Juicy BBQ Baked Chicken Thighs – Easy & Flavorful Weeknight Dinner!

Table of Contents: BBQ Baked Chicken Thighs

BBQ Baked Chicken Thighs

BAKED BBQ CHICKEN THIGHS: The Easiest Weeknight Dinner!

Remember those family dinners where the aroma of BBQ filled the house? Or the holidays where a delicious, comforting meal brought everyone together? You don’t need to spend hours slaving over a hot grill to recapture those memories.

This baked BBQ chicken recipe delivers all the flavor with none of the fuss! If you’re looking for an easy BBQ chicken option that’s perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends, look no further. These oven baked chicken thighs are guaranteed to become a new family favorite.

This recipe is all about simplicity and maximum flavor. We’re taking bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs – the most forgiving and flavorful cut – and transforming them into tender, juicy, BBQ-glazed perfection, all in the oven. Forget complicated marinades or constant grilling attention.

This baked bbq chicken recipe is designed for cooks of all levels, offering a delicious and satisfying meal with minimal effort. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll make again and again, and it’s a fantastic way to enjoy classic BBQ flavors year-round.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just a few, these oven baked chicken thighs are a winner. They pair beautifully with classic sides like coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad. And the best part? Clean-up is a breeze! So, ditch the takeout menus and get ready to enjoy a homemade meal that’s both delicious and convenient.

Alternate Names & Variations Of BBQ Baked Chicken Thighs

You might also find this recipe under names like:

* BBQ Chicken Thighs (Oven)
* Easy Oven BBQ Chicken
* Honey BBQ Chicken Thighs (add a tablespoon of honey to the BBQ sauce!)
* Slow Baked BBQ Chicken (for even more tender results)
* Looking for a spicier kick? Try adding a pinch of chili powder or a dash of hot sauce to the BBQ sauce for a fiery easy bbq chicken experience.

Ingredients: BAKED BBQ CHICKEN THIGHS

Here’s what you’ll need to make these incredibly flavorful baked bbq chicken thighs:

• * 3 Pounds Bone in Skin On Chicken Thighs
• * About 6-8 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• * 2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar
• * 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• * 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
• * 1 teaspoon Salt
• * 1 teaspoon Paprika
• * ½ teaspoon Pepper
• * ½ teaspoon Cumin
• * ¼ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional, for a little heat)
• * ½ Cup Barbecue Sauce (your favorite brand!)

Step-by-Step Instructions: BBQ Baked Chicken Thighs

• 1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
• 2. Dry the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting crispy skin.
• 3. Make the Rub: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, paprika, pepper, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using).
• 4. Season the Chicken: Drizzle the chicken thighs with olive oil. Then, generously rub the spice mixture all over the chicken, ensuring each thigh is well coated.
• 5. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side up on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each piece.
• 6. First Bake: Bake for 30 minutes, uncovered. This initial bake helps render the fat and crisp up the skin.
• 7. Sauce It Up: Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Brush the chicken thighs generously with barbecue sauce.
• 8. Second Bake: Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbly and slightly caramelized. Chef’s Tip: If the sauce starts to burn, loosely tent the baking sheet with foil.
• 9. Check for Doneness: The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh to check.
• 10. Rest & Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful thigh.

Recipe Card Block: BBQ Baked Chicken Thighs (Quick Reference)

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
Total Time: 55-60 minutes
Servings: 4
Approximate Calories: 450 per serving (estimated, varies based on BBQ sauce)

Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips

This baked BBQ chicken recipe works because it leverages the power of dry heat to render the fat in the chicken skin, resulting in incredibly crispy and flavorful thighs. The initial bake without sauce allows the skin to crisp up before the sugar in the BBQ sauce has a chance to burn. Using bone-in, skin-on thighs is key – they stay moist and tender during the baking process. This is truly easy comfort food for family dinners that everyone will enjoy.

For an extra layer of flavor, consider marinating the chicken thighs in a simple mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic for 30 minutes before applying the rub. This tenderizes the meat and adds brightness. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different BBQ sauces to find your perfect flavor profile!

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips: BBQ Baked Chicken Thighs

Storage: Leftover oven baked chicken thighs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken thighs in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Let cool completely before freezing.

Reheating: Reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the skin won’t be as crispy. Adding a little extra BBQ sauce during reheating can help restore some moisture. This makes it a great option for easy bbq chicken leftovers for lunch!

People Also Ask: BAKED BBQ CHICKEN THIGHS

At what temperature should I bake BBQ chicken thighs?

Baking baked bbq chicken thighs at 400°F (200°C) is ideal. This temperature allows the chicken to cook through while also rendering the fat in the skin, resulting in crispy skin and tender meat. Starting at a higher temperature helps with the crisping process, and then the BBQ sauce is added for the final bake. It’s important to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

How long should you bake chicken thighs at 400?

Generally, you should bake chicken thighs at 400°F (200°C) for a total of 45-50 minutes. This is broken down into two stages: an initial bake of 30 minutes without sauce, followed by a 15-20 minute bake after brushing with BBQ sauce. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of the thighs and your oven.

Should you put BBQ sauce on chicken before or after baking?

It’s best to put BBQ sauce on chicken after the initial bake. Applying the sauce too early can cause the sugars in the sauce to burn, resulting in a bitter taste. Baking the chicken first allows the skin to crisp up, and then the sauce can be added for the final bake to create a sticky, caramelized glaze. This is key for a perfect baked bbq chicken recipe.

How do you keep chicken thighs from drying out in the oven?

The key to keeping chicken thighs moist is to use bone-in, skin-on thighs, as the bone and skin help retain moisture. Also, avoid overbaking! Using a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) is crucial. Letting the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes after baking allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful thigh.

Conclusion: BAKED BBQ CHICKEN THIGHS

So there you have it – a foolproof recipe for incredibly delicious baked BBQ chicken thighs! This easy bbq chicken recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different BBQ sauces and seasonings to create your own signature flavor.

I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Share your photos and comments below – I love seeing your culinary creations.

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