Easy Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe
Juicy, crispy-skinned baked BBQ chicken thighs glazed with a sweet-smoky sauce. Minimal prep, pantry spices, and a quick bake for an easy weeknight dinner.
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Servings:
Calories: 120kcal
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 lb chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on about 8 medium thighs
- 0.5 cup BBQ sauce use your favorite sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.25 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional for heat
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and set a wire rack on top. Lightly oil the rack.
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Trim excess skin if desired and rub all over with olive oil.
- In a bowl, whisk BBQ sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Reserve 0.25 cup for finishing.
- Season chicken evenly with kosher salt and black pepper. Arrange thighs skin-side up on the rack.
- Brush thighs with a thin layer of the sauce mixture (not the reserved finishing portion).
- Bake for 20 minutes, then brush with more sauce.
- Bake another 15 to 20 minutes, until the thickest part reads 175°F and skin is lightly crisp.
- Optional: Broil 2 to 3 minutes to caramelize. Rest 5 minutes, then brush with the reserved sauce and serve.
Notes
For boneless thighs, reduce bake time to 20 to 25 minutes. Use a wire rack for best crisp skin and even cooking. Aim for 175°F internal temp for tender thighs. Store leftovers up to 3 days; reheat at 350°F until warmed through.