These oven-baked chicken thighs are juicy, tender, and ready in just 30 minutes! They’re seasoned to perfection, making them a tasty choice for a quick dinner.
Who doesn’t love a meal that cooks itself while you catch up on your favorite show? Plus, the leftovers are great for salads or sandwiches—if there are any left! 😄
I always pair these thighs with some veggies or rice for a complete meal. It’s so simple that even on my busiest days, I can whip this up without stress!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are perfect here, offering juicy flavor. If you prefer, you can use chicken breasts, but be mindful that they may dry out more easily.
Olive Oil: This adds moisture and helps brown the chicken. You could replace it with avocado oil or even melted butter for a different flavor profile.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These enhance the savory notes. Fresh chopped garlic and onions work too; just use about one clove of garlic and half a small onion for each teaspoon required.
Smoked Paprika: This ingredient gives a wonderful smoky flavor. If you don’t have it, regular paprika is fine, or a pinch of cayenne can add some heat.
Brown Sugar: The brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness that balances the spices. Honey or maple syrup can be great substitutes, just adjust the quantity since they’re liquids.
How Do You Ensure the Chicken is Juicy and Flavorful?
To keep the chicken juicy, marinate it well. The olive oil and spices in your marinade create a flavorful barrier during baking. Don’t rush this step—let the chicken sit in the marinade for at least 15 minutes.
- Preheat your oven fully to 425°F for proper cooking.
- Arrange the chicken on the baking sheet without overcrowding, allowing the heat to circulate.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. You want the internal temperature to reach 165°F.
- If you want crispiness, broil the chicken briefly at the end, but stay nearby.
30-Min Oven Baked Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional for sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning (optional)
- Cooking spray or additional oil for greasing the baking sheet
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 10 minutes to prep everything and around 20-25 minutes for baking. In total, the recipe takes around 30-35 minutes from start to finish, giving you plenty of time to get everything ready!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This step ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and gets that nice, crispy edge.
2. Prepare the Baking Sheet:
While the oven is heating up, line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Then, lightly grease the sheet with cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
3. Make the Marinade:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, paprika, salt, black pepper, and if you like, brown sugar and thyme or Italian seasoning. Mix everything together well until it forms a tasty marinade.
4. Coat the Chicken:
Add the boneless skinless chicken thighs to the bowl with marinade. Toss them around until they are completely coated in that flavorful mixture. This is where the magic happens—make sure every bit of chicken is covered!
5. Arrange on the Baking Sheet:
Place the marinated chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Make sure they’re not crowded, as this helps them cook evenly and get crispy.
6. Bake the Chicken:
Put the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes. You want the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). As it cooks, you’ll notice the edges getting a bit crispy, thanks to all those lovely spices!
7. Broil for Extra Crispiness (Optional):
If you like your chicken a bit more browned, you can switch the oven to broil for an extra 2-3 minutes at the end. Just keep a close watch to prevent it from burning—nobody wants burnt edges!
8. Let the Chicken Rest:
Once cooked, take the chicken out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the juices inside for a tender bite.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice or serve the chicken thighs hot with your favorite sides, like roasted veggies or a fresh salad. Enjoy your deliciously baked chicken thighs!
Can I Use Bone-In Chicken Thighs Instead?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken thighs; however, the cooking time will be longer. Typically, bone-in thighs take about 30-35 minutes to cook at 425°F (220°C). Always check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
What If I Don’t Have Olive Oil?
No problem! You can substitute olive oil with any neutral oil like canola, vegetable, or grapeseed oil. If you want a different flavor, avocado oil works great too!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or use a microwave until heated through.
Can I Marinate the Chicken Thighs Overnight?
Absolutely! Marinating the chicken overnight will enhance the flavor. Just make sure to cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the thighs to a zip-top bag to keep them fresh in the fridge.
