There’s BBQ chicken, and then there’s Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs that are so good, they’ll have you dreaming of backyard cookouts. With a smoky, tangy barbecue sauce caramelized to perfection, these thighs are proof that you don’t need a grill to enjoy a BBQ classic. Easy to make and downright delicious, this recipe is a must-try for all BBQ lovers.
Ingredients
To make this recipe, you’ll need:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- Salt & Pepper
Instructions
Preheat your oven and season the chicken.
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. Then, pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper. Generously seasoning the chicken will ensure that every bite is flavorful.
Place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake.
Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs on a baking sheet, skin side up. Place them in the oven and let them cook for about 20 minutes.
Brush with BBQ sauce and bake again.
After 20 minutes, take out the chicken from the oven and brush each thigh with lots of BBQ sauce, covering them evenly. Return the chicken to the oven and continue cooking for an additional 20 minutes, until fully cooked through. The BBQ sauce will caramelize and create a beautiful glaze on the chicken.
Garnish and serve.
Once the chicken is fully cooked, take it out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with some chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for an extra burst of flavor. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs!
Tips & Tricks
- For even more flavor, marinate the chicken thighs in BBQ sauce for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- If you prefer crispy skin, broil the chicken thighs for a couple of minutes after brushing them with BBQ sauce to get that extra crunch.
- This recipe also works well with boneless chicken thighs, just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Feel free to switch up the BBQ sauce and experiment with different flavors like honey BBQ or spicy chipotle.
Side Dish Suggestions
- Classic coleslaw with a creamy dressing pairs perfectly with the tangy BBQ chicken.
- Baked beans are a staple at any BBQ and make for a great side dish to complement the chicken thighs.
- Grilled corn on the cob is another classic BBQ side that adds a delicious sweetness to balance out the savory chicken.
This Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs recipe is proof that you don’t need fancy equipment or a grill to enjoy your favorite BBQ flavors. With just a few simple ingredients and some time in the oven, you can have juicy, tender chicken thighs coated in a caramelized BBQ glaze.
