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Easy Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs for Weeknight Dinners

Two pieces of juicy, glazed bbq chicken thighs with a dark, caramelized sauce resting on a white plate.

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Make tender, juicy BBQ chicken thighs using your oven. This simple recipe delivers sticky, sweet, and savory flavor perfect for a quick weeknight meal or summer cookout.

Ingredients

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  • 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup your favorite sweet and smoky BBQ sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 Celsius). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with foil for easy cleanup.
  2. Pat the chicken thighs completely dry using paper towels. This step helps the skin crisp up.
  3. In a small bowl, mix the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to create the dry rub.
  4. Rub the olive oil over all sides of the chicken thighs. Sprinkle the dry rub mixture evenly over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated.
  5. Place the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side up on the prepared baking sheet.
  6. Bake for 25 minutes.
  7. Remove the pan from the oven. Brush a generous layer of BBQ sauce over the top of each thigh.
  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 Celsius) and the sauce is sticky and slightly caramelized.
  9. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side if desired.

Notes

  • For extra crispy skin, place the oven rack in the upper third of the oven for the last 5 minutes of cooking, watching closely to prevent burning the sauce.
  • If you prefer chicken breasts, adjust the baking time, checking for doneness around 35-40 minutes total, depending on thickness.
  • This recipe works well for meal prep; store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

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