Description
Delicious and juicy Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs with a smoky-sweet glaze, perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or gatherings. Easy to make and packed with flavor!
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 bone-in, skin-on or boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (of choice)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven – Set oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Prepare the Chicken – Pat the thighs dry with paper towels for better searing.
- Season the Chicken – Mix olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Rub evenly over each thigh.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet – Place chicken skin-side up without overcrowding.
- Bake the Chicken – Bake for 25-30 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Apply BBQ Sauce – Brush generously with BBQ sauce and bake for 5-10 more minutes.
- Broil for Extra Char (Optional) – Broil for 2-3 minutes for a slightly smoky effect.
- Rest & Serve – Let rest for 5 minutes before serving with sides.
Notes
- Spicy Kick – Add hot sauce or extra cayenne to the BBQ sauce.
- Honey BBQ Glaze – Mix 1 tbsp honey into BBQ sauce for added sweetness.
- Dry-Rubbed Option – Skip BBQ sauce and focus on a smoky, spiced rub.
- Grilled Version – Cook thighs on a grill over medium heat for a smoky flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: BBQ chicken, baked chicken thighs, easy dinner, meal prep, smoky glaze