Foolproof Baked Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
I’ve had enough people ask “how do I bake boneless skinless chicken thighs?” on my bone-in, skin-on Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs recipe that I thought I’d create a separate post dedicated to this glorious, boneless piece of meat.
If you’re someone who’s always worried about undercooking or overcooking chicken, then baked boneless skinless chicken thighs are for you.
Why?
Because they’re foolproof. Pardon my French, but you can cook the crap out of boneless thighs and they’re going to stay juicy and tender no matter what.
Make them once, and you’ll turn to this quick and easy recipe again and again!
Watch How to Make It
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Why You’ll Love Baked Boneless Chicken Thighs
- Fast: Boneless chicken thighs bake in 20-25 minutes, hands-free in the oven.
- Foolproof: It’s really hard to overcook chicken thighs since they’re dark meat. A longer cooking time breaks down their connective tissue resulting in super-tender chicken.
- Versatile: Baked chicken thighs pair well with nearly any vegetable and starch. You can also chop them up to toss into soups and stir-fries, or use as filling for nachos and quesadillas. Eat it! Freeze it! The possibilities are endless!
Ingredients Needed
- Chicken thighs: This recipe is for boneless, skinless chicken thighs. (Try my Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs recipe for a bone-in, skin-on option.)
- Seasoning blend: I think the simple yet flavorful combination of salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning is delicious on chicken thighs. That said, feel free to use your favorite seasoning blend instead.
How Long to Bake Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
Boneless skinless chicken thighs bake quickly. At 400 degrees, they’ll typically take just 20 minutes to reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees. That said…
My #1 Tip for Baking Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
I recommend baking boneless skinless chicken thighs until they reach an internal temperature of at least 185 degrees. For extremely tender chicken thighs, bake up to 200 degrees. Unlike chicken breast, which dries out if cooked past 165 degrees, the connective tissue in chicken thighs breaks down the longer it cooks.
What to Serve with Baked Chicken Thighs
I typically pair baked chicken thighs with a roasted vegetable since the oven is already at 400 degrees. Here are a few options that can roast alongside the chicken:
- Cauliflower florets
- Broccoli florets
- Sweet potato fries
- Spaghetti squash rings
- Halved brussels sprouts
- Garlic-Butter Roasted Mushrooms
While the chicken and veggies roast, whip up an easy side:
- Healthy Chickpea Salad
- Healthy Mashed Potatoes
- Creamy Garlic Shells
- Creamy Parmesan Garlic Orzo
- Angel Hair with Garlic & Herbs
- Mediterranean Orzo Salad
Or open a bagged salad, butter a piece of bread, and call it a day. Been there, done that! 😉
How to Bake Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
Step 1: Prepare the chicken thighs.
Start by trimming the boneless skinless chicken thighs of excess fat and remaining pieces of skin. I find that kitchen shears are the best tool for the job.
Place the trimmed thighs in a 9×13″ baking pan, or line a half sheet pan with foil and then parchment paper for quick and easy cleanup.
Don’t Toss This Tender Little Piece of Chicken!
As you’re trimming the chicken thighs, a small, round piece of meat may come loose. This extra-tender and flavorful piece of meat can be tossed onto the pan and baked with the trimmed chicken thighs. They’re my favorite pieces to devour while the chicken thighs cool!
Step 2: Season the chicken.
Drizzle the chicken thighs with extra virgin olive oil – just enough to help the seasonings stick to the chicken – then season with salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
Use your hands to evenly coat both sides of the chicken thighs, then spread them into an even layer in the pan.
Step 3: Bake the chicken thighs.
Bake the chicken thighs for 20-25 minutes at 400 degrees, rotating the pan halfway through.
The chicken is safe to eat when the thickest part of the thigh reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees, as read by a digital meat thermometer.
For extra-tender chicken thighs, though, I recommend aiming for 185-200 degrees, as mentioned above.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then plate and serve. No matter how you enjoy these easy baked boneless chicken thighs, I hope you love every single bite. Enjoy!
More Super-Easy Chicken Recipes
- Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs
- Juicy Baked Chicken Breast
- Air Fryer Chicken Breast
- Air Fryer Chicken Wings
- 3-Ingredient Roast Chicken
- Simple Grilled Chicken Thighs
- Crispy Gluten-Free Chicken Cutlets
Baked Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
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Ingredients
- 2-1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs ~8 thighs
- drizzle extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Line a half sheet pan with foil then parchment paper and set it aside. Alternatively, you can bake the chicken thighs in a 9×13” baking pan.
-
Remove the chicken thighs from their packaging then trim away excess skin and fat. Kitchen shears are the easiest way to do this.
-
Place the trimmed chicken thighs inside a large mixing bowl if you’re baking them on a half sheet pan, or inside the 9×13” baking pan if you’re going that route. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil – just a touch so the seasoning will stick to the chicken – then add the remaining ingredients. Use your hands to rub the oil and seasonings all over the thighs then arrange them onto the sheet pan or inside the baking pan.
-
Bake the thighs for 20-25 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through, or until the thickest part of the chicken thighs reach an internal temperature of 185-200 degrees. Note: chicken thighs only need to be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees, but they’re much more tender when they’re cooked to a higher internal temperature. Briefly broil if desired for more color, then serve.
Video
Notes
- Feel free to use your favorite seasoning mix instead of the mixture listed above.
Nutrition
Images by Ashley McLaughlin
