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The Best Easy Juicy Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs

Close-up of several pieces of juicy BBQ chicken coated in a thick, dark red, caramelized sauce.
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Make unbelievably juicy and tender BBQ chicken thighs with a sticky, sweet, and smoky glaze using only your oven. This simple recipe skips the grill and delivers a guaranteed family favorite meal perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 1/2 cups your favorite BBQ sauce (Sweet Baby Ray’s style recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for extra stickiness)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easier cleanup. Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet.
  2. Pat the chicken thighs completely dry using paper towels. This step helps achieve crispy skin.
  3. In a small bowl, mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Rub the chicken thighs all over with olive oil, then sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over the chicken, focusing on the skin side.
  4. Place the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side up on the wire rack set over the baking sheet.
  5. Bake for 25 minutes. This initial bake renders some fat and starts crisping the skin.
  6. Remove the pan from the oven. Brush a generous layer of BBQ sauce over the top and sides of each chicken thigh. If using, sprinkle lightly with brown sugar.
  7. Return the chicken to the oven and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) and the sauce is caramelized and sticky. For extra char, you can briefly broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
  8. Let the juicy BBQ chicken rest on the rack for 5 minutes before serving. Serve as a main course, over rice, or on sandwich buns.

Notes

  • For the juiciest results, use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. If you use breasts, reduce the final baking time to prevent drying out.
  • If you prefer a thicker glaze, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch into 2 tablespoons of water and stir into your BBQ sauce before the final basting.
  • This recipe works well for meal prep; store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delicerecipe.com/juicy-oven-baked-bbq-chicken-thighs-recipe/