These oven-baked boneless skinless chicken thighs are super easy and quick to make! In just 30 minutes, you can have tender, juicy chicken ready to enjoy.
I love how versatile they are; you can pair them with veggies or a simple salad. Plus, they’re so tasty that even my picky eater is a fan! 🐔✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: These are juicy and flavorful, making them perfect for baking. If you prefer white meat, you can use boneless skinless chicken breasts instead, but they might require a little less cooking time.
Spices: The mix of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and oregano creates a fantastic flavor. You can swap smoked paprika with regular paprika or even chipotle powder for a different twist, but keep the cumin for its earthy flavor.
Olive Oil: It adds moisture and helps the spices stick. If you’re looking for alternatives, avocado oil or melted butter work well. Just make sure they have a high smoke point for baking.
Honey or Brown Sugar: Both add a sweet touch to the glaze. If you want a healthier option, try maple syrup or agave syrup. For a sugar-free alternative, a sugar substitute like erythritol can be used.
Cayenne Pepper: This ingredient adds spice, but you can completely skip it or use a milder pepper if you prefer a less spicy dinner.
How Do You Ensure Your Chicken Thighs Are Perfectly Cooked?
Getting your chicken thighs cooked just right is important for taste and safety. A key tip is to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Aim for 165°F (75°C). Here’s how to do it:
- After baking, insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding any bones.
- If it’s below 165°F, pop it back in the oven and keep checking every few minutes.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping them tender.
Following these steps will guarantee juicy and tasty chicken every time! Enjoy making delicious meals with confidence.
30-Min Oven Baked Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar (for a glaze)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnishing, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 30 minutes total for this recipe. This includes 10 minutes for preparation and 20 minutes for baking. It’s a quick and easy way to enjoy delicious chicken with minimal effort!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first! Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to preheat while you prepare the chicken. This will ensure the oven is nice and hot when it’s time to bake.
2. Prepare the Spice Blend:
In a large bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if you want some heat). Stir well to combine all those yummy flavors!
3. Coat the Chicken:
Add the boneless skinless chicken thighs to the bowl with your spice blend. Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken. Now, use your hands or a spoon to toss the chicken until every piece is well coated in the spices and oil. This will give your chicken fabulous flavor!
4. Arrange on Baking Sheet:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Place the seasoned chicken thighs on the baking sheet in a single layer. Make sure they have a little space between them to cook evenly.
5. First Round of Baking:
Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. You’ll start to smell those wonderful spices as they cook! Yum!
6. Add the Glaze:
After 20 minutes, carefully take the baking sheet out of the oven. Drizzle the honey or sprinkle the brown sugar over the chicken thighs for a lovely glaze. Return the chicken to the oven for another 10 minutes, allowing the glaze to caramelize and get super tasty.
7. Check for Doneness:
Make sure to check that the chicken is fully cooked! The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F (75°C). If you have a meat thermometer, this is the perfect time to use it.
8. Rest and Serve:
Once cooked, take the chicken out of the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This resting time helps the juices stay inside, making the chicken tender and juicy.
9. Garnish and Enjoy:
If you like, chop up some fresh parsley and sprinkle it over your chicken for a nice touch. Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful chicken thighs with your choice of sides!
Can I Substitute the Chicken Thighs with Another Cut of Chicken?
Yes, you can use boneless skinless chicken breasts instead! Just be mindful that chicken breasts may cook faster, so check the internal temperature at around 25 minutes to ensure they don’t dry out.
What If I Don’t Have Smoked Paprika?
No worries! You can substitute smoked paprika with regular paprika for a similar flavor without the smokiness. Alternatively, you can use a combination of regular paprika with a touch of liquid smoke if you want to retain some smokey notes.
Can I Prep This Dish in Advance?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken in the spice mix and olive oil a few hours ahead or even the night before. Just keep it covered and refrigerated until you’re ready to bake. This will enhance the flavors even more!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or use the microwave in short intervals to prevent drying out.
