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Easy Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs: Juicy Weeknight Dinner

Close-up of two incredibly sticky and glossy bbq chicken thighs coated in dark, caramelized sauce.
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Make unbelievably juicy, tender BBQ chicken thighs with a sticky, sweet, and smoky glaze using only your oven. This simple recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and guarantees a family favorite meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1 cup your favorite barbecue sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet.
  2. Pat the chicken thighs completely dry using paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up.
  3. In a small bowl, mix the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This creates your sticky glaze.
  4. Place the dried chicken thighs on the wire rack. Brush half of the BBQ sauce mixture evenly over the tops and sides of the chicken.
  5. Bake for 25 minutes.
  6. Remove the chicken from the oven and brush the remaining BBQ sauce mixture over the thighs.
  7. Return the chicken to the oven and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the glaze is caramelized.
  8. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For extra crispy skin, you can briefly switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
  • This recipe works well for meal prep; store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • You can substitute chicken breasts, but reduce the total cooking time by about 5-10 minutes.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://completelyyummy.com/easy-oven-baked-bbq-chicken-thighs/