How long do you cook Baked Boneless Chicken Thighs at 400°F?

After the initial 3 to 4 minute stovetop sear, bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 12 to 15 minutes. The total cooking time in the oven depends on the thickness of the thighs. Always verify doneness with an instant-read thermometer reading 165°F in the thickest part rather than relying solely on time.

How do you keep Baked Boneless Chicken Thighs from drying out?

The combination of using dark meat thighs rather than breast, searing to seal the exterior, cooking in chicken broth which creates steam and a pan sauce, and allowing a resting period after baking all work together to maintain exceptional juiciness. Never skip the 3 to 5 minute resting period in the pan sauce before serving.

Can I prep the paprika herb rub ahead of time?

Absolutely. The dry rub mixture can be made up to 2 weeks in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also apply the rub to the chicken thighs up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate uncovered on a rack over a tray. The overnight dry brine effect that results from this advance salting deepens the seasoning penetration beautifully.

Do I have to use a cast iron skillet for this recipe?

A cast iron skillet is strongly recommended because its heat retention is what creates the heavily textured charred crust that defines this recipe. A heavy stainless steel oven-safe skillet is the best alternative. Avoid non-stick pans for this recipe as their coating cannot withstand the high heat required for proper searing and cannot go into a very hot oven safely.

Baked Boneless Chicken Thighs The Most Perfectly Juicy Recipe

Name: Baked Boneless Chicken Thighs With a Charred Paprika Rub Incredibly Juicy
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs patted completely dry; 1 tablespoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon brown sugar; 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1 whole lemon halved for charring; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley finely chopped; 1/2 teaspoon coarse white sea salt flakes for finishing

Description

Perfectly Baked Boneless Chicken Thighs with a charred smoked paprika herb dry rub, golden-brown seared crust, and a thin translucent savory pan sauce. A 30-minute cast iron skillet dinner finished with fresh parsley and charred lemon.

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs patted completely dry

1 tablespoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon coarse salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 cup chicken broth

1 whole lemon halved for charring

2 tablespoons fresh parsley finely chopped

1/2 teaspoon coarse white sea salt flakes for finishing

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400F (200C) and pat chicken thighs completely bone dry with paper towels

2. Whisk smoked paprika garlic powder onion powder oregano brown sugar salt and pepper together

3. Massage dry rub generously over every surface of each chicken thigh

4. Heat olive oil in cast iron skillet over medium-high until shimmering and beginning to smoke

5. Add chicken thighs and lemon halves cut-side down and sear undisturbed 3 to 4 minutes until deeply golden

6. Flip chicken tongs carefully then pour chicken broth into skillet bottom and deglaze

7. Transfer hot skillet to oven and bake 12 to 15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F

8. Rest in pan sauce 3 to 5 minutes then scatter parsley and flaky salt and squeeze charred lemon over top

Notes

Pat chicken completely dry before rub application for proper sear not steam.

Allow 3 to 5 minutes rest in pan sauce before serving for maximum juiciness.

Do not pour broth over the chicken crust when deglazing.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner Main Course
Method: Searing and Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 285
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 520mg
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 4g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 145mg

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