Baked Barbecue Chicken Thighs

You don't need a grill to enjoy deliciously tender and juicy baked BBQ chicken thighs! Make this recipe for the BEST barbecue chicken!

Prep Time5

Cook Time35

Total Time40

Servings: servings

Calories: 643kcal

Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
Use paper towels to pat the 2 lbs. bone-in skin-on chicken thighs dry on all sides. Drizzle the chicken with 2 tablespoons olive oil, then sprinkle with the BBQ seasonings (2 ¼ tablespoons chili powder, 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder, ¾ teaspoon onion powder, 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika, 1 ½ teaspoons salt, 1 ½ teaspoons pepper, & ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper). Use your hands or tongs to turn the chicken pieces so they’re evenly coated with the oil and spices on all sides.
Lay the seasoned chicken thighs side by side inside a large rimmed baking dish. Place uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove the baking dish from the oven and generously brush each chicken thigh with the ½ cup BBQ sauce.
Return the baking pan to the oven to finish cooking for another 10-15 minutes, until the internal temperature is 165°F (~74°C), per USDA.
For extra crispy skin, set the baking pan under the broiler for about 3 extra minutes.

To prevent the BBQ sauce from burning: Brush it onto the thighs during the final 5-10 minutes of cook time.

Prep in advance to cook later: Cover the bowl of seasoned chicken and place it in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours.

If using boneless chicken thighs: subtract about 10 minutes from the total cooking time.

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.