Juicy Baked Boneless Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Smoked Paprika Recipe
This Baked Boneless Chicken Thighs recipe offers a juicy, flavorful, and easy-to-make chicken dish featuring a bold seasoning blend with smoked paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep, the chicken thighs are oven-baked to tender perfection with a crisp exterior and packed with smoky, savory spices.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt (or ½ teaspoon of any other salt, including Morton kosher salt)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (not regular paprika)
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the chicken thighs crisp and evenly.
- Prepare the Seasoning Blend: In a small bowl, combine kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and cayenne pepper. Stir the mixture well to blend all the spices uniformly.
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove moisture. Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken thighs and rub to coat evenly. Then sprinkle the prepared seasoning blend over each piece and rub it in to ensure every surface is covered with the spices.
- Arrange the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken thighs on a baking sheet or oven-safe dish in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded for even cooking and browning.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the edges are slightly crispy and browned.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat juicy and tender.
Notes
- Using boneless skinless thighs helps in quicker cooking and easier eating without bones.
- You can adjust the cayenne pepper quantity based on your preferred spice level.
- For a smoky flavor, do not substitute smoked paprika with regular paprika.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- Serve with a side of roasted vegetables, rice, or salad for a complete meal.
Keywords: baked chicken thighs, boneless chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, smoked paprika chicken, oven-baked chicken