Oven 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.
- Author: Mick
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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
- 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