How Long to Cook Chicken Thighs at 275°F in the Oven: The Perfect Low & Slow Method

If you’re looking to achieve incredibly tender juicy chicken thighs with flavor that permeates every bite the low and slow method at 275°F might be exactly what you need. This cooking technique transforms ordinary chicken thighs into a mouthwatering meal that will have your family asking for seconds.

The Quick Answer

Cooking time for chicken thighs at 275°F: Approximately 2 to 2.5 hours until they reach an internal temperature of 175°F (79°C).

This longer cooking time allows the tough connective tissues to break down properly, resulting in meat that’s not just safe to eat, but incredibly tender and flavorful

Why Cook Chicken Thighs at Such a Low Temperature?

You might be wondering why anyone would choose to cook chicken at such a low temperature when you could crank up the heat and be done faster. Here’s why the “low and slow” approach at 275°F works so well for chicken thighs:

• Better texture: The connective tissues in thighs break down gradually, creating exceptionally moist and tender meat
• Enhanced flavor: Slow cooking intensifies the flavors of your marinades and seasonings
• Even cooking: Lower temperatures provide more consistent results with less risk of drying out the exterior before the interior is done
• Forgiving process: It’s harder to overcook chicken thighs at this temperature, giving you a wider window of perfection

Bone-In vs. Boneless Chicken Thighs

The type of chicken thighs you choose will affect your cooking time and results

Bone-in thighs generally deliver more flavor and stay juicier during the cooking process. The bone acts as a heat conductor while also buffering the meat from drying out. However, boneless thighs cook faster and are more convenient to eat.

Factors That Affect Cooking Time

Several factors can influence how long your chicken thighs take to cook at 275°F:

• Size of the thighs: Larger pieces naturally take longer
• Oven accuracy: Not all ovens maintain temperatures perfectly (use an oven thermometer!)
• Starting temperature: Cold chicken straight from the refrigerator takes longer than room temperature chicken
• Quantity being cooked: A full pan takes longer than just a few pieces
• Altitude: Higher altitudes may require slight adjustments to cooking time

Preparing Your Chicken Thighs for Perfect Results

Step 1: Season or Marinate

For best results, season your chicken thighs liberally. A basic seasoning might include:

• Salt and pepper
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Dried herbs like thyme or rosemary

For even better flavor, marinate the thighs for at least 30 minutes (or overnight in the refrigerator) in a mixture such as:

• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Minced garlic
• Herbs and spices
• Soy sauce or other flavor enhancers

Step 2: Pat the Chicken Dry

This is SO important! Before cooking, pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels, especially if you’ve marinated them. This helps promote browning and prevents steaming, which can make the skin rubbery.

Step 3: Arrange Properly

Place the chicken thighs in a single layer in your baking dish, leaving space between each piece for proper heat circulation. Avoid overcrowding the pan, which causes steaming rather than roasting.

The Cooking Process

1. Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C)
2. Place the prepared chicken thighs in a baking dish or on a rimmed baking sheet
3. Put the chicken in the preheated oven
4. Cook for approximately 2-2.5 hours for bone-in thighs or 1.5-2 hours for boneless
5. Check the internal temperature periodically, especially after the 1.5 hour mark

How to Know When They’re Done

The most reliable way to determine doneness is with a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh (avoiding the bone) and look for:

• Minimum safe temperature: 165°F (74°C) according to USDA guidelines
• Recommended temperature for thighs: 175°F (79°C) for more tender texture

Visual cues can help too – look for:

• Clear (not pink) juices when pierced
• Meat that easily pulls apart with a fork
• No pink color in the meat

Getting Crispy Skin

One challenge with cooking at 275°F is achieving crispy skin. If you want crispy skin, you have a few options:

1. Finish with high heat: Increase the oven temperature to 425°F for the last 15-20 minutes
2. Use the broiler: Switch to the broiler for the final 3-5 minutes (watch carefully!)
3. Pat very dry before cooking: Remove as much moisture as possible from the skin
4. Apply a light coating of oil: This helps promote browning

Don’t Skip the Resting Period!

After removing the chicken from the oven, let it rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat rather than running out when you cut into it, resulting in juicier chicken.

Recipe Example: Basic Low & Slow Chicken Thighs

Ingredients:

• 6-8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 275°F
2. Pat chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels
3. Mix all seasonings in a small bowl
4. Rub chicken thighs with olive oil, then coat with seasoning mixture
5. Arrange thighs skin-side up in a baking dish, leaving space between pieces
6. Bake for approximately 2-2.5 hours until internal temperature reaches 175°F
7. Optional: Increase heat to 425°F for final 15 minutes for crispier skin
8. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook frozen chicken thighs at 275°F?

No, it’s not recommended. Always thaw chicken completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and food safety.

Is it safe to eat chicken thighs cooked to 165°F?

Yes, 165°F is the USDA recommended safe temperature for chicken. However, thighs benefit from being cooked to 175°F for better texture.

Can I add vegetables to the baking dish with the chicken?

Yes, but be aware that at 275°F, vegetables will cook very slowly. Cut them into larger pieces to prevent them from becoming mushy, or add them partway through the cooking process.

How do I store and reheat leftover chicken thighs?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a 275°F oven until warmed through (about 15-20 minutes) or in a skillet with a little broth to maintain moisture.

What if my oven doesn’t go as low as 275°F?

Use the lowest setting available and monitor the chicken closely. You may need to adjust cooking time accordingly.

Side Dishes That Pair Well With Slow-Cooked Chicken Thighs

When you’ve spent the time to perfectly cook your chicken thighs, pair them with sides that complement their rich flavor:

• Roasted potatoes and carrots
• Steamed green vegetables like broccoli or green beans
• Rice pilaf or wild rice
• Fresh garden salad
• Cornbread or dinner rolls
• Mashed potatoes
• Coleslaw

Final Thoughts

Cooking chicken thighs at 275°F requires patience, but the results are worth the wait. This method transforms an ordinary cut of meat into something extraordinary – tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. While it takes longer than high-heat methods, it’s more forgiving and consistently delivers superior results.

Next time you’re not in a rush, give this low and slow method a try. Your taste buds (and dinner guests) will thank you!

Remember, the key to success is monitoring the internal temperature rather than relying solely on time. Every oven is different, and chicken thigh sizes vary, so use a good meat thermometer to achieve perfect results every time.

Happy cooking!