Description

This recipe features juicy, flavorful baked boneless skinless chicken thighs seasoned with a robust blend of spices including smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a hint of cayenne pepper. Oven-baked to perfection, these chicken thighs deliver a tender and satisfying meal that’s quick and easy to prepare, making it an ideal weeknight dinner option.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (not regular paprika)
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking chicken thighs evenly.
Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Place them in a large bowl to prepare for seasoning.
Season the 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 chicken. Use your hands to evenly coat each piece ensuring full flavor coverage.
Arrange for Baking: Place the seasoned chicken thighs in a single layer on a rimmed baking dish, such as a 9×13-inch pan. If there is leftover oil and spice mixture in the bowl, brush it over the chicken for extra flavor.
Bake to Perfection: Bake the chicken uncovered without turning them. Bake until the thighs are cooked through, the juices run clear, and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads at least 165°F (74°C). This generally takes about 30 minutes but watch for doneness earlier if pieces are small or your oven runs hot.
Serve: Remove from oven and briefly turn the thighs to coat them in the pan juices for enhanced juiciness, then serve immediately.

Notes

Cooking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken thighs and your oven’s temperature accuracy; smaller pieces may cook faster.
Using an instant-read thermometer helps ensure proper doneness and food safety.
Patting the chicken dry before seasoning promotes better browning and crispiness.
Brushing leftover marinade on the chicken before baking enhances flavor and moisture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: baked chicken thighs, boneless chicken thighs, easy chicken recipe, oven-baked chicken, smoked paprika chicken