Print

Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://foodbylina.com/baked-bbq-chicken-thighs-recipe/