30-Minute Oven Baked Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs Recipe
This 30-Minute Oven Baked Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs recipe delivers juicy, flavorful chicken thighs with a perfectly balanced blend of spices and a touch of sweetness from brown sugar. It’s a quick, easy, and healthy option for a weeknight dinner that requires minimal prep and bakes to tender perfection in the oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 6–8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (fat removed)
Dry Rub
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Fat for Cooking
- ¼ cup avocado oil or butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking the chicken thighs to crispy, juicy perfection.
- Prepare the spice rub: In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, Kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Season the chicken: Pat the boneless, skinless chicken thighs dry with paper towels to help the rub adhere better. Generously coat each piece with the spice mixture, pressing it in all over both sides to maximize flavor.
- Arrange in baking dish: Lightly grease a baking dish or sheet with the avocado oil or melted butter. Place the seasoned chicken thighs in a single layer, making sure they are evenly spaced for uniform cooking.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the surface is nicely browned and caramelized.
- Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is tender and flavorful. Serve hot with your choice of sides.
Notes
- For extra crispy edges, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- You can substitute chicken breasts, but baking time may vary and the chicken might be less juicy.
- Feel free to swap avocado oil with olive oil or melted butter depending on preference.
- Adjust the level of chili powder or add cayenne pepper for additional heat.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator up to 3 days and reheated gently to avoid dryness.
Keywords: oven baked chicken thighs, boneless skinless chicken, quick chicken recipe, baked chicken, easy dinner, smoked paprika chicken
