The safe minimum internal temperature for cooked chicken thighs is 165°F (74°C), which ensures they are safe to eat

. However, many chefs and cooking experts recommend cooking chicken thighs to a higher internal temperature for better texture and tenderness:

• 175°F (79°C) results in very good, tender meat that still clings to the bone, ideal for roasting with other ingredients

• 185-190°F (85-88°C) or even up to 195°F (90°C) produces exceptionally tender, juicy, and flavorful chicken thighs, as the collagen breaks down more fully

Oven temperatures for baking chicken thighs commonly range from 375°F to 425°F (190°C to 218°C), with cooking times varying accordingly:

• At 375°F, bake bone-in skin-on thighs for about 30-50 minutes until they reach around 175°F internal temperature

• At 400-425°F, thighs cook faster, typically 35-40 minutes for bone-in skin-on, reaching 165-175°F internal temperature

• For boneless skinless thighs, higher oven temps like 400-425°F cook them in about 20-35 minutes

In summary, chicken thighs should be cooked to at least 165°F for safety, but cooking them to 175-190°F yields juicier, more tender results. Baking at 375-425°F with an internal temperature target of 175°F or higher is recommended for best texture and flavor. Use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part near the bone to check doneness accurately