Baked Boneless Chicken Thighs with Spicy Balsamic Seasoning Recipe
This recipe features juicy, boneless chicken thighs baked to perfection with a vibrant spicy balsamic seasoning. The chicken is first coated with a flavorful blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic, paprika, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar, then baked and finished under the broiler for a caramelized, smoky crust. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner with bold flavors and a simple preparation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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 the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large sheet pan with aluminum foil to make cleanup easier. Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels, taking care not to trim any excess fat as this will render during cooking and add flavor and moisture.
- Season Chicken: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub or brush this mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken thigh, ensuring they are fully coated.
- Bake: Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs flat on the prepared sheet pan with space between them 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 about 8 inches below the broiler. Switch the oven setting to broil and cook the chicken for an additional 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 rest for 5 to 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Optionally brush any pan juices over the chicken before slicing or chopping and serving warm.
Notes
- Do not trim excess fat on the chicken thighs as it will render during cooking, adding flavor and moisture.
- Watch closely during broiling to avoid burning the chicken due to the sugar content in the balsamic vinegar.
- You can serve this chicken with a side of roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: baked chicken thighs, spicy chicken, balsamic chicken, boneless chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, weeknight chicken
