Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs

Sarah

Writer & Blogger

Chicken Recipes
March 29, 2025

Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs: Juicy, Flavorful Perfection in Every Bite! 🍗🔥😋

1. Introduction

Craving the smoky, sweet taste of barbecue but don’t want to fire up the grill? Look no further! This recipe for baked BBQ chicken thighs brings the best of barbecue flavor right to your oven. These oven baked BBQ chicken are incredibly juicy, tender, and coated in a rich, tangy barbecue sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. Thinking about what to pair with these delicious thighs? Maybe some inspiration from our dinner category? Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or planning a casual get-together, baked BBQ chicken thighs are a surefire crowd-pleaser. If you’re looking for other options, explore our diverse collection of recipes!

This recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. It requires minimal prep time and uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Forget about the hassle of grilling; baking ensures even cooking and maximum flavor penetration. Plus, the cleanup is a breeze! Say goodbye to dry, flavorless chicken and hello to the ultimate crispy BBQ chicken thighs experience. If you’re interested in learning more about us and our culinary journey, click here!

2. Why Choose Chicken Thighs?

Chicken thighs are the unsung heroes of the poultry world. Unlike chicken breasts, thighs are richer in flavor and stay incredibly moist during cooking. The higher fat content renders during baking, resulting in a tender, juicy interior and a beautifully caramelized exterior. For this baked BBQ chicken thighs recipe, using bone-in, skin-on thighs is highly recommended. The bone adds extra flavor, and the skin crisps up wonderfully, creating a delightful textural contrast. This leads to the perfect bite every single time. If you’re a beef-lover as well, check out this page: beef recipes.

3. Key Ingredients for the Best Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs

Let’s dive into the essentials that make these baked BBQ chicken thighs irresistible. Quality ingredients are key to achieving that perfect balance of flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:

Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs are preferred for maximum flavor and juiciness. The skin gets wonderfully crispy in the oven, and the bone adds depth to the overall taste.
Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce. The sauce is the star of this dish, so choose one you love. A smoky or tangy sauce works particularly well! Consider browsing external sources for inspiration here .
Olive Oil: Helps the seasoning adhere to the chicken and adds a touch of richness, ensuring the spices meld beautifully with the meat.
Spices: A blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper creates a flavorful base. Feel free to experiment with other spices like chili powder for a bit of heat!

Looking for more delightful chicken recipes? Don’t miss our chicken recipes category. We’ve got something for everyone!

4. Step-by-Step Guide to Baking BBQ Chicken Thighs

Ready to transform simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal? Follow these easy steps to bake the perfect BBQ chicken thighs.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, toss the chicken thighs with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Ensure each thigh is evenly coated with the spice mixture. This step is crucial for building a flavorful foundation for your baked BBQ chicken thighs.

Chicken thighs being seasoned with spices for Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs.

Step 2: Arrange in Baking Dish

Place the seasoned chicken thighs in a single layer in a baking dish. Make sure they are not overcrowded to ensure even cooking. A 9×13 inch dish works perfectly. Giving each thigh enough space allows the heat to circulate properly, leading to evenly cooked and gloriously crispy BBQ chicken thighs.

Seasoned chicken thighs arranged in a baking dish for baking BBQ Chicken Thighs.

Step 3: Bake and Baste

Bake the chicken thighs for 30 minutes. Then, remove the dish from the oven and generously brush the chicken with your favorite barbecue sauce. Return the dish to the oven. This is where the magic happens! The initial bake sets the stage for juicy chicken, and the barbecue sauce adds that signature smoky-sweet flavor. For more breakfast ideas, why not check breakfast brunch.

Pouring barbecue sauce over chicken thighs for Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs recipe.

Step 4: Finish Baking

Continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The skin should be crispy and the sauce caramelized. Let the grilled barbecue chicken thighs rest for a few minutes before serving. A meat thermometer is your best friend in this step, ensuring your chicken is perfectly cooked and safe to eat. The resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in even more flavorful baked BBQ chicken thighs.

5. Tips for Perfect Crispy BBQ Chicken Thighs

Want to take your baked BBQ chicken thighs to the next level? Here are some insider tips for achieving that perfect crispy skin and juicy interior every time:

Don’t overcrowd the pan: This ensures the chicken thighs crisp up properly. Overcrowding leads to steaming, not crisping.
Use a meat thermometer: This is the best way to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature. Aim for 165°F (74°C).
Baste generously: The more barbecue sauce, the better! Basting ensures a sticky, flavorful coating. Apply multiple layers of sauce during the last 20 minutes of baking.
Broil for extra crispiness: For an extra crispy finish, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes, keeping a close watch to prevent burning. This step adds a beautiful caramelized crust to the chicken.

6. Serving Suggestions

Baked BBQ chicken thighs pair well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few ideas to create a complete and satisfying meal:

Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect complement to the tangy barbecue sauce.
Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw cuts through the richness of the chicken, adding a crisp and tangy element to the meal. You might also be interested in some refreshing receipts from our salads category.
Corn on the cob: Sweet and juicy corn on the cob is a classic barbecue side dish that everyone loves.
Baked beans: Rich and savory baked beans add a hearty and flavorful component to the meal.
Mac and cheese: Creamy mac and cheese is a comforting side dish that’s always a crowd-pleaser.

7. Variations and Add-ins

Get creative with your baked BBQ chicken thighs! Here are some fun variations and add-ins to customize the recipe to your liking:

Spicy BBQ: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the spice mixture or directly into the barbecue sauce.
Honey Garlic BBQ: Mix honey and minced garlic into your barbecue sauce for a sweet and savory twist. The honey caramelizes beautifully in the oven, creating a sticky and delicious glaze.
Smoked Paprika: Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika for a deeper, smoky flavor. This adds an extra layer of barbecue deliciousness to the chicken.

Don’t forget to explore our soups category if you’re looking for light and comforting meals.

8. Storing and Reheating

Leftover baked BBQ chicken thighs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals to prevent drying out. You can also use the leftover chicken in sandwiches, salads, or wraps for a quick and easy meal. For dessert options, browse desserts and baking categories.

9. Conclusion

These baked BBQ chicken thighs are a guaranteed hit, offering a perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors with minimal effort. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and yields consistently delicious results. So, skip the grill and enjoy these incredibly juicy and crispy BBQ chicken thighs straight from your oven. Your family and friends will thank you! If you liked this, consider working with me.

Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs

Author: Serena Miller
Total Time: 55-60 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Diet: Gluten-Free

Print Recipe

Description

Juicy and flavorful Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs recipe. Get the best oven-baked BBQ chicken thighs with crispy skin and tender meat. Perfect for a simple weeknight dinner!

Ingredients

Chicken Thighs: 8 bone-in, skin-on
Barbecue Sauce: 1 cup of your favorite brand
Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
Paprika: 1 tablespoon
Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon
Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon
Salt: 1 teaspoon
Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large bowl, toss chicken thighs with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Arrange chicken thighs in a single layer in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Bake for 30 minutes.
Remove from oven and generously brush with barbecue sauce.
Return to oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

For extra crispy skin, broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure the chicken thighs crisp up properly.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American