BBQ chicken thighs are a mouthwatering meal that combines crispy skin, juicy meat, and a tangy BBQ glaze, all without the hassle of a grill. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a weekend BBQ gathering, this oven-baked BBQ chicken thigh recipe is quick, easy, and incredibly delicious. The combination of smoky spices and rich BBQ sauce makes this dish a family favorite that can be enjoyed all year round.
Table of Contents
Why BBQ Chicken Thighs Are the Ultimate Comfort Meal
BBQ chicken thighs are a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish. Whether you’re craving a juicy, flavorful chicken or want to experiment with different seasonings and sauces, this recipe offers it all. Oven-baking ensures your chicken remains tender and moist while getting that crispy, caramelized exterior. The best part? You don’t need to worry about firing up the grill to achieve that delicious BBQ flavor.
This BBQ chicken thighs recipe is a fantastic option for anyone looking for a healthier alternative to traditional grilled BBQ chicken. It’s easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor. You can make it gluten-free, dairy-free, or even paleo-friendly with a simple switch in ingredients.
Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Thighs
To make these BBQ chicken thighs, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that bring out the best in this dish:
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs: The chicken thighs are the star of the show. They cook up tender and juicy while being more forgiving than chicken breasts, making them ideal for BBQ dishes.
- Garlic powder: Adds a savory depth of flavor, perfectly complementing the BBQ sauce.
- Onion powder: Brings a mild sweetness and richness to the seasoning blend.
- Smoked paprika: Provides that irresistible smoky flavor that’s key to a great BBQ dish.
- Dried mustard: Adds a subtle tang, balancing the sweetness of the BBQ sauce.
- Kosher salt: Enhances the flavors of the spices and the chicken.
- Black pepper: A simple addition to enhance the overall seasoning.
- Avocado oil: Helps the seasonings adhere to the chicken and prevents sticking.
- BBQ sauce: The finishing touch, making the chicken sticky, sweet, and full of smoky goodness.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
- For a spicier kick: Swap the BBQ sauce for a spicy variant or add cayenne pepper to the spice blend.
- For a Whole30 or paleo version: Ensure your BBQ sauce is compatible with these dietary preferences. Look for options that don’t contain added sugars or artificial ingredients.
- For a crispy skin: Use bone-in chicken thighs for extra crunch and flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions for BBQ Chicken Thighs
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken thighs in a large, sealable container. Add the avocado oil, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and dried mustard. Toss to coat the chicken thoroughly in the seasoning.
- Marinate the Chicken: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken in the fridge for at least an hour, or overnight if possible. If you’re short on time, you can skip the marinating and proceed to baking right away.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Add BBQ Sauce: Once the chicken has marinated, toss the thighs with about 1/4 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the coated chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving behind any excess BBQ sauce. Bake for 15 minutes, then flip the chicken and brush with the remaining BBQ sauce.
- Broil for Crispiness: Increase the oven temperature to broil and cook the chicken for another 5-6 minutes until the edges are crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve and Enjoy: Once your BBQ chicken thighs are cooked to perfection, serve them with a side of extra BBQ sauce and enjoy the crispy, sticky goodness!
Tips & Tricks for Perfect BBQ Chicken Thighs
- Don’t Skip the Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or foil to make cleanup a breeze and prevent the caramelized sauce from sticking.
- Use a Thermometer: Ensure your chicken is fully cooked by checking its internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach at least 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
- Broil Carefully: If using parchment paper, keep a close eye on the chicken while broiling, as broiling temperatures can vary.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
BBQ chicken thighs are perfect for pairing with a variety of sides, from fresh salads to hearty sides. Try these great options to complete your meal:
- Coleslaw: A creamy, tangy coleslaw is the perfect complement to the savory and sweet BBQ chicken.
- Grilled Vegetables: Roasted or grilled veggies like corn on the cob, sweet potatoes, or asparagus make great side dishes.
- Potato Salad: A classic choice, creamy potato salad pairs wonderfully with BBQ chicken thighs.
- Watermelon Salad: Add a refreshing twist with a watermelon arugula salad, perfect for a summer BBQ.
Healthy and Customizable BBQ Chicken Thighs
One of the best things about BBQ chicken thighs is how customizable they are to suit various dietary preferences. You can easily make this recipe Whole30, paleo, or gluten-free by choosing the right BBQ sauce. Feel free to experiment with different seasonings and sauces to find your perfect BBQ flavor!
This BBQ chicken thighs recipe is not just for the summer months; it’s perfect for any time of the year when you’re craving a simple, flavorful meal that everyone will love.
Conclusion
BBQ chicken thighs are the perfect combination of juicy meat, crispy skin, and a smoky-sweet glaze. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for your next get-together, this oven-baked recipe delivers. The simple seasoning blend, combined with your favorite BBQ sauce, creates a mouthwatering dish that’s both flavorful and satisfying. With minimal prep time and easy cleanup, it’s a must-try recipe for anyone who loves delicious, easy-to-make BBQ chicken.
This recipe is highly customizable, allowing you to adjust the seasoning and BBQ sauce to your taste. It’s ideal for anyone looking for a gluten-free, dairy-free, or Whole30 option. Plus, with all the tips and pairing suggestions, you can make BBQ chicken thighs a regular staple in your cooking repertoire. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a BBQ experience that’s both delicious and convenient!
FAQ
1. How do I make BBQ chicken thighs crispy in the oven?
To achieve crispy BBQ chicken thighs, be sure to bake the chicken at a high temperature, such as 425°F (220°C), and finish it off by broiling for 5-6 minutes. This method helps the edges become crispy and caramelized without drying out the chicken.
2. Can I use bone-in chicken thighs instead of boneless?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken thighs for this recipe. Keep in mind that bone-in thighs will take a little longer to cook, so be sure to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they’re fully cooked.
3. What’s the best BBQ sauce for this recipe?
The best BBQ sauce depends on your personal taste. You can use a classic sweet and smoky BBQ sauce, a tangy vinegar-based sauce, or even a spicy BBQ sauce to give the dish a kick. For Whole30 or paleo options, make sure to choose a compatible BBQ sauce.
More Relevant Recipes
Print
BBQ Chicken Thighs
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
BBQ chicken thighs are a mouthwatering meal that combines crispy skin, juicy meat, and a tangy BBQ glaze, all without the hassle of a grill. This easy, oven-baked recipe delivers tender, flavorful chicken thighs with minimal prep time. Perfect for any dinner or BBQ gathering, these BBQ chicken thighs are sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried mustard
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (plus more for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by placing boneless, skinless chicken thighs in a large, sealable container. Add avocado oil, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and dried mustard. Toss to coat the chicken thoroughly.
- Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least an hour or up to overnight for best flavor.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Toss the marinated chicken with 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce and arrange it on the baking sheet. Reserve the rest of the BBQ sauce for later.
- Bake the chicken for 15 minutes, then flip the thighs and brush with the reserved BBQ sauce. Bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Increase the oven temperature to broil and cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes until crispy and caramelized.
- Serve the chicken with additional BBQ sauce and enjoy!
Notes
- Use parchment paper or foil to line the baking sheet for easy cleanup and prevent the sauce from sticking.
- If you prefer a crispier texture, use bone-in chicken thighs, but be mindful of the longer cooking time.
- Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for proper doneness.
- Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Oven-baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
