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Oven BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe

4.5 from 97 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Add BBQ Sauce: Generously brush the barbecue sauce over the chicken thighs, coating each piece thoroughly. Reserve some sauce for basting later if desired.
  5. 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.
  6. 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