What the heck is this?
This is your go-to easy baked chicken thighs recipe, slathered in tangy, smoky BBQ sauce and baked until the skin is crispy and the meat is juicy and tender. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or weekend cookouts without the grill. You get that irresistible caramelized BBQ glaze and juicy chicken with minimal fuss and max flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Because it’s simple, hands-off, and delivers juicy, tender chicken with a finger-licking BBQ sauce that sticks beautifully. No marinating overnight needed—just season, sauce, bake, and enjoy. Crispy skin on top, tender meat inside, and the kitchen smells amazing the whole time.
The Good Stuff You’ll Need
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Let’s Do This
- Prep the oven: Preheat to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment for easy cleanup.
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Rub olive oil all over the skin, then sprinkle paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper evenly over each piece.
- Bake: Place the thighs skin-side up on the baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes uncovered.
- Sauce it up: Remove from oven and brush a generous layer of BBQ sauce on each thigh. Return to the oven and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C) and the sauce is sticky and caramelized.
- Rest & serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to lock in juices.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with classic sides like coleslaw, cornbread, baked beans, or roasted veggies. Great over rice or tucked into a sandwich bun with extra BBQ sauce and pickles.
Switch It Up
Try spicy BBQ sauce or add a drizzle of honey or hot sauce before baking for a sweet-heat combo. Swap smoked paprika for chili powder or Cajun seasoning for a different flavor kick. Use boneless thighs for quicker cooking but keep an eye on time.
Make-Ahead Tips
Season the chicken and keep it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also bake the thighs without sauce, then add BBQ sauce and broil for 2-3 minutes before serving for an extra caramelized finish.
Questions People Actually Ask
Can I use chicken breasts? Yes, but adjust cooking time and be careful not to dry them out. Thighs are juicier and more forgiving.
Do I need to flip the chicken? No, baking skin-side up keeps the skin crispy.
How do I store leftovers? Cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep skin crispy.
Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs: Juicy, Crispy, and Packed with Flavor
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
This is your go-to easy baked chicken thighs recipe, slathered in tangy, smoky BBQ sauce and baked until the skin is crispy and the meat is juicy and tender. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or weekend cookouts without the grill. You get that irresistible caramelized BBQ glaze and juicy chicken with minimal fuss and max flavor.
Ingredients
6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
Prep the oven: Preheat to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment for easy cleanup.
Season the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Rub olive oil all over the skin, then sprinkle paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper evenly over each piece.
Bake: Place the thighs skin-side up on the baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes uncovered.
Sauce it up: Remove from oven and brush a generous layer of BBQ sauce on each thigh. Return to the oven and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C) and the sauce is sticky and caramelized.
Rest & serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to lock in juices.
Notes
Try spicy BBQ sauce or add a drizzle of honey or hot sauce before baking for a sweet-heat combo. Swap smoked paprika for chili powder or Cajun seasoning for a different flavor kick. Use boneless thighs for quicker cooking but keep an eye on time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~380 kcal per serving
- Fat: ~24g
- Carbohydrates: ~6g
- Protein: ~28g