Baked Boneless Chicken Thighs

Craving a weeknight dinner that's absolutely dreamy, foolproof, and delivers juicy, mouth-watering chicken every single time? Baked Boneless Chicken Thighs are the answer! Each bite bursts with savory, herby flavor while the meat stays incredibly tender thanks to a simple yet magical marinade.

This is the kind of recipe every home cook needs in their back pocket: quick to prep, almost entirely hands-off, and perfect for everything from busy family dinners to meal prep Sundays. No more dry chicken—just golden, caramelized perfection!

It’s inspired by my favorite comfort food memories and has become a long-time staple in our home. Serve it up alongside your favorite sides for a complete, satisfying meal that everyone will love!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Always juicy and never dry—thanks to boneless thighs and a foolproof oven technique
• Ridiculously easy to prep—just mix, marinate, and bake
• Packed with crowd-pleasing flavor from a blend of herbs and spices
• Perfect for meal prep, busy weeknights, or feeding a hungry crowd

Key Ingredients for Baked Boneless Chicken Thighs

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs

The star of this recipe! Chicken thighs are naturally more flavorful and juicy than breasts, making them ideal for baking. Be sure to pat them dry before seasoning for the best caramelization. You can use bone-in thighs if preferred, but note that the cooking time will increase.

Olive Oil

Olive oil helps coat the chicken, locking in moisture and encouraging a beautiful golden crust. For extra flavor, try using garlic-infused olive oil or avocado oil as a substitute.

Garlic

Freshly minced garlic infuses every bite with aromatic, savory depth. If you’re in a rush, garlic powder works in a pinch (use about half the amount), but fresh always wins for flavor!

Paprika

Paprika adds warmth, earthiness, and a gorgeous color to the seasoning mix. Smoked paprika gives the chicken a subtle smoky note, while sweet paprika keeps things mild—choose your favorite!

Italian Seasoning

This blend of dried herbs (usually oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary) gives the chicken a classic, herbaceous punch. Don’t have Italian seasoning? Mix your own with dried herbs on hand or use Herbes de Provence for a French twist.

Instructions for Baked Boneless Chicken Thighs

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Prep the Chicken and Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels—this helps the seasonings stick and ensures a beautiful, caramelized finish.

Make the Seasoning Marinade

In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. You’re building big, bold flavors here!

Coat the Chicken Thighs

Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss until each piece is evenly coated in the marinade. For the deepest flavor, marinate for 10–15 minutes (or up to overnight in the fridge), but it’s also delicious if baked right away.

Arrange and Bake

Lay the seasoned chicken thighs in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If you like extra caramelization, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end—watch closely!

Rest, Garnish, and Serve

Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This step keeps the juices locked in. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for a bright finish.

Recipe Variations

Spice It Up

Love a little heat? Add 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix. You can also drizzle with hot sauce before serving for a fiery finish.

Citrus Herb Twist

Try swapping Italian seasoning for fresh chopped rosemary and thyme, and add the zest of one lemon to the marinade. The citrusy aroma is absolutely irresistible!

Honey Garlic Glaze

For a sweet and savory kick, whisk 1 tablespoon of honey into the marinade or brush it on during the last 5 minutes of baking. This creates a sticky, flavor-packed glaze that kids adore.

Gluten-Free & Keto Friendly

This recipe is naturally gluten-free and low in carbs as written. For a keto boost, add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or serve over cauliflower rice.

Make It Dairy-Free

No modifications are needed—this recipe is already dairy free! For added richness, serve with a side of dairy-free yogurt sauce or tahini dip.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Baked Boneless Chicken Thighs with fluffy mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a crisp green salad for a balanced meal. Garnish with extra fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon for brightness. For a complete dinner, add warm rice pilaf or garlic bread on the side!

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place chicken on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–12 minutes, or microwave in 30-second bursts until heated through. You can also freeze cooked thighs for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as above.

Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Boneless Chicken Thighs (FAQ)

Q: Can I use bone-in chicken thighs instead of boneless?
A: Absolutely! Just increase the baking time to 30–35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Q: Do I need to marinate the chicken for a long time?
A: Even 10–15 minutes makes a difference, but you can bake right away if you’re short on time. For extra flavor, marinate up to 24 hours in advance.

Q: Can I cook these chicken thighs ahead for meal prep?
A: Yes! Baked boneless chicken thighs are perfect for meal prep—store them in portions and reheat as needed throughout the week.

Take it from me—these Baked Boneless Chicken Thighs are the ultimate easy dinner hero! They’re juicy, bursting with flavor, and come together with minimal effort. Give this recipe a try and let me know how it goes in the comments below. Don’t forget to leave a rating—your feedback makes my day!