Looking for a new way to cook chicken thighs? Step up your chicken dinner game with this easy recipe for baked boneless chicken thighs! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts get a lot of attention when it comes to recipes, but the thighs can be so much better. Chicken thighs are dark meat, which means that they have more fat, and are therefore more juicy and flavorful. This simple method of baking chicken thighs rubbed with a perfected chicken spice rub requires minimal prep time, just a handful of ingredients, and is sure to impress your family or dinner guests. You should also try my Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs recipe! It’s similar to this one, but the chicken is slathered in sweet, sticky barbecue sauce. Buffalo Chicken thighs and Apricot Glazed Chicken Thighs are also delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Key Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make this easy chicken thighs dinner:
Boneless Chicken Thighs: Boneless and skinless chicken thighs are easy to find at the grocery store and an inexpensive protein option. Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds flavor to the chicken, and helps the spices to stick to the meat. Seasonings: This chicken dinner gets its flavor from a blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a bit of cayenne pepper.
Do you have bone-in chicken thighs to cook tonight? Use my Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs recipe to bake them up along with brussel sprouts and onions, on the same pan. Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
How To Make Oven Baked Boneless Chicken Thighs
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C), and lining a sheet pan with aluminum foil for easy clean up later.
Recipe Tips
Leave Room on the Tray: To ensure that the chicken thighs bake evenly, you will want to avoid crowding them. Each piece of meat should have room around it, and none of them should be touching. Adjust the Seasonings: Any of your favorite spices can be used in this recipe. If you have a favorite chicken rub blend, use that instead of the spice rub here. Or, add any dried herbs that you enjoy. Spice is Optional: If you want a milder flavor on your chicken, leave out the cayenne pepper. Or, go the other way, and add some extra spice if you like too! For even more flavor, add something acidic to the chicken, such as lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, or mustard before baking. Adjust the Time if Needed: Boneless chicken thighs can be different sizes. Smaller ones will cook more quickly than larger ones, so you may only need 15 minutes, or you may need up to 25, depending. But don’t worry! Chicken thighs are very difficult to overcook. You’re better to cook them a few extra minutes if you’re unsure if they’re ready. When testing for doneness, go by the temperature of the largest, thickest piece of chicken.
Storing Tips
Keep leftover baked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months! This can be very handy to use in meal prepping, packed lunches, or making an easy dinner that calls for already-cooked chicken.
What To Serve With Baked Boneless Chicken Thighs
The flavor in this recipe is delicious but uncomplicated, so you can serve these chicken thighs with any of your favorite side dishes. Here I’m enjoying them with creamy mashed potatoes and sauteed zucchini that I topped with a little bit of parmesan cheese. Yum! You might also like roasted broccoli, stovetop mac and cheese, or buttered noodles. Air fryer tater tots are another easy side dish that kids go nuts for! For dessert, try making an easy Earthquake Cake, or swirled Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars.
How Do I Know When Baked Boneless Chicken Thighs Are Done?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken thighs. They should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.
Can I Bake Bone-In Chicken Thighs?
Yes, you can. The seasonings here will work well with bone-in thighs. They will take longer to bake though, so plan accordingly.
Will This Recipe Work with Chicken Breast?
You can cook any cut or type of chicken using this recipe, just note that you will need to adjust the cooking time depending on the size of the chicken pieces. This is the best and easiest way to bake boneless chicken thighs in the oven! There’s minimal prep time, minimal clean-up, and maximum flavor, so this dinner recipe is a win-win-win! © Little Sunny Kitchen
