Baked Boneless Chicken Thighs

Looking for a quick and easy dinner option for the family? Learn how to bake delicious boneless chicken thighs in the oven.

Why You'll Love This Recipe:

• Super easy: This is a foolproof way to bake boneless chicken thighs in the oven.
• Juicy meat: The chicken will turn out super juicy and full of flavor.
• Customizable: Once you've learned how to bake thighs, you can try out different seasonings, sides and more.

Ingredients & substitutions

• Olive oil – or another neutral cooking oil like avocado oil.
• Chicken thighs – this recipe is for boneless skinless thighs. Learn how to bake bone-in thighs or chicken breasts.

Spice blend

• Paprika – chili powder or cayenne would be the best substitutes here.
• Onion powder – use more garlic powder or substitute for onion salt (but skip the rest of the salt in the blend).
• Garlic powder – you could also try minced garlic or more garlic powder.
• Thyme – parsley would provide a similar flavor.
• Salt & pepper – to taste.

How to cook boneless chicken thighs

Step 1: Make the spice blend.

Mix together the spice blend ingredients in a small bowl.

Step 2: Season the chicken.

Add thighs to a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush with olive oil, and rub the spice blend over top.

Step 3: Bake in the oven.

Bake the chicken in the oven for 20 mins. Meanwhile, make any side dishes of your choice.

Step 4: Serve and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Here are some of my top tips for making boneless chicken thighs, including some different variations:

• Use different seasonings: Try out different spice blends like jerk, southwest, shawarma or Italian seasoning.
• Line the pan: Make sure to line the sheet pan with parchment paper or tinfoil. The chicken will emit fat as it cooks, so this helps with the clean up process.
• Let the chicken rest: Let the chicken sit for 5-10 mins before cutting it up or eating so it's nice and juicy.
• Try different cuts: Check out my recipe for baked bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or baked chicken breast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need to cover the chicken thighs to bake?

No, there's no need to cover the chicken while baking. Just stick it on a lined sheet pan and cook it uncovered for 20 mins.

Can you marinate the chicken instead?

Definitely! You can try out one of my chicken thigh marinades if you'd rather marinate the chicken instead of using a dry rub. Marinate the chicken for at least 15 mins or up to 24 hours.

How do you know when it's done?

The easiest way to know whether or not your chicken is done is to use an instant read meat thermometer. When the chicken is done, it will have an internal temperature of 165F.

How to Serve

These baked chicken thighs are an easy dinner idea. All you have to do is throw in a vegetable and/or a grain, and you're good to go! Here are some ideas on how to serve your chicken thighs:

• Vegetables: Roasted vegetables, brussels sprouts, garlic parm asparagus or grilled corn on the cob would all be delicious.
• Grains: Try one of these rice recipes or serve with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
• Potatoes: You can't go wrong with baked potatoes or sweet potato fries!
• Salad: Serve with a simple side salad, or diced up the chicken and use it to make strawberry chicken salad or buffalo chicken salad.

Storing and reheating leftovers

You can store any leftovers in the fridge for 4-5 days in an airtight container. When you're ready to enjoy, sprinkle some water over top of the chicken, lay a damp paper towel over top and microwave for 1-2 mins.

If you want to make a big batch of these thighs, you can freeze them for 3 months in freezer-safe containers or bags. Defrost in the fridge then reheat as normal, or microwave straight from frozen for 6-7 mins with a damp paper towel over top.

Meal prep tools

• Grab some glass meal prep bowls if you plan on storing the leftovers in the fridge.
• I get all my free-range chicken from Butcher Box, conveniently delivered to me frozen.
• Get a meat thermometer to make sure your chicken is cooked through.