Winner, winner, Boneless Skinless Chicken Thigh dinner.
In our home, like most American houses, chicken is a staple. Americans actually consume around 98 pounds of chicken per person every year, making it the most consumed meat in the USA. Cooking up recipes like this boneless skinless chicken thigh, you start to understand why. This foolproof dish produces an incredibly moist and tender chicken that is full of flavor and sure to please those picky eaters. Every family has at least one, I remember a point in time when my little sister ate nothing but frozen fish sticks, talk about picky.
I am obsessed with this recipe for boneless, skinless chicken thighs. It is simple, economical, easy to make, and super quick to cook. A real time-saving meal packed with flavor, and the perfect dish to make on those hectic weeknights when a simple dinner is a must. This recipe is also a fantastic one to have the kids help out with, as there are only a few easy steps with minimal prep. I know I always loved getting to help mom out in the kitchen when I was little and it gave me the love of food I have today.
Chicken is a Family Favorite the World Over
The U.S. is not the only place where chicken is the most popular meat. In fact, it is one of the most common meats in the whole world, with more than 70 billion chickens eaten a year. There is no exact date as to when chickens were first domesticated but we do know it was a few thousand years ago. The ancient Greeks among other cultures throughout history, actually considered chickens a delicacy. I wonder if they were using this boneless, skinless chicken thigh recipe?
This delicious dish is as easy to prepare as it is nutritious. A single serving contains 29 grams of protein, as well as iron, potassium, calcium, vitamin B12, and even small amounts of vitamins A and C. This recipe makes six servings and is excellent, for those large family dinners or just making extra for those meal prep kits.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
How to Make Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the chicken thighs with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and cayenne pepper. Mix well.
Step 3: Place the seasoned chicken thighs in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Step 5: Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
FAQs & Tips
How Do I Prep and Store This Chicken?
This meal is excellent when made ahead of time; just follow the recipe as directed. Then when the chicken is fully cooked, you have a few options. You can either leave it whole, dice it, or you can shred the chicken for easy use later. Personally, I love to shred the chicken while it is warm and then save it for later. That way it is easy to throw into any dish you like or even just eat cold. Once your chicken has cooled down, place it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days, or store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Can I Use an Air Fryer to Make this Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs Recipe?
Yes, you can. Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Be aware that the chicken will cook much faster in an air fryer than it will in a conventional oven.
Can I Make the Spice Mixture Ahead of Time?
Absolutely yes, the spice mix can be made in bulk and stored in an airtight container in a cool dry place. Then, when you are ready to season your chicken, simply use your prepared spice mixture. Spice mixes should be used within six months for optimal freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Boneless skinless chicken thighs are the perfect place to start when thinking about lunch, snack or dinner options. This dish is incredibly versatile and can be accompanied by a large variety of great sides, from roasted veggies, like asparagus, Brussels sprouts or broccoli to rice, macaroni and cheese, or my favorite, mashed potatoes. Speaking of mashed potatoes, this Roasted Mashed Potatoes recipe is a crowd-pleaser and our Smashed Potatoes with Cheese is another one of those easy go-to sides.
A few vegetable sides that work incredibly well with boneless skinless chicken thighs are Sautéed Corn with Basil Butter or Easy Sautéed Broccoli. Whichever side or sides you choose, just know that there is no wrong answer.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken thighs with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and cayenne pepper. Mix well.
- Place the seasoned chicken thighs in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
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