Description
This Baked Boneless Chicken Thighs recipe offers juicy, flavorful chicken thighs seasoned with a perfectly balanced blend of spices and olive oil, then oven-baked to tender perfection. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish is simple to prepare and delivers a smoky, slightly spicy flavor that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt or ½ teaspoon of any other salt, including Morton kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (not regular paprika)
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the chicken thighs, which will help achieve a nice sear and cook the chicken evenly.
- Prepare the chicken: Place the boneless skinless chicken thighs in a large mixing bowl. Add the olive oil and all the spices: kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Use your hands to thoroughly coat each piece of chicken evenly with the oil and spice mixture.
- Arrange the chicken: Place the seasoned chicken thighs in a single layer on a rimmed baking dish, such as a 9×13-inch baking dish. If there’s any remaining oil and seasoning mixture left in the bowl, brush it over the chicken pieces for extra flavor and moisture.
- Bake the chicken: Bake the chicken uncovered in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the thighs are cooked through. To check doneness, verify that the juices run clear and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the largest thigh reads 165ºF (74°C).
- Serve immediately: Once fully cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and serve hot to enjoy the tender, juicy flavors at their best.
Notes
- Using smoked paprika instead of regular paprika adds a rich smoky flavor that complements the spices perfectly.
- Check internal temperature for doneness to avoid undercooking or drying out the chicken.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level or omit it for a milder flavor.
- This recipe works well with bone-in chicken thighs; just increase baking time accordingly.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated thoroughly before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh (approx. 3.3 ounces)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 410 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0.4 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
