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Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs

Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs
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Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs are juicy, tender, and bursting with smoky, tangy flavors. This easy, fuss-free recipe yields crispy-edged chicken thighs with a perfectly caramelized BBQ glaze baked right in your oven, making it ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or gatherings with friends and family.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4–6 skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs

Seasonings

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

BBQ Sauce

  • About 1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Optional

  • 1–2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar (for extra caramelization and sweetness)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s hot enough for crisping the chicken skin and caramelizing the BBQ sauce during baking.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to achieve crispy skin. Lightly rub olive oil over each piece, then season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
  3. Apply the BBQ Sauce: Brush a generous layer of your chosen BBQ sauce over the skin side of the chicken thighs, coating evenly but not drowning the meat.
  4. Bake the Chicken: Arrange the thighs skin-side up on a baking sheet lined with foil or placed on a wire rack. Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the sauce is sticky and caramelized.
  5. Final Glaze and Rest: Remove the chicken from the oven and brush a second, thin layer of BBQ sauce over the top for extra flavor. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to lock in juiciness.

Notes

  • Dry the skin thoroughly to ensure crispiness during baking.
  • Use a wire rack to allow heat circulation, preventing sogginess and ensuring even cooking.
  • Bone-in chicken thighs retain moisture better and provide richer flavor.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan; leave space between thighs for even baking.
  • Letting the chicken rest after baking allows juices to redistribute, yielding tender meat.

Nutrition

Keywords: oven baked chicken, BBQ chicken thighs, baked BBQ chicken, easy chicken recipe, smoky chicken, tangy BBQ chicken

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/oven-baked-bbq-chicken-thighs/