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A plate of juicy, pan-seared boneless skinless chicken thighs, one is sliced to show the tender inside.

Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs Recipes: The Ultimate Guide to Juicy Perfection

Discover the ultimate guide to cooking perfect boneless skinless chicken thighs! This recipe provides two foolproof methods (pan-seared and baked) with a simple, flavorful seasoning blend to guarantee juicy, tender chicken every time. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 285
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs about 6-8 thighs, patted dry
  • 1 tbsp olive oil plus more for the pan
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper freshly ground

Equipment

  • 1 Large Skillet (Cast Iron recommended) For stovetop method
  • 1 Baking Dish For oven method
  • 1 Mixing Bowl Small, for seasonings
  • 1 Meat Thermometer Essential for perfect results

Method
 

  1. Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Drizzle the chicken thighs with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sprinkle the seasoning blend over all sides of the chicken, rubbing it in to ensure an even coating.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add another drizzle of olive oil to the pan.
  4. Carefully place the chicken thighs in the hot skillet in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, until a deep golden-brown crust forms and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  6. Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs in a single layer in a baking dish or on a sheet pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  7. Remove chicken from the heat and transfer to a cutting board. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This is crucial for juicy chicken!

Notes

Don't skip the resting step! It allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in much more tender and flavorful chicken.
A meat thermometer is the best tool for guaranteeing perfectly cooked chicken every time.
Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your preference. Add a pinch of cayenne for heat or some dried thyme for a more herbaceous flavor.