How To Make Baked Barbecue BBQ Chicken Thighs
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Who can resist the smoky, tangy flavor of baked barbecue chicken thighs? This recipe is your ticket to perfectly tender and juicy chicken coated in luscious BBQ sauce. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or preparing a quick family dinner, these chicken thighs will quickly become your go-to recipe for a crowd-pleasing meal.
Why You’ll Love Baked Barbecue BBQ Chicken Thighs
- Juicy and flavorful every time: Dark meat chicken thighs are naturally moist and forgiving, making this dish easy to cook to perfection. Even beginner cooks will love the tender, fall-apart texture.
- Versatile for any occasion: Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a backyard barbecue party, this recipe fits the bill. It’s as impressive as it is easy to make.
- Customizable with your favorite BBQ sauce: Use your go-to store-bought sauce or homemade recipe to match your taste preferences. Sweet, tangy, or smoky—it’s all up to you!
- Minimal prep and cleanup: With just a few ingredients and parchment paper for easy cleanup, you’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal.
- Perfect for leftovers: These chicken thighs reheat beautifully, maintaining their flavor and texture. They’re ideal for meal prepping or enjoying the next day.
Baked Barbecue chicken thighs is my go-to party dish. I like to make baked BBQ chicken thighs because they are classier than BBQ chicken legs or wings, and they are more moist than BBQ chicken breasts. Baked barbecue chicken thighs are very easy to make because they are very forgiving – you can cook BBQ chicken thighs for a long time and they won’t dry out. Chicken thighs is dark meat, so unlike the white breast meat it doesn’t dry out easily. Even the most picky eaters like baked BBQ chicken thighs, so this easy recipe is the ultimate crowd pleaser!
For the barbecue sauce for these baked chicken thighs, you can use store-bought bottled BBQ sauce or homemade BBQ sauce. If I use bottled BBQ sauce, I like Sweet Baby Ray’s brand of barbecue sauce. For the best taste and presentation, I make my own BBQ sauce. On the above photo, the chicken thighs are baked with my homemade BBQ sauce- it’s chunky with a hint of sweetness and is finger-licking good! Want my barbecue sauce recipe? Go to easy homemade BBQ sauce recipe.
Baked Barbecue BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken thighs – The star of the dish, offering juicy and flavorful dark meat that stays tender.
- 2 cups of BBQ sauce – Adds smoky, sweet, and tangy flavor to the chicken. Use your favorite store-bought or homemade version.
- 1 tsp salt – Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken.
- 1/4 tsp pepper – Provides a mild kick and balances the sweetness of the BBQ sauce.
For a printable card of the ingredients, check out the recipe card at the end of this article.
Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Baked Barbecue BBQ Chicken Thighs
- Baking sheet – To hold the chicken while it bakes evenly in the oven.
- Parchment paper – Makes cleanup a breeze and prevents the chicken from sticking to the pan.
- Measuring cups – For accurately measuring the BBQ sauce to ensure the perfect coating.
- Microwave (optional) – To warm the extra BBQ sauce before pouring it over the cooked chicken for a final touch.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375F.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Sprinkle salt and pepper on the chicken thighs on both sides and rub it into the chicken with your hands.
- Pour 1 cup of barbecue sauce on the chicken, and toss with your hands so the chicken is coated on all sides with BBQ sauce.
- Put the chicken on a baking sheet and let stand on the counter of 20 minutes, so the BBQ sauce flavor penetrates the chicken.
- Put the chicken thighs in the oven and bake for 1 hour.
- Warm the remaining 1 cup of BBQ sauce in the microwave until it’s hot, then pour over the chicken.
Enjoy these yummy baked BBQ chicken thighs! These barbecue chicken thighs also reheat very well, so don’t hesitate to make a lot of them to enjoy them the next day!
If I’m making BBQ chicken thighs for the party, I often use make-ahead mashed potatoes as a side dish. Those mashed potatoes are meant to be made a day ahead and then reheated in a slow cooker on the day of the party, and they taste so yummy, you could never tell they were made ahead. Check out this make-ahead mashed potatoes recipe – you’ll love it!
Serving Suggestions
- Pair these baked BBQ chicken thighs with Creamy Crockpot Mashed Potatoes or Roasted Zucchini and Squash for a comforting, hearty meal.
- Serve alongside a Fresh and Crisp Spring Mix Side Salad or Classic Sweet and Creamy Coleslaw to balance the richness of the barbecue flavors.
- Add a side of Homemade Jiffy Cornbread or Homemade Dinner Rolls Made with a Bread Machine to soak up the extra BBQ sauce.
- For a barbecue feast, serve with Smoky and Sweet Grilled Corn on the Cob Without Husks and Perfectly Roasted Green Beans.
- These chicken thighs also make great leftovers—slice them up and use in sandwiches, wraps, or salads the next day.
Tips For Success
- Choose the right chicken thighs: Opt for bone-in, skin-on thighs for the juiciest results. The bone helps retain moisture, and the skin crisps up beautifully in the oven. If you prefer boneless, skinless thighs, adjust the cooking time slightly.
- Marinate for extra flavor: While 20 minutes of resting time is sufficient, marinating the chicken in BBQ sauce for a few hours or overnight will intensify the flavor.
- Use a high-quality BBQ sauce: The sauce is key to this recipe’s flavor. Choose a brand or homemade recipe you love—whether sweet, smoky, or spicy.
- Don’t skip the resting time: Letting the chicken sit with the BBQ sauce before baking allows the flavors to penetrate for a more delicious bite.
- Line your baking sheet: Parchment paper not only prevents sticking but also makes cleanup quick and easy.
- Check for doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Add sauce at the end: Warming and drizzling the extra BBQ sauce after baking enhances the flavor and gives the chicken a glossy, appetizing finish.
- Reheat properly: For leftovers, use a microwave or oven to reheat gently. This prevents the chicken from drying out.
Variations And Substitutions
- Switch up the sauce: Try different types of BBQ sauces to vary the flavor. A smoky chipotle BBQ sauce adds a spicy kick, while a honey-based sauce provides extra sweetness. For a tangy twist, mix BBQ sauce with a bit of mustard or vinegar.
- Go boneless or skinless: If you prefer boneless, skinless chicken thighs, they work just as well. Reduce the cooking time by about 10–15 minutes to avoid overcooking.
- Make it spicy: Add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the seasoning for a touch of heat. You can also mix hot sauce into the BBQ sauce.
- Low-sugar option: Use a low-sugar BBQ sauce or make your own with a sugar substitute to suit dietary preferences.
- Grill instead of bake: For a smoky, char-grilled flavor, cook the chicken thighs on a grill instead of in the oven. Preheat the grill to medium-high and cook for about 6–8 minutes per side, brushing with BBQ sauce as they cook.
- Use other chicken cuts: This recipe works well with drumsticks, wings, or even bone-in chicken breasts. Adjust the cooking time based on the cut you use.
- Herb and spice twist: Add garlic powder, smoked paprika, or onion powder to the seasoning for a more robust flavor profile. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can be sprinkled on top before baking for added aroma.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Let the baked BBQ chicken thighs cool to room temperature before storing them. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken thighs in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag for up to 3 months. Be sure to label the container with the date.
- Reheating in the Microwave: Place the chicken thighs on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
- Reheating in the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken thighs in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for 15–20 minutes or until fully warmed.
- Reheating Tip: Add a small amount of fresh BBQ sauce before reheating to restore moisture and enhance the flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well in this recipe. However, they may cook faster than bone-in thighs, so check for doneness after about 45 minutes to avoid overcooking.
What type of BBQ sauce should I use?
You can use any BBQ sauce you like—store-bought or homemade. Sweet Baby Ray’s is a popular store-bought choice. For a homemade option, try a tangy, smoky sauce with a hint of sweetness to complement the chicken.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken in BBQ sauce and refrigerate it overnight for even better flavor. When ready to cook, simply bake as directed.
How do I ensure the chicken stays juicy?
Chicken thighs are naturally juicy and forgiving. However, to ensure perfect results, don’t overbake them. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Can I grill these chicken thighs instead of baking them?
Yes! Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the thighs for 6–8 minutes per side, brushing with BBQ sauce as they cook. Grilling adds a smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the BBQ sauce.
How do I reheat leftovers without drying them out?
To keep the chicken moist, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) with a little extra BBQ sauce or cover with foil. You can also use the microwave, but heat in short intervals and cover with a damp paper towel.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
For a spicy kick, add cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the seasoning. Mixing hot sauce into the BBQ sauce is another great way to add heat.
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Baked Barbecue BBQ Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken thighs
- 2 cups BBQ sauce store-bought or homemade
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Recommended Kitchen Tools (click the links below to see the items used to make this recipe)
- Microwave optional for reheating BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Sprinkle the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides. Use your hands to rub the seasoning in evenly.
- Pour 1 cup of BBQ sauce over the chicken thighs. Toss the chicken with your hands to ensure every piece is well-coated.
- Arrange the chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet. Let them rest on the counter for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
- Bake the chicken in the oven for 1 hour.
- Just before serving, warm the remaining cup of BBQ sauce in the microwave until hot, then pour it over the chicken for a final burst of flavor.
Notes
- These chicken thighs reheat beautifully, making them perfect for leftovers. Simply warm them in the microwave or oven to enjoy the next day!
Nutrition
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I love BBQ chicken and haven’t had some in ages! These sound so good.
These sound really good ..trying it out tonight.
I made this tonight and it was great. Next time I am going to cut up onions and place on the top. Thank you for such an easy recipe.
How do you warm for.the next.day?
It reheats well in a microwave! Or you can reheat in the oven too.