30-Minute Oven Baked Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs Recipe

Introduction

This 30-minute oven baked boneless skinless chicken thighs recipe is a flavorful and easy weeknight dinner option. The blend of smoked paprika, brown sugar, and spices creates a deliciously caramelized crust that keeps the chicken juicy and tender.

Ingredients

• 6-8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (fat removed)
• 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
• ¼ cup avocado oil or butter

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, Kosher salt, and black pepper to make the spice mix.
3. Step 3: Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and coat them thoroughly on both sides with the spice mix.
4. Step 4: Line a baking sheet with foil or use a cast iron skillet. Place the seasoned chicken thighs on the sheet or skillet and pour avocado oil or melted butter evenly over them.
5. Step 5: Bake the chicken for 20 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
6. Step 6: Remove from the oven and let rest briefly before serving with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or a simple salad.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
• Swap smoked paprika with regular paprika for a milder flavor, or add a pinch of cayenne for more heat.
• Use olive oil instead of avocado oil or butter if preferred.
• Marinate the chicken thighs in the spice mix for 30 minutes to a few hours ahead for deeper flavor.

Storage

Store leftover baked chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. This recipe is also freezer-friendly; freeze cooked chicken in a sealed bag or container for up to 2 months, thawing overnight before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken thighs instead?

Yes, you can use bone-in chicken thighs, but increase the baking time to about 35-40 minutes to ensure they cook through.

What if I don’t have smoked paprika?

If you don’t have smoked paprika, you can substitute with regular paprika or a combination of paprika and a small amount of liquid smoke for a similar flavor profile.

30-Minute Oven Baked Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 148 reviews

These 30-Minute Oven Baked Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs are a flavorful and easy-to-make dinner option. Coated in a smoky, sweet, and savory spice mix and baked to juicy perfection, they come together quickly for a hassle-free meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-30 minutes
• Total Time: 30-40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 6–8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (fat removed)

Spice Mix

• 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 Baking

• ¼ cup avocado oil or butter

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure a hot environment for baking your chicken thighs.
2. Prepare the spice mix: In a mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, Kosher salt, and ground black pepper until well combined.
3. Season the chicken: Add the boneless, skinless chicken thighs to the bowl containing the spice mix and toss to coat each piece thoroughly on both sides, ensuring full coverage of the spices.
4. Prepare to bake: Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or use a cast iron skillet. Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs evenly on the baking surface and drizzle the avocado oil or melted butter over the top to keep the meat moist while baking.
5. Bake the chicken: Place the chicken in the preheated oven and bake for 20-30 minutes. Flip the chicken thighs halfway through the cooking time to promote even browning. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
6. Serve and enjoy: Remove the chicken from the oven and serve hot, pairing it with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Notes

• For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes but watch it closely to prevent burning.
• Adjust the chili powder amount based on your preferred spice level.
• Using avocado oil provides a neutral flavor, but butter adds richness; choose based on your taste preference.
• Leftover chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Internal temperature is key for safety and juiciness; use a meat thermometer to check doneness.

Keywords: oven baked chicken thighs, boneless skinless chicken thighs, easy chicken recipe, quick dinner, baked chicken thigh recipe, smoky chicken, paprika chicken