Juicy, richly seasoned, and endlessly versatile, Oven Baked Boneless Chicken Thighs are a weeknight hero in my kitchen. With just a handful of pantry spices and a quick trip to the oven, you get tender, golden thighs that deliver big flavor without fuss. Whether you’re hunting for a meal-prep staple, a family-friendly entrée, or something fuss-free yet crave-worthy, this is the recipe you’ll reach for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Oven Baked Boneless Chicken Thighs comes from a blend of simple ingredients you likely already have on hand. Each one brings a burst of flavor, moisture, or that irresistible golden hue—making every bite absolutely delicious.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs (6): The star of the show! Thighs stay tender and juicy, even at high heat, and soak up all the delicious seasoning.
- Olive Oil (2 tbsp): Helps the seasoning stick and gives the chicken its gorgeous, slightly crisp finish.
- Paprika (1 tsp): Adds sweet smokiness and gives the chicken a beautiful color.
- Garlic Powder (1 tsp): Brings bold, savory depth to every bite.
- Onion Powder (1 tsp): Balances the flavors with a hint of sweetness and umami.
- Dried Thyme (½ tsp): Lends a subtle earthy note that makes the chicken extra fragrant.
- Dried Oregano (½ tsp): Infuses a little zesty, herby brightness to the mix.
- Salt (½ tsp): Essential for drawing out all the natural flavors and keeping the juiciness locked in.
- Black Pepper (¼ tsp): Adds a gentle, peppery kick that ties the seasoning together.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley (optional): Sprinkled on at the end for color and fresh, herbal flair.
How to Make Oven Baked Boneless Chicken Thighs
Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Pan
Start by cranking your oven up to 425°F (220°C). Lining your baking sheet with foil or parchment paper is a tiny step that makes cleanup a breeze—nothing sticks, and you can spend more time enjoying your meal than washing dishes!
Step 2: Mix the Seasoning Blend
In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir so the spices are well mixed. This homemade blend is the flavor secret behind these Oven Baked Boneless Chicken Thighs—it’s aromatic, balanced, and far tastier than any pre-made packet.
Step 3: Prepare the Chicken Thighs
Pat each chicken thigh dry with paper towels—this helps the rub stick and ensures a crisper exterior. Drizzle both sides of the thighs with olive oil, then generously coat them all over with the seasoning mix. Make sure every nook and cranny is covered; this is what infuses the meat with flavor!
Step 4: Arrange and Bake
Lay the seasoned chicken thighs in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet, making sure they aren’t crowded together. Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C). The edges should be golden and sizzling.
Step 5: Crisp and Finish
If you love a crispier finish, pop the chicken under the broiler for an extra 2 to 3 minutes—just keep an eye on it so nothing burns. Let the Oven Baked Boneless Chicken Thighs rest for about 5 minutes before serving. A sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end brings everything to life.
How to Serve Oven Baked Boneless Chicken Thighs
Garnishes
Finish your Oven Baked Boneless Chicken Thighs with an enthusiastic shower of chopped fresh parsley—it adds a pop of color and fresh flavor. If you like things spicy, try scattering some thinly sliced green onions or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick. A wedge of lemon on the side can also brighten up every bite.
Side Dishes
These chicken thighs are wildly versatile, pairing perfectly with fluffy rice, roasted potatoes, or a crisp green salad. For an easy weeknight meal, I love tossing some seasonal veggies onto the same baking tray during the last 10 minutes—think broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers. They soak up all those savory juices and come out beautifully roasted.
Creative Ways to Present
Let Oven Baked Boneless Chicken Thighs be your meal-prep canvas! Slice them over a bowl of quinoa and greens for a hearty salad, stuff them into pita pockets with tzatziki and cucumber, or serve them cold as a protein-packed addition to picnic sandwiches. Their bold flavor shines through, no matter how you serve them.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pop any leftover Oven Baked Boneless Chicken Thighs into an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of baking. They’ll stay flavorful and juicy for up to four days, making them a great option for packed lunches or speedy dinners throughout the week.
Freezing
For longer storage, tuck completely cooled chicken thighs into a freezer-safe bag or container. Separate layers with parchment paper if you want to grab them one at a time. Frozen, they’ll keep their flavor for up to three months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To keep that lovely tenderness, reheat Oven Baked Boneless Chicken Thighs gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. You can also use the microwave in a pinch, covering with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. For a little extra crisp, finish them with a quick broil.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken thighs instead?
Absolutely! You’ll need to adjust the baking time, as bone-in thighs can take 10–15 minutes longer. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for perfectly cooked chicken.
What’s the best way to get a crispy exterior?
A quick broil at the end of baking does wonders. Make sure the chicken is patted dry before seasoning, and give them a bit of space on the pan so the edges can crisp up beautifully.
Can I marinate the chicken ahead of time?
Yes, letting the chicken sit in the seasoning and olive oil mixture for up to 8 hours allows the flavors to soak in even more. It’s a fantastic way to prep ahead and amp up the savoriness.
What if I don’t have some of the spices?
Don’t stress—this recipe is super forgiving. If you’re missing a herb or two, just use what you have on hand. Even with a simple paprika, garlic, and salt combo, the chicken will taste amazing.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! Oven Baked Boneless Chicken Thighs reheat beautifully and pair with just about any veggie or grain. Prepare a big batch and enjoy stress-free meals all week.
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve made these Oven Baked Boneless Chicken Thighs, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them. They’re simple, delicious, and adaptable for any occasion. Give them a try—your taste buds (and busy weeknights) will thank you!
Print
Oven Baked Boneless Chicken Thighs Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and easy recipe for oven-baked boneless chicken thighs seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices, resulting in tender and flavorful chicken every time.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Pat chicken thighs dry, rub with olive oil, and coat with seasoning.
- Bake: Arrange thighs on the baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through and golden.
- Optional Broil: For a crispier finish, broil for 2-3 minutes. Rest for 5 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve.
Notes
- Great for meal prep and pairs well with rice, roasted veggies, or salad.
- For extra flavor, marinate in the seasoning and oil for up to 8 hours before baking.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ thighs
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
