Description
This recipe for Baked Boneless Chicken Thighs with Spicy Balsamic Seasoning features tender and juicy chicken thighs coated in a flavorful blend of balsamic vinegar, chili powder, and aromatic spices. Perfectly baked and then broiled to achieve a delicious caramelized crust, this dish is quick to prepare and makes a tasty, satisfying meal for six.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 6 thighs)
Seasoning
- 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
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1–1/2 teaspoons black pepper
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large sheet pan with aluminum foil to make cleanup easier. Pat the chicken thighs dry thoroughly using paper towels. Do not trim off any excess fat, as it will render during cooking and enhance the flavor and moisture of the meat.
- Season Chicken: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Evenly rub or brush this seasoning mixture over both sides of each chicken thigh, ensuring all pieces are fully coated.
- Bake: Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs flat on the prepared sheet pan, spacing them out to allow for even cooking. Place the pan in the center of the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes.
- Broil: After baking, move the oven rack to approximately 8 inches from the heat source and switch the oven setting to broil. Broil the chicken thighs for 7 to 10 minutes until the tops are nicely blackened and caramelized. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and tent loosely with foil. Let the thighs rest for 5 to 10 minutes to let the juices redistribute throughout the meat. Before serving, brush any pan juices over the chicken. Slice or chop as desired and serve warm.
Notes
- Do not trim fat from chicken thighs as it adds flavor and moisture during cooking.
- Keep a close eye while broiling to avoid burning the chicken tops.
- Resting the chicken after cooking is essential to retain juiciness.
- This recipe pairs well with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: baked chicken thighs, spicy chicken, balsamic chicken, boneless chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner
