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Crispy Oven-Baked Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs

crispy oven-baked boneless skinless chicken thighs - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for crispy, juicy boneless skinless chicken thighs baked in the oven without frying. Perfect for a fuss-free, flavorful dinner in under 45 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (fresh, not frozen)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • Optional: fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for garnish
  • Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper for spice

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Let the oven fully heat up before putting the chicken in.
  2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and baking powder.
  4. Toss the chicken thighs in the seasoning mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
  5. Arrange the chicken thighs skin side up on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet, leaving space between pieces.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping once halfway through using tongs to keep the coating intact.
  7. Check for doneness with an instant-read thermometer (165°F / 74°C) or cut into one to ensure juices run clear and meat is opaque.
  8. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to lock in juices and set the skin.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure crispiness. Use baking powder to raise skin pH for better browning and crunch. Use a wire rack to allow air circulation and prevent soggy bottoms. Flip halfway through baking for even crispness. Rest chicken before serving to keep it juicy. Broil for 1-2 minutes at the end for extra crispness if desired, but watch closely to avoid burning. For gluten-free, substitute baking powder with almond flour but expect slight differences in crispness. Avoid microwaving leftovers to maintain crisp skin; reheat in oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes instead.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken thighs, oven-baked chicken, boneless skinless chicken, easy dinner, quick chicken recipe, gluten-free chicken, healthy chicken