... Print

Easy Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs for Weeknight Dinner

Close-up of three pieces of glistening, caramelized bbq chicken on a white plate.

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make juicy, tender BBQ chicken thighs with a sticky, sweet glaze using only your oven. This simple recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and delivers family-approved flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 cup your favorite sweet and smoky BBQ sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
  2. Pat the chicken thighs completely dry using paper towels. This helps the skin crisp.
  3. In a small bowl, mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika to create the dry rub.
  4. Rub the olive oil over all surfaces of the chicken thighs. Sprinkle the dry rub evenly over the chicken, ensuring all sides are coated.
  5. Place the seasoned thighs on the prepared baking sheet.
  6. Bake for 25 minutes.
  7. Remove the chicken from the oven. Brush a generous layer of BBQ sauce over the top of each thigh.
  8. 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 sauce is caramelized and sticky.
  9. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps keep the meat tender.

Notes

  • For extra sticky glaze, brush on a second layer of sauce during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
  • If you are planning your weekly meals, this recipe pairs well with simple sides like corn on the cob or a quick salad.
  • This recipe avoids the complexity of some meal planning systems by using common pantry ingredients.

Nutrition