Why Make This Recipe
Easy Baked Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs are a fantastic option for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. This recipe is simple, quick to prepare, and delivers juicy and flavorful chicken. It’s a go-to meal that can easily be paired with vegetables, rice, or salad. Plus, it uses basic ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
How to Make Easy Baked Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 8 pieces)
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Directions
- Remove the chicken from the refrigerator 20 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook evenly.
- Pat the chicken completely dry with paper towels. This ensures a nice crispy skin.
- Season both sides of the chicken thighs with salt. Let them sit for 2 minutes.
- Sprinkle the remaining spices (black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and onion powder) evenly over both sides.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F with the rack in the center position.
- Brush a baking sheet with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the chicken thighs on the baking sheet, leaving space between each piece.
- Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the thighs for extra flavor and moisture.
- Bake in the oven for 18 minutes.
- Carefully flip the thighs and bake for an additional 14 minutes.
- Check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 175°F at the thickest part.
- Once done, tent with foil and let the chicken rest for 3 minutes before serving.
How to Serve Easy Baked Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
You can serve this chicken with a variety of sides. Consider pairing it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. It also goes well with rice or quinoa for a complete meal. Drizzle some of the pan juices over the chicken for added flavor.
How to Store Easy Baked Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
If you have leftovers, let the chicken cool completely. Then, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Just make sure to seal it well to prevent freezer burn.
Tips to Make Easy Baked Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
- Make sure to dry the chicken well before seasoning to help it crisp up in the oven.
- Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to suit your taste.
- Using a meat thermometer is the best way to check for doneness.
Variation
If you’re looking for a twist, try adding a tablespoon of honey or BBQ sauce in the last few minutes of baking for a glaze. You can also swap the spices for Italian seasoning or lemon pepper for a different flavor profile.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless skinless chicken breasts. Just adjust the cooking time as they may take a bit longer to reach the proper internal temperature.
2. How can I make the chicken more flavorful?
Marinate the chicken in your favorite marinade for a few hours before cooking. You can also let it sit with the seasonings longer for deeper flavor.
3. What can I use if I don’t have smoked paprika?
If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika will work just fine. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat.
Print
Easy Baked Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
- Total Time: 52 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
Juicy and flavorful baked chicken thighs, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 8 pieces)
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Remove the chicken from the refrigerator 20 minutes before cooking.
- Pat the chicken completely dry with paper towels.
- Season both sides of the chicken thighs with salt and let them sit for 2 minutes.
- Sprinkle the remaining spices evenly over both sides.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F with the rack in the center position.
- Brush a baking sheet with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Arrange the chicken thighs on the baking sheet, leaving space between each piece.
- Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the thighs.
- Bake in the oven for 18 minutes.
- Carefully flip the thighs and bake for an additional 14 minutes.
- Check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 175°F at the thickest part.
- Once done, tent with foil and let the chicken rest for 3 minutes before serving.
Notes
You can serve this chicken with a variety of sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 32 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 120mg