Okay, I stand by this: these are the BEST baked boneless chicken thighs. Just a quick seasoning blend, some oil, & the secret ingredient: balsamic vinegar (trust me, it works!).
Family Favorite
The Best Chicken Thighs Ever. Full Stop.
Iโm seriously so excited to share this one because Iโm convinced these are the absolute best baked boneless chicken thighs out there. The flavor is next-level and the prep could not be easier; just a few simple ingredients and youโre on your way.
I like to bake a batch at the start of the week. Weโll have them for dinner in bowls or with a sauce, then I chop up the leftovers and use them in everything. If a recipe calls for rotisserie chicken, I just use this instead. It works in wraps, salads, sandwiches, pasta, you name it.
Ingredients In Baked Boneless Chicken Thighs
| Chicken | Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (they stay juicy and flavorful in the oven). |
| Oil + Acid | Olive oil + balsamic vinegar (for richness and caramelized edges). I know it might sound a little strange, but as my 13-year-old always says: โtrust the process,โ haha. |
| Seasonings | Chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper. It might seem like a lot of salt, but weโre using fine salt here, not kosher, so the measurement is just right. |
Get Your Baked Boneless Chicken Thighs Perfect!
- Grab a pack of thighs that are all similar in size so they cook evenly.
- Pat the chicken dry before seasoning, so it cooks properly (instead of steaming).
- Use a large sheet pan to give the thighs space to roast evenly without crowding.
- Let the chicken rest before slicing, so the juices stay in the meat.
- Line your baking sheet with foil for faster cleanup and to protect your pan.
- Wait for the oven to be fully heated before adding in the chicken.
Featured Comment
โOooommmgggeeee!! This is THE BEST chicken I have ever made!! The flavor is delicious!! This recipe will be part of my weekly menu!! Well done!!!โ
โ Michelle
Use This Chicken In These Recipes:
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Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe
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Chicken Burrito Bowls
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Hot Honey Chicken Bowl
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Chicken Quinoa Bowl
Baked Boneless Chicken Thighs
Video
Equipment
- Large sheet pan (15ร21-inch), plus foil (heavy duty if possible)
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs about 6 thighs, see note 1
- 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- 2-1/2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Saltย andย pepper (2 tsp fine salt; 1-1/2 tsp pepper)
Instructionsย
- Preheat oven to 425ยฐF. Line a large sheet pan with foil. Pat chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels. No need to trim excess fat; it will render as the chicken cooks.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika. Season to taste (I add 2 teaspoon salt & 1-1/2 teaspoon pepper). Rub or brush the seasoning mixture over the back first, and then the front of each thigh until evenly coated. You should use all the spice mixture.
- Arrange chicken thighs flat on the prepared sheet pan, spaced out well. Bake in the center of the oven for 15 minutes.
- Move the oven rack to 8 inches from the heat source. Switch to broil and cook for 7โ10 minutes, or until the tops are nicely blackened and caramelized (watch closely).
- Remove from oven, tent with foil, and let rest for 5โ10 minutes. Brush pan juices on top. Slice or chop as desired.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
How to Use These Baked Boneless Chicken Thighs
- Build a grain bowl with sliced chicken, rice, roasted veggies, and your favorite sauce.
- Make tacos by adding the chicken to tortillas and your favorite toppings.
- Upgrade your pasta by tossing in chicken or adding it to creamy mac and cheese.
- Top a salad with sliced chicken, leafy greens, feta, and a punchy vinaigrette.
- Create a sandwich by layering chicken onto toasted rolls with cheese and your favorite sauce.
- Mix it into other meals like soups, stir-fries, or fried rice for a quick protein boost.
Storage
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
- Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freeze leftovers by chopping or shredding the chicken and storing it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheat as needed using a skillet, microwave, or air fryer to warm and crisp.
- Eat it cold in wraps or salads if youโre packing lunch or on the go.
- Make a double batch of baked boneless chicken thighs for easy meal prep all week long!
Baked Boneless Chicken Thighs FAQs
Nope! The balsamic and oil mixture acts as a quick seasoning and gives great flavor without needing time to marinate.
Unfortunately, chicken breasts donโt work well with this method since theyโre leaner and tend to dry out quickly.
Use a meat thermometer and check for an internal temperature of 165ยฐF. This is the safest and most reliable way to avoid under or overcooking.
Nope! Youโll get a nice caramelized, blackened top without flipping. Just leave space between each piece so they roast evenly and donโt steam.
It adds flavor depth and helps the chicken caramelize under the broiler. It might sound unusual, but it works so well.
OMG! Chelsea, you have 2 new fans in CT! I made this for my wife for an easy, quick meal. You didnโt disappoint. The flavors came together perfectly with the nice, char! Boneless, skinless thighs were fork tender. You go girl!
Yay! Iโm so thrilled to hear this! Thanks so much David!
So I tried your recipe using balsamic vinegar and olive oil along with other spices and I have to say it came out amazing. This will be my go to recipe!
Delish! Iโm so happy this was a hit! Thanks Rick!
This was a nice change from my usual chicken thigh recipe. The meat was juicy and flavorful, and the recipe came together very quickly. I missed the balsamic flavor โ tasting mostly the chili powder โ so next time I might decrease the chili powder to 1 teaspoon and bump the vinegar up. Purely a personal preference! Thanks for a new weekday option ๐
Yay! Thanks so much Allyson!
I never leave reviews on recipes but I had to for this oneโฆ it was amazing. Best baked chicken Iโve ever made. Between 4 adults and 2 young kids we ate FOUR POUNDS of these chicken thighs ๐คฃ I did cut the chili powder in half because weโre wimpy with spice and I didnโt want to risk it. But I did everything else exactly as she said to. So. Good.
Yay! I am so happy to hear this! Thanks so much for taking the time to write this!
Can a balsamic reduction be used?
I stink at leaving reviews, but had to come here to say that this was so delicious!! My family of six absolutely devoured it, and that never happens! Ages range from 6-17, and I can never please everyone so this was kind of shocking to me!
Followed the recipe exactly. It was quick annd easy and I canโt thank you enough for sharing!! This will be a new staple in our home for sure!
Iโm so glad you took the time to leave this review. Thereโs no better compliment than hearing itโs kid-approved! Thanks so much, Cierra!