Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs

Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs are an easy, mess-free dinner that brings together savory, smoky, and sweet flavors for a delicious meal everyone will love. Coated in a flavorful BBQ rub and glazed with a sweet honey chipotle BBQ sauce, these chicken thighs are roasted to perfection, with crispy skin and a caramelized glaze. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal or a weekend family dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs are simple to prepare, but the end result is a juicy, tender chicken with a crispy skin and a caramelized barbecue glaze. The combination of the BBQ rub and honey chipotle BBQ sauce gives the chicken a perfect balance of savory, smoky, and sweet flavors. This recipe requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor, making it ideal for busy nights or when you’re craving comfort food without the mess of grilling. Plus, the oven does all the work, leaving you with perfectly cooked chicken every time.

Ingredients

• 8 bone-in chicken thighs

• 1 cup BBQ Chicken Rub

• 1 cup Honey Chipotle Barbecue Sauce (or your favorite BBQ sauce)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Coat the chicken thighs evenly with the BBQ rub and let them sit for 15 minutes, or up to 24 hours for a deeper flavor. (If marinating for longer than 30 minutes, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and allow the chicken to come to room temperature before cooking.)

2. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

3. Arrange the chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil, skin side down, ensuring there’s space between each piece.

4. Roast the chicken in the oven for 25 minutes. Flip the chicken over and baste with the honey chipotle BBQ sauce.

5. Continue roasting for an additional 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

6. Baste the chicken with the remaining barbecue sauce and switch the oven to broil on high.

7. Broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce is caramelized and slightly charred.

8. Serve immediately with extra sauce, if desired.

Servings and timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 1 hour

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

• Servings: 4 servings

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the BBQ rub for an extra kick.

• Sauce Variations: If you don’t have honey chipotle BBQ sauce, try using your favorite BBQ sauce or make your own using a mix of ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika.

• Boneless Chicken Thighs: You can substitute bone-in thighs with boneless thighs; just be sure to adjust the cooking time as boneless thighs cook faster.

• Grill Option: For a more smoky flavor, you can grill the marinated chicken thighs instead of baking them.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave if you’re in a hurry.

FAQs

Can I use skinless chicken thighs?

Yes, you can use skinless chicken thighs, but keep in mind that the skin helps retain moisture and creates a crispy texture. Without skin, the chicken may be less juicy.

Can I marinate the chicken longer than 24 hours?

While marinating for 24 hours is fine, you should avoid marinating chicken for more than 48 hours, as it can affect the texture of the meat.

What should I serve with Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs?

These chicken thighs pair well with classic BBQ sides like coleslaw, baked beans, corn on the cob, or roasted vegetables.

Can I cook these chicken thighs on a grill?

Yes, you can grill the marinated chicken thighs over medium heat. Be sure to cook them until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Can I make this recipe with chicken breasts instead of thighs?

You can substitute chicken breasts, but keep in mind that chicken breasts tend to dry out quicker than thighs, so you’ll need to adjust the cooking time.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked through.

Can I freeze the chicken after cooking?

Yes, you can freeze cooked chicken thighs. Let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Can I use store-bought BBQ rub?

Yes, store-bought BBQ rub works well if you don’t have a homemade rub. Just ensure it’s the flavor profile you enjoy.

How can I make the BBQ sauce thicker?

If you’d like a thicker BBQ sauce, simmer it on the stove over low heat for a few minutes to reduce it, or mix in a small amount of cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to thicken it.

Can I add vegetables to the baking sheet with the chicken?

Yes, you can add vegetables like potatoes, carrots, or bell peppers to the baking sheet. Just make sure they’re cut to a similar size to ensure even cooking.

Conclusion

Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs are a simple and delicious dinner option that’s perfect for any night of the week. With a savory rub and a sweet, smoky honey chipotle BBQ sauce, this dish offers juicy, flavorful chicken with minimal effort. The combination of oven roasting and broiling results in a beautifully caramelized glaze, making this a meal that’s both easy and impressive. Serve it up with your favorite sides, and you’ve got a satisfying meal the whole family will love!

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