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If you’re craving delicious BBQ chicken without wanting the hassle of using a grill, look no further! Tender, juicy and saucy oven baked BBQ chicken thighs are a real treat. This simple-to-make barbecue chicken thighs recipe is an absolute game-changer for every family, especially on those crazy busy nights when you just need something easy and delicious on the table.
Juicy, tender, and bursting with flavor, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make. The magic of oven baking means you can just pop those BBQ chicken thighs in oven and let them do their thing while you tackle other important stuff—like helping the kids with homework or finally having a moment to relax after a long day. They’re not only budget-friendly, but oven baked BBQ chicken thighs are also packed with flavor. With minimal effort and maximum taste, barbecue chicken thighs will be the star of your next meal.
If you love chicken thighs, try my Easy Chicken Biryani, Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs or Garlic Mushroom Chicken Thighs.
Why You’ll Love Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
- It’s affordable. BBQ Chicken thighs in oven are budget-friendly, allowing you to serve a crowd without breaking the bank
- It’s kid approved. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the mouthwatering taste of these BBQ chicken thighs, making it a hit with the whole family.
- Quick Prep. Despite the incredible taste, the recipe requires minimal effort, making it an ideal choice for any level of cooking expertise and perfect for busy weeknights.
BBQ Chicken Thighs Ingredients
- Chicken – Skinless and boneless chicken thighs are the star of the show. If you prefer, you can use bone-in thighs or even chicken drumsticks for a slightly different taste.
- Dried Oregano – Oregano adds a pleasant herbal note to the dish. If you don’t have oregano on hand, you can substitute it with dried thyme or basil for a different but equally delightful flavor.
- Dried Thyme – Thyme complements the oregano, but you can also use rosemary or marjoram for a unique twist.
- Garlic Powder – Garlic powder provides that classic garlic flavor. If you prefer fresh garlic, you can mince a couple of cloves and use them instead.
- Onion Powder – Onion powder enhances the overall savory taste. If you don’t have it, you can use finely minced fresh onion or even dried onion flakes.
- Salt and Ground Pepper – Kosher Salt or sea salt and freshly ground black pepper enhance all the other flavors in the dish. Reduce the salt if desired.
- Paprika or Red Chili Powder – Paprika adds a mild, smoky flavor, while red chili powder provides heat. Choose based on your preference for spiciness.
- Olive Oil – Use any light, neutral-flavored oil.
- Barbecue Sauce – Use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce, or if you’re feeling adventurous, make your own homemade version. You can opt for a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, a smoky one, or a spicy variety.
- Chopped Parsley – Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and a fresh, herbal note as a garnish. If you don’t have parsley, use cilantro or green onions.
How To Bake BBQ Chicken Thighs in Oven
- Prepare the equipment. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking tray with aluminum foil and place an oven-proof rack on top of it.
- Season the chicken. Combine the dry seasonings in a small bowl. Pat dry the chicken thighs with a paper towel. Sprinkle the mixed seasonings over the chicken thighs, making sure to coat them evenly. Drizzle the chicken thighs with olive oil and rub the spices and oil onto the chicken until well coated.
- Cook the chicken. Place the prepared chicken thighs on the rack on the baking tray and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
- Set the BBQ glaze. Remove the chicken from the oven and brush the thighs generously with barbecue sauce. Turn on the broiler setting and return the chicken to the oven for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until the sauce is lightly charred.
- Garnish and serve. Once done, transfer the chicken thighs to a serving platter. Garnish the chicken with fresh parsley for added freshness. Serve the chicken thighs with your choice of vegetables and rice.
Tips To Make Juicy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
- Marinate enough: if time permits, marinate the chicken thighs in the seasoning for a few hours or overnight.
- Make sure oven is hot: Preheat the oven to help to cook the chicken evenly and lock in the juices.
- Pat dry chicken: Before applying the seasonings, pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This step helps the seasonings stick better and promotes browning during baking.
- Use a rack: For crispier skin, cook the chicken thighs on an oven-proof baking rack on top of a baking sheet.
- Mess Free: Line the baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Use a meat thermometer: To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Chicken thighs should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
- Allow chicken to rest: Let the chicken thighs rest for a few minutes after taking them out of the oven. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier and more tender meat.
- Garnish: Just before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley, cilantro, or green onions over the chicken for a burst of freshness and a pop of color.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bone-in chicken thighs are affordable and tasty and will work great for this recipe. You will need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. You can also make this recipe with chicken legs, chicken breasts or your favorite cut of meat.
Marinating the chicken will enhance the flavors. Marinating for at least 30 minutes after adding the seasonings and oil is sufficient, but for the best results, marinate it for 2 to 24 hours.
You can grill the chicken thighs over medium heat, brushing them with BBQ sauce as they cook. This will infuse them with a smoky flavor. Monitor them closely to prevent burning, and use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
Store the leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat the chicken in a 350 degrees F oven for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.
Absolutely! Once baked, you can let the chicken thighs cool, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They should stay good for up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Oven-Baked BBQ chicken Thighs go well with a variety of sides like coleslaw, Oven Baked Onion Rings, Air Fryer Potato Wedges, cornbread, or baked beans.
More BBQ Recipes
And there you have it! Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a weekend BBQ get together, this recipe will make the perfect dish. It’s juicy, tender, bursting with flavors, and easy to make. I hope you enjoy all the recipes I share with you, including this delicious barbecue chicken thighs recipe. Try it, enjoy it, rate it, and share it with your friends and family!
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Oven Baked BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb chicken thighs, skinless and boneless
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika or red chili powder
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- Chopped parsley, to garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking tray with aluminum foil and place an oven-proof rack on top of it.
- Combine the dry seasonings in a small bowl. Pat dry the chicken thighs with a paper towel. Sprinkle the mixed seasonings over the chicken thighs, making sure to coat them evenly. Drizzle the chicken thighs with olive oil and rub the spices and oil onto the chicken until well coated.
- Place the prepared chicken thighs on the rack on the baking tray and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
- Remove the chicken from the oven and brush the thighs generously with barbecue sauce. Turn on the broiler setting and return the chicken to the oven for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until the sauce is lightly charred.
- Once done, transfer the chicken thighs to a serving platter. Garnish the chicken with fresh parsley for added freshness. Serve the chicken thighs with your choice of vegetables and rice.
Notes
- Marinate enough: if time permits, marinate the chicken thighs in the seasoning for a few hours or overnight.
- Make sure oven is hot: Preheat the oven to help to cook the chicken evenly and lock in the juices.
- Pat dry chicken: Before applying the seasonings, pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This step helps the seasonings stick better and promotes browning during baking.
- Use a rack: For crispier skin, cook the chicken thighs on an oven-proof baking rack on top of a baking sheet.
- Mess Free: Line the baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Use a meat thermometer: To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Chicken thighs should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
- Allow chicken to rest: Let the chicken thighs rest for a few minutes after taking them out of the oven. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier and more tender meat.
- Garnish: Just before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley, cilantro, or green onions over the chicken for a burst of freshness and a pop of color.
These were really good. I actually added sliced onions on top of the chicken so I might reduce the onion powder next time
Yay! Glad you enjoyed it. Feel free to adjust it to your liking.