Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe
Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs are a simple and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender, juicy chicken with a tangy barbecue glaze makes this recipe a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: garlic powder, smoked paprika
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Step 2: In a bowl, mix olive oil, salt, pepper, and optional seasonings like garlic powder and smoked paprika.
- Step 3: Rub the mixture all over the chicken thighs to evenly coat them.
- Step 4: Place the thighs in a baking dish and coat generously with barbecue sauce.
- Step 5: Bake for 35-45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), basting with more sauce during the last 10 minutes for extra flavor.
- Step 6: Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving to keep it juicy.
Tips & Variations
- For a smoky flavor, add smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke to the seasoning mixture.
- Use boneless thighs for quicker cooking, but adjust baking time accordingly.
- Try different barbecue sauces—sweet, spicy, or tangy—to customize the taste.
Storage
Store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to maintain crisp skin and juicy meat.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but chicken breasts may dry out more easily, so reduce baking time and watch closely to avoid overcooking.
How can I tell when the chicken is fully cooked?
The safest way is to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh.
PrintOven Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe
Delicious oven baked BBQ chicken thighs with a crispy skin and tender, juicy meat, coated generously in rich barbecue sauce and seasoned with olive oil, salt, pepper, and optional spices like garlic powder and smoked paprika.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Sauce and Seasoning
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking the chicken thighs to crispy perfection.
- Prepare the seasoning mixture: In a bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, pepper, and if using, the garlic powder and smoked paprika, thoroughly mixing to create a flavorful rub.
- Season the chicken: Rub the seasoning mixture all over the chicken thighs, making sure to coat both sides evenly to infuse the meat with flavor.
- Arrange in baking dish and add sauce: Place the seasoned chicken thighs in a baking dish. Generously coat them with barbecue sauce, ensuring each piece is well covered to develop a delicious barbecue crust.
- Bake the chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), indicating the chicken is fully cooked. During the last 10 minutes, baste the chicken with additional barbecue sauce to enhance moisture and flavor.
- Rest before serving: Remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving, which helps retain the juices for tender and juicy bites.
Notes
- Bone-in, skin-on thighs provide the best flavor and texture for this recipe.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Basting in the last 10 minutes enhances the glaze and prevents the sauce from burning.
- Feel free to customize the seasoning with smoked paprika and garlic powder for added smoky flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: BBQ chicken, baked chicken thighs, oven baked chicken, barbecue chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, comfort food
