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Easy Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs

Close-up of a juicy piece of bbq chicken coated in a thick, glossy, caramelized sauce.

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Make juicy, tender BBQ chicken thighs using this simple oven method. This recipe uses a sweet and smoky sauce perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

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  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
  2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp.
  3. In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika to create a rub.
  4. Rub the spice mixture evenly over all surfaces of the chicken thighs.
  5. Place the seasoned thighs skin-side up on the prepared baking sheet.
  6. Bake for 25 minutes.
  7. Remove the pan from the oven. Brush the tops of the chicken generously with half of the BBQ sauce.
  8. Return the chicken to the oven and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
  9. Brush the remaining BBQ sauce over the chicken immediately after removing it from the oven.
  10. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For crispier skin, place a wire rack on top of your foil-lined baking sheet before adding the chicken.
  • You can substitute bone-in, skin-on thighs with boneless, skinless breasts, but reduce the final baking time by about 5 to 7 minutes.
  • If your BBQ sauce is very thick, thin it slightly with 1 tablespoon of water or apple cider vinegar before brushing.

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