BBQ Chicken Thighs in the Oven: My Go-To Juicy Recipe! (Print Version)

BBQ Chicken Thighs in the Oven are a weeknight hero! Get my secret for juicy, flavorful chicken every time, with personal tips and no-fail instructions.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 35 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4-6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Meat-based

# Ingredients:

→ Main Players

01 - 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2-2.5 lbs)
02 - 1/2 cup your favorite BBQ sauce

→ The Flavor Makers

03 - 1 tbsp olive oil
04 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
05 - 1 tsp garlic powder
06 - 1/2 tsp onion powder
07 - 1/2 tsp light brown sugar (lightly packed)
08 - 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
09 - 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)

→ Garnish & Toppings

10 - Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, preheat your oven to a cozy 400°F (200°C). Then, grab those beautiful chicken thighs. Pat them *super* dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step, seriously! I used to skip this, and the skin would just steam instead of getting crispy. We want that golden, delicious skin for our BBQ Chicken Thighs in the Oven, so dry them off like your life depends on it. Line a baking sheet with foil for easier cleanup – because who needs extra scrubbing after a delicious meal?
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper. Now, get in there! Rub this glorious mixture all over the chicken thighs, making sure to get under the skin a little if you can. Don't be shy with the seasoning; we want every bite bursting with flavor. I often find myself singing a little tune while I do this, it's that therapeutic.
03 - Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side up on your prepared baking sheet. Pop them into the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes. This initial bake helps render some of the fat and gets that skin nice and crispy *before* we add the sauce. You'll start smelling that amazing spice blend, a warm, savory aroma that promises good things. Honestly, this step is key for avoiding soggy skin later on, a mistake I made too many times!
04 - Carefully pull the baking sheet out of the oven. Now, it's time for the star of the show! Generously brush your favorite BBQ sauce all over the chicken thighs. Make sure to coat them well, getting into all those nooks and crannies. This is where the magic happens, turning plain chicken into irresistible oven-baked chicken. I always sneak a little taste of the sauce at this point, just to make sure it's perfect, of course!
05 - Return the sauced chicken thighs to the oven. Continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) with an instant-read thermometer. The sauce will start to caramelize and get beautifully sticky and bubbly. Keep an eye on it – you want it glazed, not burnt! The smell is incredible now, a mix of sweet, smoky BBQ and savory chicken. These BBQ Chicken Thighs in the Oven are almost ready!
06 - Once cooked, take the chicken out of the oven. This is the hardest part, I swear! Let the chicken rest on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is incredibly tender and juicy. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you're feeling fancy. Then, dig in! You’ve earned this, my friend. It’s pure comfort on a plate.

# Notes:

01 - Patting chicken dry is my absolute #1 tip for crispy skin, learned it the hard way!
02 - Marinate the chicken in the spice rub overnight for maximum flavor impact.
03 - If you're out of brown sugar, a tiny bit of maple syrup works surprisingly well in the rub.
04 - A sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end makes these look extra special.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Baking sheet
02 - Aluminum foil
03 - Small bowl
04 - Whisk
05 - Basting brush
06 - Instant-read meat thermometer

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 450-550
Total Fat: 30-40g
Total Carbohydrate: 15-20g
Protein: 30-40g

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