Name: Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-487892H51M16S
Total time: PT-487892H51M16S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite variety); 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These chicken thighs are incredibly juicy with crispy skin and a rich BBQ glaze. They’re easy to prepare with minimal ingredients, yet they taste like a dish you’d order at a backyard cookout. The recipe is also versatile—you can use your favorite BBQ sauce and seasonings to make it your own.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Olive oil
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Smoked paprika
Salt and pepper
Your favorite BBQ sauce
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking dish with foil for easy cleanup.
Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Rub with olive oil, then season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Place chicken thighs skin-side up in the prepared dish. Bake for 25–30 minutes.
Remove from the oven and brush generously with BBQ sauce. Return to the oven for another 10–15 minutes, until the sauce caramelizes and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
For extra caramelization, broil on high for 2–3 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Servings and timing

Serves 4–6 people.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
Total Time: 50–55 minutes

Variations

Spicy BBQ Chicken: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the seasoning blend.
Honey BBQ: Mix honey into your barbecue sauce for a sweet glaze.
Boneless Thighs: Use boneless thighs for quicker cooking—reduce time by about 10 minutes.
Dry Rub Only: Skip the sauce and bake with just a dry rub for a smoky, crispy finish.
Grill Finish: After baking, finish the chicken on the grill for extra smoky flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through for best results.
Freeze cooked chicken thighs (without sauce) for up to 3 months. Thaw and brush with BBQ sauce when reheating.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs?

Yes, just reduce the cooking time by about 10 minutes.

What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?

Any sauce you love works—sweet, smoky, spicy, or tangy.

How do I get crispy skin?

Pat the chicken dry before baking and finish under the broiler.

Can I use chicken breasts instead?

Yes, but adjust the baking time as breasts cook faster and can dry out.

Do I need to marinate the chicken first?

It’s optional, but seasoning right before baking works perfectly.

Can I bake BBQ chicken thighs from frozen?

It’s best to thaw first for even cooking and better texture.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

Use a meat thermometer—165°F (74°C) is the safe internal temperature.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, bake and store, then reheat with extra BBQ sauce before serving.

What sides go best with BBQ chicken thighs?

Coleslaw, cornbread, mac and cheese, baked beans, or potato salad.

Can I make this recipe low-sugar?

Yes, use a sugar-free or homemade BBQ sauce.

Conclusion

Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs are a juicy, flavorful, and easy dinner option that delivers the smoky, tangy taste of barbecue straight from the oven. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, this recipe is a weeknight-friendly dish that feels like a backyard cookout favorite.