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Baked Boneless Chicken Thighs with Spicy Balsamic Seasoning Recipe

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4.3 from 25 reviews

This recipe for Baked Boneless Chicken Thighs is a quick and flavorful way to prepare tender, juicy chicken with a slightly charred and caramelized finish. The thighs are seasoned with a blend of spices and balsamic vinegar, then baked and broiled to perfection, making a delicious main dish for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

  • Total Time: 32 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 6 thighs)

Seasoning Mix

  • 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
  • Salt to taste (recommended 2 teaspoons)
  • Pepper to taste (recommended 1-1/2 teaspoons)

Instructions

  1. Prep: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large sheet pan with foil to make cleanup easier. Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels to ensure better browning. There’s no need to trim off any excess fat, as it will render during cooking.
  2. Season Chicken: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika until well combined. Season the mixture to taste, adding salt and pepper as desired. Rub or brush this spice mixture evenly over the back and then the front of each chicken thigh, making sure each piece is fully coated.
  3. Bake: Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs flat on the prepared sheet pan, spacing them out so they cook evenly. Place the pan in the center of the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes.
  4. Broil: After baking, move the oven rack to about 8 inches from the heat source. Switch your oven setting to broil and cook the chicken for an additional 7 to 10 minutes, keeping a close eye to ensure the tops become beautifully blackened and caramelized without burning.
  5. Rest And Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and tent loosely with foil. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Finally, brush the pan juices over the chicken for extra flavor and moisture. Slice or chop the chicken as desired and serve.

Notes

  • Patting the chicken dry before seasoning helps develop a better crust.
  • The fat from the chicken will render down during cooking, adding flavor and moisture.
  • Watch the chicken carefully during the broil step to avoid burning.
  • Resting the meat before serving ensures juicier, more tender chicken.
  • This recipe works well for meal prep and can be served with various sides like roasted vegetables, rice, or salads.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 7 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American