Tired of standing over a hot grill all evening? Try making these Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs instead!
Few dishes showcase the true spirit of summer quite like a generous serving of perfectly crispy baked BBQ chicken thighs. This outstanding recipe becomes your go-to solution when you find yourself without access to an outdoor barbecue or traditional grill, yet it still delivers all the smoky flavor that makes summer cooking so irresistible and memorable. Baking the thighs in the oven is the key to maintaining their rich flavor while ensuring they remain perfectly moist and succulent. Many beginner cooks find it challenging to prevent meat from becoming dry and tough when using an outdoor barbecue, and there’s nothing worse than presenting a group of hungry dinner guests with disappointing, dried-out chicken thighs that lack the juicy tenderness everyone expects.
A few days ago, I had some friends over for dinner on my terrace, and though I was initially bummed that my city prohibits barbecues on patios and terraces, I quickly got over it since I knew I could count on this amazing baked BBQ chicken thigh recipe. To be honest, since finding this recipe, I doubt I’d even bother grilling thighs anymore. Why go through the hassle of lighting charcoal and standing over a scorching grill when I can simply pop these in the oven and have dinner ready effortlessly? Next time, instead of firing up the grill, try making these oven-baked BBQ chicken thighs instead and let your oven do its magic.
Can I swap the chicken thigh for another protein?
Certainly! You can easily swap out chicken thighs for another protein. There are many alternatives to choose from, but I recommend selecting a cut that will stay tender and juicy while cooking in the oven. Here are four substitutes to consider!
- Pork chops (bone-in, 1-inch thick) – Perfect match for BBQ flavors, cook for 25-30 minutes.
- Pork shoulder steaks – Stays very moist, increase cooking time to 45-50 minutes total.
- Turkey thighs – Similar cooking method, may need 10-15 extra minutes.
- Chicken drumsticks – Use the same cooking time and temperature.
For the pork, make sure the internal temperature reaches 145°F, and the turkey has the same internal temperature as chicken at 165°F. If it’s a larger cut of meat, it may need an extra 10-15 minutes.
How do I store leftovers?
If you’ve got any baked BBQ chicken thighs leftover, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I don’t recommend freezing since the meat can turn quite rubbery and tough after it thaws. The best way to reheat BBQ baked chicken thighs is in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil and a splash of water to prevent drying out. For quicker options, you can use the microwave. To keep the chicken moist, I suggest covering it with a damp paper towel.
Serving suggestions
The next time you’re hosting a backyard dinner, these baked BBQ chicken thighs are a great main course, but to make it even better, I recommend serving them with a plethora of side dishes. Since this recipe is pretty much a blank canvas, you can revolve your side dishes around whatever theme you want. If you want to keep it classic, I recommend making this big Tossed Salad, a plate of these crispy Garlic-Roasted Potatoes, and a tray of Roasted Broccoli And Cauliflower. If you want to make an Asian-inspired dinner, you can whip up this tasty Smashed Cucumber Salad, a pot of Steamed Rice, this Asian Cabbage Salad, and maybe even a batch of Pickled Daikon.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 1/4 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 1/4 teaspoons onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 3 pounds)
- 3/4 cup BBQ sauce plus extra for serving
- Green onions chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly coat with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a small bowl, mix the paprika, kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and brown sugar. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and rub the seasoning under and over the skin.
- Arrange the chicken thighs skin side up on the prepared baking sheet. Brush evenly with half of the BBQ sauce. Bake for 18-20 minutes, then remove, brush with remaining BBQ sauce, and bake for an additional 20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Switch your oven to the broil setting and broil for a few minutes until the sauce caramelizes. Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with green onions.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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