Oven-baked BBQ chicken thighs are a weeknight winner! They're juicy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal prep and cleanup. This recipe delivers tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken thighs with a sticky, smoky BBQ glaze that everyone will love. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.
Why Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs are the Best
Unlike grilling, oven-baking your BBQ chicken thighs ensures even cooking and prevents flare-ups. This method results in consistently juicy, tender chicken every time. Plus, you can easily customize the BBQ sauce to your liking, adding a touch of heat, sweetness, or smokiness. The oven does most of the work, leaving you free to relax and enjoy the delicious aroma filling your kitchen.
What You'll Need:
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Ingredients:
- 2 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
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Equipment:
- Large baking dish or roasting pan
- Whisk or small bowl
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and gets that beautiful golden-brown crust.
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Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps them crisp up nicely in the oven. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
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Marinate (optional but recommended): For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken in the spice mixture for at least 30 minutes, or even up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
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Coat the chicken: Generously coat each chicken thigh with the spice mixture, ensuring it's evenly distributed.
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Arrange and bake: Place the chicken thighs in a single layer in your baking dish. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). After 30 minutes, baste the chicken with half of the BBQ sauce.
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Glaze and finish: During the last 10 minutes of cooking, generously baste the chicken with the remaining BBQ sauce. This creates that signature sticky, delicious BBQ glaze.
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Rest and serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in even more tender and flavorful chicken.
How Long to Bake Chicken Thighs?
The cooking time for oven-baked BBQ chicken thighs can vary depending on the thickness of the thighs and your oven. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety. Thicker thighs may require an extra 10-15 minutes of cooking time.
Can I Use Bone-In, Skinless Chicken Thighs?
Yes, you can absolutely use bone-in, skinless chicken thighs. However, the cooking time may be slightly shorter, and the chicken may not brown as beautifully as with skin-on thighs. Keep a close eye on them and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
What Kind of BBQ Sauce Should I Use?
The beauty of this recipe is that you can use your favorite BBQ sauce! Experiment with different flavors—sweet, smoky, spicy, or tangy—to find your perfect match. Homemade BBQ sauce adds a personal touch, but store-bought works perfectly well too.
Tips for Extra Juicy Chicken Thighs:
- Don't overcrowd the baking dish: This ensures even cooking and prevents steaming.
- Baste frequently: Basting with the BBQ sauce keeps the chicken moist and adds flavor.
- Let the chicken rest: Allowing the chicken to rest before slicing helps retain its juices.
Enjoy your delicious, oven-baked BBQ chicken thighs! They're perfect for a weeknight dinner, a casual get-together, or even a backyard BBQ. Remember to adjust seasonings and cooking times to suit your preferences.
