Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe

Introduction

These Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs are a perfect weeknight dinner that’s both juicy and flavorful. With a blend of spices and a rich BBQ sauce glaze, they deliver a delicious caramelized finish that’s sure to please the whole family.

Ingredients

• 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2½ pounds)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or sweet paprika)
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• 1 cup thick BBQ sauce (we tested this with Kinder’s Original BBQ Sauce)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Step 2: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Brush or rub the olive oil evenly over both sides of each piece.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, mix together the kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and chili powder. Sprinkle this seasoning evenly over both sides of the chicken thighs.
4. Step 4: Place the chicken skin-side up on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart so they brown rather than steam. Bake for 30 minutes until the skin is lightly browned and the fat starts to render.
5. Step 5: Brush a generous layer of BBQ sauce over the tops and sides of each chicken thigh. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 175–185°F (80-85°C) and the sauce is caramelized.
6. Step 6: For extra caramelization, broil on high for 2–3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
7. Step 7: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use a digital instant-read thermometer to avoid overcooking and ensure juicy thighs.
• Swap smoked paprika with sweet paprika for a milder, sweeter flavor.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning blend.
• Try using your favorite homemade BBQ sauce in place of store-bought for personalized flavor.

Storage

Store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through to maintain crisp skin and juicy meat.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs for this recipe?

Yes, you can, but cooking times will be shorter since boneless thighs cook faster. Check for doneness earlier to avoid drying out the meat.

What if I don’t have smoked paprika?

Regular sweet paprika works fine as a substitute. If you want to mimic the smoky flavor, you can add a small amount of chipotle powder or smoked salt.

Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 60 reviews

This recipe for Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs delivers juicy, tender chicken with a smoky, flavorful crust and a caramelized BBQ sauce finish. Perfectly seasoned and baked to crispy perfection, these chicken thighs are an easy and crowd-pleasing meal that can be served on any weeknight or for casual gatherings.

• Author: lina
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasoning

• 8 bone-in, skin on chicken thighs (about 2½ pounds)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or sweet paprika)
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon chili powder

BBQ Sauce

• 1 cup thick BBQ sauce (suggested: Kinder’s Original BBQ Sauce)

Instructions

1. Prep the oven and baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup after baking.
2. Season the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry thoroughly using paper towels. Rub or brush the olive oil evenly on both sides of the chicken to help the seasoning stick and promote crisping.
3. Mix and apply seasoning: In a small bowl, combine kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and chili powder. Sprinkle this spice blend evenly over both sides of the chicken thighs.
4. Bake the chicken: Arrange the chicken thighs skin-side up on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them out to avoid steaming. Bake for 30 minutes until the chicken is almost cooked through, the skin starts browning, and fat begins to render.
5. Add BBQ sauce: Generously brush BBQ sauce all over the tops and sides of each chicken thigh. Return the chicken to the oven and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 175–185°F (80–85°C) and the BBQ sauce is thick, glossy, and caramelized.
6. Optional broil for extra caramelization: For a deeper caramelized finish, broil the chicken on high for 2–3 minutes while closely monitoring to prevent the sauce from burning.
7. Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes so the juices redistribute. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired before serving.

Notes

• Note 1: Kinder’s Original BBQ Sauce is recommended for optimal flavor and consistency, but feel free to use your favorite thick BBQ sauce.
• Note 2: Using an instant-read thermometer ensures the chicken is cooked perfectly and safe to eat without drying out.

Keywords: Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs, BBQ chicken, baked chicken thighs, smoky chicken, dinner recipe, easy chicken recipe