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