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Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe

5 from 73 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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