Easy Baked Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs Recipe
This recipe for Easy Baked Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs delivers juicy, flavorful chicken with a simple spice blend, baked to perfection in the oven. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, these thighs are seasoned with garlic, smoked paprika, and onion powder, offering a savory and aromatic flavor profile while remaining tender and moist.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 32 minutes
- Total Time: 57 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken & Seasonings
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 8 pieces)
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Remove the chicken thighs from the refrigerator 20 minutes before cooking to bring them to room temperature. Pat them completely dry with paper towels to ensure crisp skin and even seasoning.
- Season: Season both sides of the chicken thighs evenly with kosher salt. Allow the salt to sit on the chicken for 2 minutes, then sprinkle the black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and onion powder on both sides for full flavor penetration.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (204°C) and position the rack in the center to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Lightly brush a baking sheet with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the chicken thighs spaced evenly apart on the sheet, then drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the top of the thighs for additional moisture and browning.
- Bake Chicken: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the chicken thighs for 18 minutes. Then flip each thigh over carefully to ensure even cooking and browning on both sides.
- Continue Baking: Bake the flipped thighs for an additional 14 minutes. Check that the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reaches 175°F (79°C) to confirm they are fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Rest Before Serving: Remove the chicken from the oven and tent loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest for 3 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, making the chicken tender and juicy before serving.
Notes
- Bringing the chicken to room temperature before cooking promotes even cooking throughout.
- Patting the chicken dry helps achieve a better texture and browning.
- Internal temperature should reach 175°F for safety and optimal tenderness.
- Resting the chicken after baking enhances juiciness.
- Smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky flavor but can be substituted with regular paprika if unavailable.
- Adjust seasonings to taste or add your favorite herbs for variety.
Keywords: baked chicken thighs, easy chicken recipe, boneless skinless chicken, oven baked chicken, weeknight dinner, smoked paprika chicken
