Description
This Baked Boneless Chicken Thighs recipe features juicy, flavorful chicken seasoned with a robust blend of spices including smoked paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper, then baked to perfection. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner option that delivers tender, savory results with minimal effort.
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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the chicken thighs evenly and thoroughly.
- Prepare Chicken: Place the boneless skinless chicken thighs in a large mixing bowl, creating space to toss them with the seasoning thoroughly.
- Season Chicken: Add olive oil and all the spices—kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and cayenne pepper—to the bowl. Use your hands to thoroughly coat each piece of chicken, ensuring even distribution of the seasoning and oil for maximum flavor.
- Arrange Chicken: Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs in a single layer on a rimmed baking dish, such as a 9 x 13-inch pan. If there is any remaining oil and spice mixture in the bowl, brush it over the chicken pieces for added flavor.
- Bake: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Verify doneness by checking that the juices run clear and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the largest thigh reads 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and serve immediately while hot for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Using smoked paprika instead of regular paprika adds a richer, smoky flavor to the chicken.
- For an extra crispy edge, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes after baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Make sure to use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the chicken is safely cooked.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 4.5 oz chicken thighs)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
