Description
Succulent Oven-Baked Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs deliver a mouthwatering main course that elevates weeknight dinners with bold Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Herb-seasoned and perfectly roasted, these juicy chicken thighs promise a simple yet delectable meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 lbs (907 grams) boneless skinless chicken thighs
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Liquids and Oils:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to 400°F, ensuring optimal cooking temperature for chicken thighs.
- Create a robust marinade by whisking together olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, black pepper, brown sugar, soy sauce, and lemon juice in a large mixing bowl.
- Immerse chicken thighs completely in the marinade, thoroughly coating each piece and allowing flavors to penetrate for 10-15 minutes.
- Protect the baking sheet by lining with parchment paper or aluminum foil to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Distribute marinated chicken thighs across the prepared baking sheet, maintaining space between pieces for uniform heat circulation.
- Position the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, monitoring internal temperature until it reaches 165°F.
- For enhanced texture, activate broiler function for 2-3 minutes to achieve a golden-brown exterior with crispy edges.
- Remove chicken from oven and let rest for 5 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and ensuring maximum tenderness before serving.
Notes
- Swap out brown sugar for honey or maple syrup to create a lower glycemic option for those monitoring blood sugar levels.
- Transform this recipe into a gluten-free version by using tamari instead of traditional soy sauce.
- Reduce sodium content by choosing low-sodium soy sauce and cutting salt quantity in half.
- Elevate protein absorption by allowing chicken to marinate longer, ideally 2-4 hours in refrigerator for deeper flavor penetration.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 322
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 640 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg