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BBQ Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe

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4 from 9 reviews

Delicious and juicy BBQ Baked Chicken Thighs featuring a flavorful spice rub and brushed with tangy barbecue sauce, baked to perfection and finished under the broiler for caramelized edges. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend cookout.

Ingredients

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 8 Chicken thighs (about 3 pounds, skin-on, bone-in)
  • 2 teaspoons Paprika
  • 2 teaspoons Kosher salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper

Sauce

  • 3/4 cup BBQ sauce (Your favorite brand or 2 cups homemade, plus more for serving)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400℉. Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with nonstick foil or parchment paper and spray with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Make Seasoning Mix: In a small bowl, combine paprika, kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper to create a flavorful spice rub.
  3. Season Chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy skin. Rub the seasoning blend all over the chicken, making sure to lift the skin gently and rub some seasoning underneath for maximum flavor.
  4. Arrange and Sauce Chicken: Place the chicken thighs skin side up on the prepared baking sheet. Pour about 3/4 cup BBQ sauce into a small bowl and lightly brush the sauce on both sides of the chicken, finishing with the skin side up. Set aside the remaining sauce for later use and avoid contaminating it by not leaving the brush in the sauce bowl.
  5. First Bake: Bake the chicken in the preheated 400℉ oven for 20 minutes. This initial bake cooks the thighs and sets the seasoning.
  6. Brush and Continue Baking: Remove the chicken from the oven and, using a clean brush, generously brush the reserved BBQ sauce onto each piece. Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165℉ for safe consumption.
  7. Broil for Caramelization: Switch the oven to broil setting and broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes until the BBQ sauce caramelizes and gets slightly charred, adding deep flavor and a sticky finish.
  8. Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken thighs from the oven and let them rest for 5-10 minutes to redistribute the juices. Serve with additional BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

  • Patting the chicken dry before seasoning helps achieve crispy skin.
  • Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165℉ to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
  • Use a clean brush when applying the reserved BBQ sauce during baking to avoid cross-contamination.
  • Resting the chicken after baking helps keep it juicy and tender.
  • Feel free to use homemade BBQ sauce or your favorite store-bought brand.

Find it online: https://recipefeastful.com/bbq-baked-chicken-thighs-recipe/