasted until golden and crispy, this is an oven baked dinner that's as comforting as it is crave-worthy.
You'll also want to try my other chicken thigh recipes:
Creamy Basil Chicken Thighs - This creamy basil chicken is comfort food at its finest—and you’d never guess how easy it is to make (or that it’s low-carb!).
Grilled Sesame Chicken Thighs - When you need a quick dinner with zero fuss, this grilled sesame chicken is perfect—it’s simple, flavorful, and always a hit.
Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken Thighs - This will be a favorite way to prep chicken—tangy Greek yogurt keeps the thighs tender and juicy, and the flavor is out of this world.
Why You'll Love These Italian Chicken Thighs
There's something timeless about baked chicken—especially when it’s made with bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. That skin crisps up beautifully in the oven while the inside stays tender and juicy.
The secret here? A simple, flavor-packed marinade made from pantry staples like Italian dressing, garlic, and Italian seasoning.
Let the chicken soak in all that savory goodness, then bake to golden perfection on a sheet pan. Easy prep, minimal cleanup, and maximum flavor.
The Marinade Makes the Magic
The base of the marinade is rich and tangy Italian dressing, which not only adds classic Italian flavor but also helps tenderize the meat.
Garlic, herbs, a hint of red pepper flakes, and a splash of lemon juice round it out with bold flavor and brightness.
Let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least a couple of hours (or overnight if you have the time).
This helps the flavor penetrate the meat and gives you that juicy, well-seasoned bite in every forkful.
(Want to make a homemade Italian dressing instead? See below!)
How to Make the Italian Baked Chicken Thigh Recipe
Once your chicken is marinated and ready, all that’s left to do is roast it. Arrange the chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet, skin-side up, and pop it in the oven.
As it bakes, the skin crisps, the marinade caramelizes slightly, and your kitchen starts to smell absolutely amazing.
It's the kind of baked chicken that looks like you spent hours—when really, the oven did all the work.
To get that extra crispy finish, you can use the broiler for a few minutes at the end. Just keep an eye on it so the skin doesn’t burn!
Tips for the Best Oven Baked Italian Chicken Thighs
Bone-in, skin-on thighs yield the best flavor and texture, but boneless thighs also work great if you're short on time.
Want spicier chicken? Add more red pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness—your chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
For meal prep, double the batch and enjoy leftover Italian chicken thighs in salads, wraps, or with chicken and rice.
What to Serve With Crispy Italian Chicken Thighs
This easy baked chicken thighs recipe pairs beautifully with almost any side dish. Some of our favorites:
Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower for low-carb
Instant Pot Green Beans with Bacon
Whether you're feeding the family or prepping lunches for the week, this easy Italian meal fits right in.
Make It Yours
Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning to fit your taste. Want it more garlicky? Add a little garlic powder. Prefer smokiness? Try a dash of smoked paprika. Onion flavor? Add a dash of onion powder.
This recipe is flexible, forgiving, and always delicious.
These baked Italian chicken thighs are everything you want in a go-to chicken thigh recipe—crispy, juicy, bold in flavor, and beautifully simple.
Baked Italian Chicken Thighs Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 Bone-In-Skin-On Chicken Thighs
- 1 Cup Italian Dressing see below to make your own
- 3 Cloves Garlic Minced
- 1 Teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
- ½ Teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
- Place the chicken thighs in a gallon-sized zip-top bag. Add the Italian dressing, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Seal the bag and massage the chicken to evenly distribute the marinade.
- Refrigerate and marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Arrange the chicken thighs skin-side up on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- For crispier skin, place under the broiler for 2–3 minutes at the end of the baking time. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Remove from oven and allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Homemade Italian Dressing
Ingredients
- ½ Cup Olive Oil
- ¼ Cup White Wine Vinegar (or Red Wine Vinegar)
- 2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice (fresh is best)
- 1 Teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- ½ Teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ½ Teaspoon Onion Powder
- ½ Teaspoon Salt
- ¼ Teaspoon Black Pepper
- ¼ Teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 Teaspoon Dijon Mustard (optional, helps emulsify)
- 1–2 Teaspoons Honey or Low-Carb Sweetener (optional, balances acidity)
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a mason jar or small bowl.
- Shake well (if using a jar with a lid) or whisk until fully combined.
- Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more lemon juice, sweetener, or salt if needed.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Shake well before each use.
- If using it as the marinade for this recipe, use the entire recipe as the marinade.
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