Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs

Baked BBQ chicken thighs is an easy yet impressive dish of smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors, a comfort food classic that can be personalized to suit your taste!

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If you love layers of flavor, these baked BBQ chicken thighs offer the perfect balance of smoky and subtly sweet, with just a hint of tangy spice. A true crowd-pleaser, this recipe is pure comfort on a plate.

Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs Ingredients

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These oven-baked barbecue chicken thighs are created with a tasty blend of everyday pantry ingredients, each one contributing to the overall flavor. 

The combination of the smoky, sweet, and spicy elements yields a dish that’s incredibly satisfying.

Substitutions And Additions

CHICKEN THIGHS: Swap out the chicken thighs for an equal amount of chicken legs in this BBQ chicken recipe. Adjust the cooking time as needed, as chicken legs may require a slightly longer cooking period.

For a leaner option, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts.

Keep in mind that chicken breasts cook faster than thighs, so adjust the cooking time accordingly to prevent overcooking.

SPICE RUB: Experiment with different spice combinations to create a unique flavor profile.

Consider adding herbs like thyme, oregano, or rosemary to the spice mixture for added depth.

If you’re short on time or prefer convenience, try using a pre-made barbecue or poultry seasoning blend. Look for high-quality brands that align with your flavor preferences.

BARBECUE SAUCE: Customize your barbecue sauce by preparing it from scratch using your favorite BBQ sauce recipe.

Adjust the sweetness, tanginess, or spiciness according to your taste.

Explore various barbecue sauce options such as hickory-smoked, spicy chipotle, honey mustard, or sweet and tangy. 

ADDITIONAL FLAVORS: Add a burst of freshness by incorporating the zest of lemon, lime, or orange into the spice rub or barbecue sauce.

Drizzle a bit of honey over the chicken thighs during the last few minutes of baking to add a touch of sweetness and create a caramelized glaze.

GARNISHES: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley, cilantro, or green onions over the cooked chicken thighs for a vibrant and aromatic garnish.

How To Make This Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe

Creating these baked BBQ chicken thighs is a process that’s both simple and enjoyable. You’ll love the aroma of the spices and barbecue sauce as they meld together in the oven.

Here’s how to bring this delicious recipe to life:

STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with heavy-duty aluminum foil.

Spray or brush with olive oil to prevent the chicken from sticking. Set aside.

STEP TWO: In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, dry mustard, cumin, salt, and black pepper to make the spice rub mixture.

Set aside ¼ cup of this spice rub for the recipe and transfer the remaining amount into a covered container for later use.

STEP THREE: Remove the chicken thigh pieces from their packaging and pat them dry with a paper towel before placing them skin side down onto the prepared baking sheet.

STEP FOUR: Sprinkle two tablespoons of the reserved ¼ cup spice rub mixture evenly over all the pieces of chicken thighs.

STEP FIVE: Flip the chicken thighs over, skin side up, and sprinkle with the remaining two tablespoons of the spice rub onto all the chicken thigh pieces.

Ensure you evenly coat the entire surface of each piece of chicken.

STEP SIX: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. This initial cooking time helps the spices penetrate the meat and start forming a flavorful crust.

STEP SEVEN: After the first 15 minutes, remove the tray of chicken thighs.

Using a pastry brush, and ⅓ of the sauce, brush BBQ sauce on your first coating of prepared barbecue sauce to both sides of the chicken pieces.

Be sure that you return the chicken pieces to the skin side up position once all the pieces have been coated with sauce.

STEP EIGHT: Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes.

STEP NINE: Repeat step seven with the second ⅓ amount of barbecue sauce.

Return the chicken to the oven and bake for a final 15 minutes to ensure a thorough coating and to intensify the flavors.

STEP TEN: Once your barbecue chicken thighs have baked for 45 minutes, you will add the final ⅓ of the sauce to the chicken thigh pieces.

You will need to check your chicken for doneness with a meat thermometer (165°F internal temperature), and if it still needs a couple more minutes to cook, you can place it back into the oven.

You will need to check it every five minutes to avoid overcooking it.

STEP ELEVEN: At this point, you can turn on the broiler for one to two minutes to crisp up the skin of your chicken if desired.

Be very careful to watch it carefully, as the sugars in the sauce will burn very quickly under the broiler.

STEP TWELVE: Remove the chicken thighs from the oven and allow them to rest for five minutes to allow the juices to settle before serving.

How To Serve

This boneless thighs recipe is versatile, pairs wonderfully with many different accompaniments, and can be creatively incorporated into various meal types.

A well-paired side dish can significantly enhance the main course’s overall flavor.

Grilled corn on the cob carries a sweet flavor that balances the tangy and smoky BBQ sauce, while roasted vegetables provide a medley of freshness on the side. 

Alternatively, consider a potato salad; its creamy, starchy texture acts as a comforting base against the bold, robust chicken flavors.

Pair the chicken thighs with a refreshing coleslaw salad to provide a contrasting crunch and a creamy element to the meal.

Chicken thighs aren’t only a standalone dish, but they can also bring a flavorsome twist to other meals.

For a hearty sandwich, slice the chicken thighs and layer them onto a soft bun, topped with a zingy coleslaw.

This combination brings together a mixture of textures and a blend of tangy, creamy, and smoky flavors for a fantastic lunch option.

For other chicken meals, don’t forget to check out our baked bruschetta chicken which puts a cheesy spin on your meal.

Our Italian chicken sheet pan dinner is a whole meal all in one.

MORE CHICKEN RECIPES

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Storage

Storing and reheating these baked BBQ chicken thighs is straightforward and convenient:

MAKE AHEAD: If you want to prep in advance, rub the chicken thighs with the spice rub, cover them with plastic wrap, and store them in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours before you plan to bake them.

Let the chicken come to room temperature before popping it in the oven.

IN THE FRIDGE: Any leftover chicken, once cooled, can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.

IN THE FREEZER: If you’re planning to freeze the cooked chicken thighs, let them cool down first.

Wrap each piece individually in foil, then place them in a freezer bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.

REHEATING: You can reheat the chicken thighs in a preheated 300°F oven for five to ten minutes or until heated through.

If you’ve frozen the chicken, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Microwave reheating is also possible, but it may affect the texture of the chicken.

Why We Love This Recipe

There are several reasons why we like these BBQ baked chicken thighs:

FLAVOR EXPERIENCE: The moment you take a bite, the combination of tender chicken thigh coated in smoky barbecue sauce delivers a thrilling taste – a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and a hint of spiciness.

VERSATILITY: They can be the star of any meal, seamlessly fitting into various occasions and seasons.

From a summer backyard cookout to a cozy family dinner in winter or a lively game night, these chicken thighs have a place everywhere.

EASE OF PREPARATION: The straightforward steps and simple ingredients add to the appeal of this recipe. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, making it a convenient choice for a homemade meal that rivals restaurant offerings.

CUSTOMIZABLE: Finally, we love this recipe for its adaptability. It provides room for personal touches, allowing you to adjust the flavors.

Whether you prefer more heat or less sweetness, the flexibility of this recipe lets you make the adjustments to suit your taste perfectly. 

Our baked BBQ chicken thighs recipe is an easy yet impressive dish, perfect for casual weeknight dinners and special gatherings. The balance of smoky, sweet, and slightly spicy flavors will thrill your taste buds and keep you coming back for more. 

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Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs

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Baked BBQ chicken thighs is an easy yet impressive dish of smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors, a comfort food classic that can be personalized to suit your taste!

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes minutes

Total Time 1 hour hour

Servings 4

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Ingredients

  

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• 8 pieces bone-in and skin-on chicken thighs (approximately 4 pounds)
• ¼ cup spice rub, see recipe below
• 1½ cups prepared barbecue sauce, I used Sweet Baby Ray’s brand

Spice Rub

• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons smoked paprika
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons onion powder
• 1 tablespoon dry mustard
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with heavy-duty aluminum foil. Spray or brush with olive oil to prevent the chicken from sticking. Set aside.
• In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, dry mustard, cumin, salt, and black pepper to make the spice rub mixture. Set aside ¼ cup of this spice rub for the recipe and transfer the remaining amount into a covered container for later use.
• Remove the chicken thigh pieces from their packaging and pat them dry before placing them skin side down onto the prepared baking sheet.
• Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of the reserved ¼ cup spice rub mixture evenly over all the pieces of chicken thighs.
• Flip the chicken thighs over, skin side up, and sprinkle with the remaining 2 tablespoons of the spice rub onto all the chicken thigh pieces. Be sure that you are evenly coating the entire surface of each piece of chicken.
• Bake for 15 minutes.
• After the first 15 minutes, remove the tray of chicken thighs. Using a pastry brush, and ⅓ of the sauce, brush on your first coating of prepared barbecue sauce to both sides of the chicken pieces. Be sure that you return the chicken pieces to the skin side up position once all the pieces have been coated with sauce.
• Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
• Repeat step 7 with the second ⅓ amount of barbecue sauce. Return the chicken to the oven and bake for a final 15 minutes.
• Once your barbecue chicken thighs have baked for 45 minutes, you will add the final ⅓ of the sauce to the chicken thigh pieces. You will need to check your chicken for doneness (165°F internal temperature), and if it still needs a couple more minutes to cook, you can place it back into the oven. You will need to check it every 5 minutes at this point to avoid overcooking it.
• At this point, you can turn on the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes to crisp up the skin of your chicken if desired. Be very careful to watch it carefully, as the sugars in the sauce will burn very quickly under the broiler.
• Remove the chicken thighs from the oven and allow them to rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to settle before serving.

Notes

• The foil will make cleanup easier and prevent the chicken from sticking to the baking sheet.
• Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to keep a close eye on your chicken as the suggested baking time approaches.
• This second baking step allows the sauce to caramelize and meld with the spices, creating a luscious glaze.
• Letting the chicken rest allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and flavorful meat. Consider garnishing the dish with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or cilantro for a pop of color.

Nutrition

Calories: 304kcal | Carbohydrates: 67g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.003g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 2350mg | Potassium: 621mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 46g | Vitamin A: 4151IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 150mg | Iron: 6mg

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