Baked Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs Recipe

I love experimenting in the kitchen with bold flavors and simple ingredients. After discovering How To Cook Skinless Chicken Thighs, I began using olive oil, garlic powder, and smoked paprika to create a dish bursting with character. The result is a tender, flavorful meal perfect for any casual dinner truly.

I’ve always been a huge fan of quick, easy chicken recipes and this baked boneless skinless chicken thighs recipe is one of my top favorites. I mix together 2 tablespoons of olive oil with a pinch of salt, a bit of black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano and dried thyme to make a simple spice rub that really makes these thighs pop with flavor.

Using about 2 lbs of chicken thighs (roughly 6-8 pieces), I coat them well and pop them in the oven. It may sound basic but trust me, when you’re figuring out how long to cook boneless chicken thighs in the oven or looking for a simple recipe to nail healthy baked chicken recipes, this one always comes through.

It’ll be a fun twist if you’re used to frying your chicken, giving you a tender texture that everyone will appreciate. Enjoy experimenting and making this recipe your own!

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe for a bunch of reasons. First, I love how simple and quick it is to make. Its super easy to prep, and I dont have to worry about complicated steps that can mess things up. Second, the spice rub is amazing. I mean, all those seasonings mix together perfectly to give the chicken a ton of flavor and it turns out juicy every time. Third, I like that it gives me a crispy outside and tender inside, which makes every bite awesome. And also, its a healthy meal that my whole family loves even on busy nights.

Ingredients

• Chicken thighs: lean, high-protein meat, tender and juicy, making every bite satisfying.
• Olive oil: provides healthy fats and richness, helping flavors meld beautifully together.
• Garlic powder: offers a bold, savory taste that elevates the overall flavor profile.
• Onion powder: contributes a subtle sweetness and depth to the seasoning blend.
• Smoked paprika: brings a unique smoky warmth and mild heat to the dish.
• Dried oregano and thyme: add earthy herb notes, enhancing flavor with rustic charm.
• Salt and pepper: fundamental seasonings that balance and heighten every ingredient.
• Overall, these ingredients join forces to produce a delicious, hearty meal youll love.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 6-8 pieces)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.

2. In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, and 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme.

3. Pat dry about 2 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken thighs with paper towels so they can soak up the flavor better.

4. Rub the spice mix evenly over all the chicken thighs, making sure every piece is well coated.

5. Lay the chicken thighs out in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.

6. Place the sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

7. If you want them even a bit crispier, leave the chicken under the broiler for an extra 2-3 minutes (watch them close though, they can burn fast!).

8. Take the chicken out, let it rest for a few minutes, and then serve up your delicious, juicy chicken thighs. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven – preheat it to 400°F and use it to cook and broil the chicken
2. Small mixing bowl – for mixing together the olive oil and all the spices
3. Measuring spoons – to accurately measure salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, oregano and thyme
4. Paper towels – to pat dry the chicken thighs
5. Baking sheet – to spread the chicken out evenly for cooking
6. Parchment paper or non-stick spray – to line or grease the baking sheet
7. Tongs or spatula – to safely handle the chicken on and off the sheet
8. Meat thermometer – to check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F
9. Timer – to keep track of the baking and broiling times

FAQ

Baked Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Instead of boneless, skinless chicken thighs: try using chicken breasts although keep in mind they cook differently.
• Instead of olive oil: you can use avocado oil or even canola oil if you’re out of olive oil.
• Instead of smoked paprika: regular paprika works fine or add a few drops of liquid smoke if you really want that flavor.
• Instead of garlic powder: fresh minced garlic, about 2-3 cloves, is a great substitute.
• Instead of dried oregano: dried basil or thyme can be used instead for a different but still tasty twist.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure you pat the chicken as dry as possible before rubbing on the spice mix, ’cause if it’s too moist, the spices might not stick as well and you won’t get that nice crispy edge you want.

2. When you check for doneness, use a meat thermometer if you can. It’s super easy to overcook or undercook the chicken just by eyeballing it and you really want it to be juicy.

3. If you wanna add some extra flavor, try letting the chicken sit with the rub for about 15-20 minutes before baking. It helps the spices sink in a bit deeper, but don’t leave it out too long for safety reasons.

4. Keep a very close eye if you decide to broil at the end. Things can go from perfectly crispy to burnt real fast, so it’s best to check every minute or so.