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Juicy Oven BBQ Chicken Thighs: Easy, Best Homemade Recipe

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These Juicy Oven BBQ Chicken Thighs are the easiest way to get that perfect sticky, crispy, and tender barbecue flavor without a grill. Ready in about 35-40 minutes, this foolproof recipe uses simple ingredients and a clever two-step baking method for a crowd-pleasing weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs (about 900g) bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1 cup (240 ml) your favorite BBQ sauce
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1–2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar (optional, for extra-sticky glaze)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prep (5 minutes): Move oven rack to the middle position and preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
  2. Make the Spice Rub (2 minutes): In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
  3. Season the Chicken (3 minutes): Drizzle olive oil over chicken thighs and rub all over the skin and underneath. Sprinkle spice rub generously over all sides. Place seasoned thighs skin-side up on a wire rack set inside a baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching.
  4. First Bake: Crisp the Skin (25 minutes): Bake for 25 minutes. Do not open the oven door during this time.
  5. Apply the First Coat of BBQ Sauce (5 minutes): Remove baking sheet from oven. Generously brush each chicken thigh with BBQ sauce.
  6. Second Bake: Caramelize the Sauce (10 minutes): Return baking sheet to oven and increase temperature to 425°F (220°C). Bake for another 10 minutes.
  7. Apply the Final Coat and Broil (3-5 minutes): Remove sheet from oven. Apply a second, thinner coat of BBQ sauce (add optional honey or brown sugar if desired). Switch oven to broil (high). Place baking sheet back in oven and broil for 2-5 minutes, watching closely, until sauce is bubbly and caramelized.
  8. Rest and Serve (5 minutes): Remove chicken from oven and let rest on wire rack for 5 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter. Internal temperature should be at least 165°F (74°C), ideally 175-185°F (80-85°C).

Notes

Pat chicken thighs completely dry for crispy skin. Use a wire rack to allow air circulation and prevent soggy bottoms. Watch the broiler closely to avoid burning. Apply sauce in two coats for a thick, sticky glaze. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to redistribute juices.

Nutrition

Keywords: oven BBQ chicken thighs, juicy chicken thighs, crispy chicken thighs, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, barbecue chicken, homemade BBQ chicken

Find it online: https://chloeplate.com/juicy-oven-bbq-chicken-thighs-easy-best-homemade-recipe/