– **Title**: 30-Min Oven Baked Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
– **Ingredients**:
– 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 teaspoons garlic powder
– 2 teaspoons onion powder
– 2 teaspoons paprika
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a marinade.
3. Add the boneless skinless chicken thighs to the bowl and toss them until they are evenly coated with the marinade.
4. Place the coated chicken thighs in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
6. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot with your choice of sides. Enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Boneless skinless chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful, making them perfect for quick dinners. If you prefer, you can use chicken breasts, though they may dry out quicker. Thighs are my personal favorite because of their tenderness.
Olive Oil: This helps the spices stick to the chicken and adds a nice richness. If you don’t have olive oil, you can substitute with canola oil or avocado oil. They both have high smoke points and work well for baking.
Spices: The blend of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cumin gives great flavor. If you don’t have one, you can replace smoked paprika with regular paprika or even chili powder for a different taste. Adjust the heat by increasing or skipping the cayenne pepper.
Brown Sugar: This is optional but adds a touch of sweetness that balances the spices. Instead, you can use honey or maple syrup, but reduce the amount a bit since they are sweeter.
How Should I Prepare My Chicken for Maximum Flavor?
The key to flavorful chicken thighs is in the seasoning and cooking method. First, make sure to coat the chicken well with the spice mixture for even flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Mix olive oil with spices in a bowl thoroughly before adding the chicken.
- Consider letting the seasoned chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes. This enhances the flavors further, but if you’re short on time, you can skip this.
- Line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This not only helps with cleanup but also prevents the chicken from sticking and helps it crisp up.
Lastly, using a meat thermometer is essential to ensure your chicken is cooked perfectly. This way, you don’t have to guess, and your chicken will be juicy every time!
30-Minute Oven Baked Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Spice Mixture:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for sweetness)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 5 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll need around 30-35 minutes to have your delicious chicken thighs ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This is an important step to ensure your chicken cooks evenly and gets that nice golden brown color!
2. Mix the Spice Coating:
In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper and brown sugar (if you’re using them). Stir everything together until it’s well mixed and creates a nice flavorful coating.
3. Coat the Chicken:
Add the boneless skinless chicken thighs to the bowl with the spice mixture. Use your hands or a spoon to coat the chicken evenly with the spices, making sure each thigh is covered in that tasty blend!
4. Arrange on Baking Sheet:
Take a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup. Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs in a single layer on the baking sheet, making sure they’re not overcrowded.
5. Bake the Chicken:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Watch for the chicken to become fully cooked and golden brown. Make sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken; it should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe eating.
6. Optional Crispy Finish:
If you’d like your chicken to have a crispy exterior, you can broil it for an additional 2-3 minutes after baking. Just keep an eye on it to prevent burning!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, take the chicken out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy. Now, serve your flavorful oven-baked chicken thighs with your favorite sides like rice, vegetables, or a fresh salad. Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Thighs for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs, but you need to make sure they are fully thawed before seasoning and baking. The best way to thaw them is to leave them in the refrigerator overnight or place them in a sealed bag and submerge them in cold water for a quicker method. Just remember, never thaw chicken at room temperature.
What Can I Substitute for Olive Oil?
If you don’t have olive oil, you can substitute it with other cooking oils like canola oil, vegetable oil, or avocado oil. Each oil will add a slightly different flavor, so choose one that complements your dish!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place the chicken thighs in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until thoroughly heated. You can also use the microwave, but the oven will help retain the crispiness.
Can I Adjust the Spice Levels?
Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the cayenne pepper or omit it entirely if you prefer a milder dish. You can also increase the amounts of other spices according to your taste. Don’t hesitate to experiment to find the flavor profile you love!
