Name: Oven Baked Sticky BBQ Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 pounds chicken thighs (about 6), bone-in, skin-on; 3 teaspoons garlic powder; 2 teaspoons onion powder; 3 teaspoons smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon salt; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1/3 cup ketchup; 1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce; 1/3 cup honey; 3 garlic cloves, grated or finely minced; 3 tablespoons red onion, grated or finely diced; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; 1 teaspoon hot sauce

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I absolutely love making this Oven Baked Sticky BBQ Chicken Recipe because it combines deep, smoky flavors with that irresistible sticky glaze that clings perfectly to tender, juicy chicken thighs. It’s one of those dishes that’s incredibly satisfying and always gets compliments, whether I’m cooking for family or friends. The balance of sweet, tangy, and a little bit of heat creates a mouthwatering experience that’s easy enough to make any weeknight but impressive enough to serve at a weekend gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Oven Baked Sticky BBQ Chicken Recipe

What really draws me to this Oven Baked Sticky BBQ Chicken Recipe is the bold, layered flavor profile. The smoky paprika and savory spices infuse the chicken with a warm depth, while the homemade BBQ sauce adds a perfect combination of tanginess from ketchup and soy sauce, sweetness from honey, and a gentle kick from ginger and hot sauce. Every bite is sticky and rich, with that lovely caramelized finish that oven baking produces beautifully.

Another part I adore is how straightforward the preparation is. I can have the chicken seasoned and in the oven within minutes, and the sauce blends up in a flash with simple pantry ingredients. There’s no need for grilling or fancy equipment. This recipe fits perfectly into busy schedules or casual dinners but feels special enough to serve for celebrations. It’s a crowd-pleaser I keep coming back to when I want something comforting, yet exciting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with a thick, reddish-brown paste that has a slightly grainy texture. Inside the bowl, a silver spoon rests on the right side, partially covered in the paste with some of it scooped onto the spoon. The paste clings unevenly to the sides of the bowl, showing its dense consistency and rich color variation from dark brown to bright orange-red. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for this recipe are simple yet essential to building the full spectrum of flavor and the perfect sticky texture. Each one, from spices to sauce components, plays a key role in making this dish truly stand out.

Chicken thighs: Bone-in, skin-on for maximum flavor, juiciness, and beautifully crisp skin in the oven.
Garlic powder: Delivers a subtle delicious pungency throughout the chicken.
Onion powder: Adds depth and a quiet sweetness under the smoky notes.
Smoked paprika: The key to that smoky undertone that defines this BBQ chicken.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and helps create a crisp skin.
Olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and promotes browning in the oven.
Lemon juice: Adds a fresh brightness that balances the richness.
Ketchup: Forms the base of the sticky BBQ sauce with tang and natural sweetness.
Soy sauce: Low sodium for umami depth and savoriness without overwhelming saltiness.
Honey: Contributes to the alluring glaze and caramelizes beautifully on top.
Garlic cloves: Freshly grated for a punch of flavor in the sauce.
Red onion: Grated to infuse sweetness and texture into the BBQ sauce.
Ginger: Adds warmth and a subtle zing that balances the sweet and savory elements.
Hot sauce: Just enough to lift the BBQ sauce with a gentle spicy kick.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit so it’s ready for baking the chicken evenly and perfectly.

Step 2: In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, olive oil, and lemon juice. Stir well until everything is blended into a seasoning mix that’s fragrant and flavorful.

Step 3: Place the chicken thighs in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Rub the seasoning mixture thoroughly over both sides of each thigh, making sure all the skin and meat are well-coated for maximum taste.

Step 4: Bake the chicken in the oven for 20 minutes to start cooking the meat through and let the skin begin crisping up gently.

Step 5: While the chicken is baking, whisk together the ketchup, soy sauce, honey, grated garlic, grated red onion, ginger, and hot sauce in a small bowl to create your homemade sticky BBQ sauce.

Step 6: Remove the chicken from the oven and generously spread half of the BBQ sauce over each thigh, coating them well. Pop the chicken back into the oven and bake for another 15 minutes so the sauce sets and caramelizes slightly.

Step 7: Spread the remaining sauce evenly on the chicken pieces and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit and the sauce is nicely sticky and bubbling.

Step 8: Take the chicken out of the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute and the flavors settle, making each bite succulent and tender.

Servings and Timing

This Oven Baked Sticky BBQ Chicken Recipe yields about 6 servings, which is perfect for a family dinner or small gathering. The prep time is quick — around 10 minutes — which means minimal hands-on work. Bake time is 50 minutes total, broken up in stages to build those layers of sticky goodness. Including the 10-minute resting time, you’re looking at about 1 hour from start to finish in the kitchen.

How to Serve This Oven Baked Sticky BBQ Chicken Recipe

A white round plate holds four large pieces of chicken covered with a thick, shiny reddish-brown sauce. The chicken pieces have a slightly charred texture around the edges, showing some dark brown and black crusts. There are small green parsley bits sprinkled on top of the sauce, adding bright green contrast. Above the chicken, a silver spoon is held close, dripping a dark, glossy sauce onto one of the pieces. The plate sits on a dark wooden surface with a white marbled texture visible in the background, and some green parsley leaves are slightly visible out of focus at the edge. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving this chicken hot and fresh from the oven alongside comforting sides. Mashed potatoes or fluffy white rice are my go-to choices because they soak up all that sticky, flavorful sauce beautifully. Roasted vegetables, especially caramelized carrots or green beans tossed with garlic and lemon, add a fresh, vibrant contrast that balances the richness.

For presentation, I like to sprinkle a few chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro over the top to add a pop of green and a fresh aroma. If I’m feeling festive, a wedge of lemon on the side adds a bright note and looks inviting on the plate. I usually portion one or two thighs per person depending on appetite, but these chicken thighs are quite hearty.

When it comes to drinks, I enjoy pairing this dish with a chilled, slightly sweet white wine like Riesling to counterbalance the smoky and sweet flavors. For a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling ginger ale or iced tea with lemon works wonderfully. This dish feels right for a weekend family meal, outdoor gathering, or an easy yet impressive weeknight dinner when you want to treat yourself without fuss.

Variations

Over time, I’ve experimented with different twists on this Oven Baked Sticky BBQ Chicken Recipe to keep it exciting. For example, swapping chicken thighs for drumsticks or even boneless skinless breasts can work, though thighs deliver the best flavor and moisture. If you prefer something with less sodium, simply reduce soy sauce and adjust the seasoning accordingly.

If you’re aiming for dietary modifications, this recipe can easily be made gluten-free by using tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. For a vegan version, I recommend substituting chicken with firm tofu or cauliflower steaks and adjusting cooking times to get that caramelized sticky finish. Flavor-wise, adding smoked chipotle powder or a dash of cinnamon to the spice rub creates an enticing smoky heat and warmth.

I’ve also tried baking this chicken on a wire rack set over the baking dish to crisp the skin even more, or finishing under the broiler for just a few minutes for an ultra-glossy, caramelized top layer. Each method tweaks the texture slightly but keeps the spirit of the dish intact.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers, I make sure to store the chicken thighs in an airtight container to keep their moisture and flavor locked in. A glass or BPA-free plastic container with a tight lid works best to prevent any spills or drying out. These leftovers will last comfortably in the fridge for 3 to 4 days, giving me plenty of time to enjoy them again.

Freezing

This sticky BBQ chicken freezes beautifully if you want to save some for later. I recommend wrapping each thigh tightly in plastic wrap, then placing them all in a freezer-safe zip-top bag or container to minimize freezer burn. You can keep them frozen for up to 2 months without losing much flavor or texture. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best results.

Reheating

To bring the chicken back to life, I usually reheat it in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through, about 15 to 20 minutes. This helps keep the skin crispy and the sauce sticky without drying out the meat. Microwaving can make the skin soggy, so if you’re in a hurry, cover it loosely and use short bursts at medium power. Adding a little splash of water or chicken broth before reheating helps keep everything juicy and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs or breasts, but keep in mind that bone-in chicken retains juiciness better and the skin crisps up deliciously. If using boneless, reduce baking time slightly and watch closely to avoid drying out.

Is the BBQ sauce spicy?

The sauce has a gentle kick from the hot sauce and ginger, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. You can easily adjust the heat by adding more or less hot sauce depending on your taste.

Can I prepare this chicken ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can season the chicken and prepare the BBQ sauce a few hours in advance, then keep everything covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. This makes it super convenient for entertaining or busy evenings.

What sides go best with the sticky BBQ chicken?

I love pairing this dish with creamy mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or roasted veggies like carrots and green beans. A crisp salad or coleslaw also adds a refreshing crunch that complements the sticky glaze nicely.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the low sodium soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos, and double-check any other ingredients for gluten to make this delicious meal safe for gluten-sensitive diners.

Conclusion

I can’t recommend this Oven Baked Sticky BBQ Chicken Recipe enough if you want a dish that feels indulgent yet is incredibly simple to make. The sticky, flavorful sauce paired with tender chicken thighs hits all the right notes and always brings smiles to the table. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do and that it becomes one of your favorite go-to recipes for any occasion!