Oven-Baked Spiced Chicken Thighs Recipe
This recipe features tender and juicy boneless skinless chicken thighs seasoned with a blend of savory spices and baked to perfection. The chicken thighs are seasoned with kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and onion powder, then baked in the oven for a flavorful and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 32 minutes
- Total Time: 57 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Thighs
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 8 pieces)
Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Remove chicken from the refrigerator 20 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature. Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels to ensure better browning during baking.
- Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken thighs evenly with 2 teaspoons of kosher salt. Wait 2 minutes to let the salt absorb, then sprinkle the black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and onion powder over both sides.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and position the rack in the center of the oven for even cooking.
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Brush a baking sheet with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking and arrange the chicken thighs on it with space between each piece for proper air circulation.
- Add Remaining Oil: Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil evenly over the chicken thighs to enhance flavor and promote crisping.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the chicken thighs for 18 minutes. After 18 minutes, flip each thigh to ensure even cooking and bake for an additional 14 minutes.
- Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature at the thickest part of the thighs. It should read 175°F (79°C) to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the oven, tent loosely with foil, and let it rest for 3 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute, resulting in moist and tender chicken.
- Serve: Serve the baked boneless skinless chicken thighs hot with your choice of sides.
Notes
- Allowing the chicken to rest at room temperature before cooking helps it cook more evenly.
- Patting the chicken dry is important for achieving a crispy exterior.
- Using a meat thermometer ensures the chicken is safe to eat without overcooking.
- The resting step helps retain the chicken’s juices for optimal tenderness.
- You can serve this chicken with roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Keywords: boneless chicken thighs, baked chicken, easy chicken recipe, smoked paprika chicken, garlic chicken
