These oven-baked boneless skinless chicken thighs are juicy, tender, and super easy to make! In just 30 minutes, you can have a delicious meal ready to go.
My favorite part? The crispy edges! I love serving these with rice or veggies for a comforting dinner. Trust me, you’ll be coming back for seconds! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Boneless skinless chicken thighs stay juicy and are versatile. If you need a healthier option, you could use chicken breasts, but keep in mind they may become dry if overcooked.
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds richness and moisture. You can swap it with avocado oil or melted coconut oil if needed. I personally love the flavor olive oil brings.
Garlic & Onion Powder: These powders add great flavor. If you prefer fresh, use minced garlic and finely chopped onions instead. Just adjust the amounts since fresh ingredients are stronger.
Smoked Paprika: This gives a lovely smoky flavor. If you don’t have it, regular paprika works well too. For a bit more heat, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes.
Brown Sugar: It balances the flavors nicely. For a healthier alternative, you can use honey or maple syrup. Keep in mind, this may change the flavor slightly, but still will be tasty!
How Do I Get Chicken Thighs Perfectly Cooked?
Getting chicken thighs just right can be tricky, but I’ve got some tips for you! Follow this method for juicy and flavorful meat:
- Marinate: Allow your chicken to marinate for at least 10-15 minutes. The longer, the better! Try to let it sit longer to soak up all the flavors.
- Preheat: Always preheat your oven before putting in the chicken. This ensures even cooking and helps to lock in juices.
- Single Layer: Arrange chicken thighs in a single layer on the baking sheet. This helps them bake evenly and get that nice golden-brown color.
- Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This guarantees they are safe to eat and cooked perfectly.
- Rest: Let your chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute for a moist result!
30-Min Oven Baked Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake. In total, you’re looking at around 30-35 minutes before you can enjoy delicious, juicy chicken thighs!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will make sure it’s hot and ready for your chicken when you’re done preparing it.
2. Make the Marinade:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if you’re using it for some heat), salt, black pepper, brown sugar, soy sauce, and lemon juice. Stir everything together until it’s nicely mixed. This marinade is going to give your chicken tons of flavor!
3. Marinate the Chicken:
Now it’s time to add the boneless skinless chicken thighs to the marinade. Toss them around in the bowl until they are well coated with all that delicious marinade. For the best flavor, let the chicken marinate for at least 10-15 minutes. You can set a timer and relax while it soaks up all those tasty flavors!
4. Prepare to Bake:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This will make cleanup a breeze! Once lined, arrange the marinated chicken thighs in a single layer on the baking sheet. Make sure they’re not touching each other to allow for even cooking.
5. Bake the Chicken:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the chicken for about 20-25 minutes. You want the chicken to be thoroughly cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and look golden-brown on the outside.
6. Optional Crispiness:
If you like your chicken extra crispy, you can turn on the broiler for an additional 2-3 minutes after baking. Keep a close eye on it though, as it can burn quickly!
7. Rest and Serve:
Once done, carefully remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep it juicy! After resting, serve up your delicious chicken thighs and enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Bone-In Chicken Thighs Instead?
Yes, you can! Just keep in mind that bone-in chicken thighs will take longer to cook—approximately 35-40 minutes. Make sure to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they’re fully cooked.
What If I Don’t Have Soy Sauce?
No worries! You can substitute soy sauce with coconut aminos for a gluten-free or soy-free option. If those aren’t available, you can mix a bit of Worcestershire sauce with water (1 part Worcestershire to 2 parts water) as an alternative.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
To add more heat, increase the cayenne pepper or add some chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the marinade. You can also serve the chicken with a spicy dipping sauce for an extra kick!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
