Easy Baked Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs Recipe
This easy baked boneless skinless chicken thighs recipe delivers juicy, flavorful chicken with a simple spice blend and olive oil. Perfectly cooked in the oven, these chicken thighs are tender on the inside with a slight crisp on the outside, making them a fuss-free dinner option any night of the week.
- 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 Thighs
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 8 pieces)
Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Remove chicken from the refrigerator 20 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature. Pat each piece completely dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy exterior.
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle both sides of the chicken thighs with 2 teaspoons kosher salt. Wait 2 minutes to allow the salt to penetrate, then evenly add 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and ½ teaspoon onion powder on both sides.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (205°C) and position the oven rack in the center for even heat distribution.
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Lightly brush a baking sheet with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the chicken thighs on the sheet with space between each piece to allow for proper air circulation. Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the chicken.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake the chicken thighs for 18 minutes in the preheated oven. After 18 minutes, flip each thigh over carefully to ensure even cooking. Bake for an additional 14 minutes.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature at the thickest part of the thighs reaches 175°F (79°C), indicating they are fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the oven and tent loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest for 3 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender thighs before serving.
Notes
- Bringing the chicken to room temperature before cooking helps it bake evenly.
- Patting dry the chicken ensures a crispy crust instead of steaming.
- Using a meat thermometer guarantees the chicken is safely cooked without drying out.
- Resting the chicken before slicing retains moisture for better texture.
- For added flavor, you can marinate the chicken thighs an hour prior with the spices and oil.
Keywords: baked chicken thighs, boneless skinless chicken, easy chicken dinner, oven baked chicken, simple chicken recipe
