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
• Things to know
• 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.

✔️ It’s packed with flavor, thanks to the BBQ 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!

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 oven to 375 degrees F. Spray 9 x 13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray, set aside.
2. Trim chicken thighs to remove excess fat. Place chicken thighs in a large mixing bowl.
3. Add the salt, paprika, onion powder, thyme, garlic powder, and brown sugar to a small bowl. Mix to combine.
4. Gently rub the spice mixture on the chicken thighs.
5. Place the chicken thighs in the prepared casserole dish.
6. Bake, uncovered for 20 minutes in the preheated oven.
7. Take the baking dish out and baste with BBQ sauce on the chicken thighs.
8. Put back in the oven and bake, uncovered 35 to 38 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Baste them again halfway through.
9. Take it out of the oven. Rest for 3 to 4 minutes before serving.
10. Serve and Enjoy!

Equipment

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

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FAQ's

Things to know

• 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 prepping. 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!
• Use an instant-read thermometer to make sure that your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
• 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.
• If you don’t like BBQ sauce, you can try using teriyaki sauce instead.
• Try adding some fresh herbs to give it an extra flavor boost!
• Instead of chicken thighs, you could also use chicken legs or leg quarters for this recipe.
• If you'd prefer to use bone-in thighs, or skin-on, that works as well! If you like crispy skin, placing it under the broiler will help crisp it up.
• 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.
• 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.
• I love to whip up a big salad like this Kale Super Food Salad or this Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad when I need a side that the whole family will enjoy.
• 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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