Oven BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe
Introduction
This Oven BBQ Chicken Thighs recipe is a simple and delicious way to enjoy tender, flavorful chicken with a smoky barbecue twist. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual weekend meal.
Ingredients
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season them evenly on all sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Step 2: Place the chicken thighs on a baking sheet or in a baking dish. Brush them generously with BBQ sauce, reserving some for later.
- Step 3: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the baking sheet, brush the thighs with more BBQ sauce, then return to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is caramelized.
- Step 4: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to lock in the juices and flavors.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crispy skin, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking while watching closely to avoid burning.
- Use your favorite BBQ sauce variety—smoky, sweet, or spicy—to customize the flavor.
- Try adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the BBQ sauce for a tangy kick.
Storage
Store leftover BBQ 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 moisture. Avoid microwaving to prevent drying out the chicken.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs work well too. Adjust the cooking time to about 20-25 minutes since they cook faster than bone-in thighs.
Do I need to marinate the chicken before baking?
Marinating is not necessary for this recipe, but letting the seasoned chicken sit for 30 minutes before baking can enhance the flavor.
PrintOven BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe
Delicious and easy Oven BBQ Chicken Thighs, featuring juicy, flavorful chicken baked to perfection with a tangy barbecue sauce. A simple weeknight dinner option that’s sure to please the whole family.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
BBQ Sauce
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot enough to cook the chicken evenly and create a nicely caramelized BBQ sauce crust.
- Season Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika, then evenly season the chicken on both sides.
- Arrange Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side up on a baking sheet or in an oven-safe dish in a single layer, ensuring there is space between each piece for even cooking.
- Add BBQ Sauce: Generously brush the barbecue sauce over the chicken thighs, coating each piece thoroughly. Reserve some sauce for basting later if desired.
- Bake: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy and caramelized. Optionally, baste the chicken with additional sauce halfway through baking for extra flavor.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute and keep the chicken moist.
Notes
- Using bone-in, skin-on thighs helps retain moisture and flavor during baking.
- If you prefer a smokier flavor, use smoked paprika and a BBQ sauce with a smoky profile.
- For extra crispy skin, broil the chicken on high for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently to maintain juiciness.
Keywords: BBQ chicken, oven baked chicken thighs, easy dinner, grilled flavor, weeknight recipe
