Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs

These Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs are a great option for weeknight dinners, perfect for entertaining family and friends, or to bring along to a potluck. They’re juicy and flavorful and will have everyone coming back for more!

Next time try the Cheesy Ranch Chicken - made with easy-to-find ingredients and so delicious!

Jump to:

• Why you'll love this recipe   
• Ingredients
• Instructions 
• Equipment
• FAQ's
• Deb's tips
• Variations
• Storage
• Related recipes
• Serve with
• Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe

Why you'll love this recipe   

✔️ It’s made with only a few simple ingredients and packed with flavor, thanks to the sticky barbecue sauce and seasonings.

✔️ It requires minimal prep time and most of the cooking is done in the oven.

✔️ The thighs turn out juicy and tender with every time. We love this easy dinner recipe!

Ingredients

For the exact measurements for this bbq chicken recipe, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. 

• Boneless skinless chicken thighs - I like dark meat, but you can use boneless skinless chicken breasts if you prefer.
• salt
• smoked paprika
• onion powder
• thyme
• garlic powder
• brown sugar
• your favorite BBQ sauce

Instructions 

This is an overview of the instructions. For the complete directions just scroll down to the bottom!

1. Preheat the oven, spray the baking dish with non-stick cooking spray, set aside.
2. Place chicken thighs in a large mixing bowl.
3. Combine the seasonings along with the brown sugar in a small bowl.
4. Gently rub the spice mix on the skinless thighs and place in the prepared dish.
5. Bake, uncovered for 20 minutes in the preheated oven.
6. Baste with BBQ sauce and return to the oven.
7. Bake, uncovered 35 to 38 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. Baste at 20 minute mark.
8. Take it out of the oven. Rest for 3 to 4 minutes before serving.

Equipment

• casserole dish or rimmed baking sheet
• large bowl
• small bowl
• bbq brush or pastry brush

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FAQ's

Deb's tips

• If you want extra sauce, brush the chicken thighs with bbq sauce again before serving them.
• Feel free to get creative and switch up the types of bbq sauce that you use; you can use homemade bbq sauce, sweet or even spicy, depending on what your family enjoys. Our favorite barbecue sauce to use is Sweet Baby Ray's.
• This is a great dish for meal prep. The chicken thighs can be cooked ahead of time, stored in the fridge and reheated when needed.
• They also make great leftovers and can be served hot or cold with your favorite sides!
• If you are using skin-on chicken thighs or a different cut of chicken you will need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Make sure you place the thighs in a single layer so they cook evenly in the oven.
• Leftovers of this chicken make for great enchiladas and bbq chicken pizza.

Variations

• Add a hint of heat to the dry rub by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes, chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Fresh herbs to give it an extra flavor boost!
• If you don’t like BBQ sauce, you can try using teriyaki sauce instead.
• You could also top these with a sprinkle of cheddar or parmesan cheese for a cheesy twist.

Please note, changing the recipe and using bone-in chicken breasts or thighs, works but be sure you adjust the baking time. Chicken is done when the internal temperture reaches 165 degrees.

Storage

Refrigerate - The leftover chicken thighs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

Freezer - They can also be frozen and stored in an airtight freezer-safe bag or container for up to four months.

Reheating - To reheat, place the chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil and bake at 350 degrees F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. You could also reheat in the air fryer at 330 degrees F for 3-5 minutes.

Related recipes

• This Korean BBQ Chicken is one of my favorite recipes to make when the weather is nice and I cook on the grill.
• Are you looking for some new chicken recipes to make? If so check out this list of Easy Chicken Casserole recipes. You are bound to find something your family will love.
• Jezebel Chicken Thighs - tender, juicy thighs baked in zesty sauce. It's perfectly balanced and utterly delicious!
• These Oven Baked Chicken Fajitas are an easy weeknight dinner that is not only tasty but also picky eater approved.

Serve with

• My family loves green beans and these Roasted Green Beans and Carrots are one my go-to side dish to pair with a meal this one.
• My favorite go-to side with BBQ chicken is a Deviled Egg Potato Salad or a great side, like this recipe for Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad.
• You can't have BBQ Baked Chicken Thighs without a comfort food side dish like these Pan Roasted Vegetables. They are a flavorful way to serve vegetables to picky eaters.

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If you have a moment and have tried this recipe or have any questions, please leave a comment below. I'd love to hear what you think of this yummy bbq'd chicken!