How to Bake Juicy, Flavorful Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs are an underrated cut of chicken that is often overlooked in favor of boneless, skinless chicken breasts However, chicken thighs have a distinct advantage over chicken breasts – they are infused with more flavor and tend to stay juicier when cooked So if you’re looking to add more flavor and moisture to your weeknight chicken dinners, boneless skinless chicken thighs are the way to go.

Benefits of Chicken Thighs

Here are some of the benefits of choosing chicken thighs over breasts:

• More fat & flavor Chicken thighs have more fat marbled throughout the meat, which keeps them moist during cooking and infuses them with extra flavor. The fat also makes them more satisfying

• More nutrients: Thighs contain more minerals like iron and zinc compared to chicken breasts. They are great for pregnant, breastfeeding women or anyone looking for extra nutrition.

• Affordable: Chicken thighs are often cheaper per pound than chicken breasts. You get more for your money.

• Forgiving: Chicken thighs are harder to overcook and dry out. The fat and connective tissue keeps them tender.

• Easy prep: No slicing or pounding required. Just season and toss in the oven.

So now that you’re sold on chicken thighs, let’s get to the good part – how to bake them so they turn out perfectly juicy and packed with flavor every time.

Seasoning Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs love bold, robust seasoning. Here are some easy ways to flavor them before baking:

• Dry rubs: Coat with spices like smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, etc.

• Wet marinades: Soak thighs in a marinade made with oil, acidic ingredients like lemon juice or vinegar, and fresh herbs.

• Paste marinades: Rub a paste made from ingredients like miso, tahini, pesto, mustard, or harissa onto the meat.

• Sauces: Brush with barbecue sauce, teriyaki sauce, jerk sauce, etc. towards the end of cooking.

When seasoning, don’t be shy. Chicken thighs can handle assertive flavors.

Baking Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs

Baking chicken thighs couldn’t be easier. Here are a few tips:

• Get it hot: Crank the oven temperature. Bake at 400°F or 425°F to get the crispy outside.

• Use a sheet pan: Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

• Give it space: Arrange thighs in a single layer, leaving space between each one to ensure even cooking.

• Flip halfway: Flip thighs over midway during baking to cook both sides.

• Check for doneness: The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Juices will run clear when poked with a fork.

• Rest before serving: Let thighs sit 5-10 minutes before eating. This allows juices to reabsorb for a moister, more tender bite.

Oven-Baked Chicken Thigh Recipes

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s look at some easy oven-baked chicken thigh recipes to add to your dinner rotation:

1. Basic Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs

The simplest preparation to master chicken thighs.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1⁄2 tsp black pepper
• 1⁄2 tsp paprika
• 1⁄4 tsp garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Toss chicken thighs with olive oil and seasonings.
2. Arrange in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes until browned and 165°F.
4. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

2. BBQ Chicken Thighs

Finger-lickin’ good oven-baked BBQ chicken.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 3 tbsp BBQ sauce
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1⁄2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Toss chicken with oil, spices, salt, and pepper.
2. Arrange on baking sheet. Bake 25 minutes at 400°F.
3. Remove sheet pan and brush chicken with BBQ sauce.
4. Broil 2-3 minutes until lightly charred.
5. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

3. Chicken Thighs with Lemon and Herbs

Fresh and zesty lemon herb chicken thighs.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary leaves
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine lemon juice, olive oil, thyme, rosemary, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and turn to coat. Marinate 30 minutes.
2. Arrange chicken on prepared baking sheet. Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.
3. Squeeze lemon half over chicken. Serve.

4. Pesto Chicken Thighs

Rich, herby pesto chicken baked to perfection.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1/4 cup pesto
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Brush chicken thighs with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
2. Spread pesto evenly over chicken.
3. Arrange on baking sheet and bake 25 minutes at 375°F until 165°F.
4. Let rest 5 minutes then serve.

5. Chicken Thighs with Tomatoes and Spinach

Savory chicken thighs baked with cherry tomatoes and spinach.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 15 oz can diced tomatoes
• 3 cups fresh spinach
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1⁄4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Toss chicken thighs with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Arrange on baking sheet.
2. Bake at 400°F for 15 minutes. Remove sheet pan from oven.
3. Scatter cherry tomatoes and garlic around chicken. Bake 10 more minutes.
4. Add spinach and red pepper flakes. Bake final 5 minutes until spinach wilts.
5. Let rest 5 minutes then serve over spinach and tomatoes.

So next time you’re prepping dinner, reach for a pack of boneless skinless chicken thighs. With their juicy texture, robust flavor, and forgiving nature, chicken thighs are a dinnertime winner.