Introduction

Barbecued chicken thighs are a classic summer meal that are always a hit. Juicy, tender and packed with flavor, BBQ chicken thighs are easy to make and satisfy the entire family. When baking BBQ chicken thighs, the most important factors are ensuring they are cooked through and developing that sticky, charred BBQ glaze on the outside.

Baking BBQ chicken thighs at 425°F is a great way to achieve both flavorful, saucy chicken and fully-cooked meat safely. Baking allows the BBQ sauce to caramelize on the outside of the chicken, forming that crispy bark. It also cooks the chicken thighs evenly all the way through.

So how long does it take to bake BBQ chicken thighs at 425 degrees Fahrenheit? Read on for tips, timing and steps to perfectly baked BBQ chicken every time.

How Long to Bake Bone-In Chicken Thighs

Bone-in chicken thighs generally take 25-35 minutes to bake at 425°F to reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Bone-in thighs have more connective tissue than boneless thighs, so they require a little more time to become tender and cooked through.

Follow these guidelines when baking bone-in BBQ chicken thighs:

• 25 minutes – For smaller thighs approximately 4-6 ounces each
• 30 minutes – For average sized bone-in thighs around 8 ounces each
• 35 minutes – For extra large chicken thighs up to 12 ounces each

Checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer is the best way to confirm doneness. Remove thighs from the oven when they register 165°F at the thickest part. The temperature will continue rising a bit after removed from the oven.

How Long to Bake Boneless Chicken Thighs

Since they don’t have a bone, boneless chicken thighs cook faster than bone-in. Count on 20-25 minutes for boneless thighs to bake at 425 degrees.

Follow these general guidelines:

• 20 minutes – For 4-6 ounce boneless thighs
• 23 minutes – For average 8 ounce boneless thighs
• 25 minutes – For extra large 10-12 ounce boneless thighs

Again, using an instant read thermometer to check for 165°F internal temperature is the most accurate test for doneness. Juices should run clear when pierced with a fork. The total time depends on the size of the thighs.

Tips for Crispy, Juicy BBQ Chicken Thighs

Achieving tender, juicy chicken thighs with crispy charred exteriors when baking requires a few simple tricks:

• Pat the thighs dry – Removing excess moisture helps the BBQ sauce caramelize and prevents steaming. Gently pat bone-in or boneless thighs with paper towels before adding the sauce.
• Use a baking rack – Elevating the chicken thighs allows air circulation for even cooking and crisping. The rack also keeps them out of excess sauce pooling in the pan.
• Watch your temperature – Cooking between 400-450°F is ideal. Any lower and the sauce won’t caramelize well. Too high can burn the outside before the inside cooks through.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan – Leave space between thighs for air flow. Overcrowding steams rather than crisps the skin.
• Let rest before serving – Allowing the thighs to rest 5-10 minutes after baking allows juices to redistribute evenly. Slice and serve warm.

Step-By-Step Guide to Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs

Follow this simple process for flawlessly baked saucy chicken thighs every time:

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 – 2 lbs chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless)
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1⁄4 tsp cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and grease or use a baking rack.
2. Pat dry chicken thighs thoroughly with paper towels. Season both sides with chili powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
3. Coat thighs with olive oil. Place on prepared pan at least 1 inch apart. Bake for 10 minutes.
4. Remove pan and carefully flip thighs. Generously brush with 3⁄4 of the BBQ sauce. Return to oven.
5. Bake 10 more minutes then check temperature. Bone-in thighs should register 150°F and boneless 140°F. If not fully cooked, continue baking and checking every 5 minutes until 165°F.
6. Brush remaining sauce on thighs and bake 2-5 more minutes if needed for sticky, caramelized sauce.
7. Let rest 5 minutes then serve warm. Enjoy!

Baking bone-in or boneless thighs with this method ensures fully cooked, juicy meat and that sticky charred BBQ glaze we all crave. Adjust cook times as needed based on size of thighs.

Common BBQ Chicken Thigh Mistakes

It’s easy to end up with overcooked, dry chicken or underdone meat. Watch out for these common BBQ chicken baking mistakes:

• Not patting thighs dry – Allows moisture to steam not caramelize sauce
• Baking at too low temperature – Won’t crisp skin or thicken sauce
• Applying sauce too early – Can burn before thighs are cooked
• Overcrowding the pan – Prevents crisping and even cooking
• Not checking temperature – Best way to confirm thighs are fully cooked
• Cutting into thighs too soon – Juices will spill out if not properly rested

Following the recipe tips will help avoid these pitfalls and deliver perfect chicken thighs every time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Baking BBQ Chicken Thighs

Still have questions about how to nail baked BBQ chicken thighs? Here are answers to some common queries:

How do you know when BBQ chicken thighs are done?

The best way is to use an instant read meat thermometer to check for 165°F at the thickest part. Juices will run clear when poked with a fork and meat near bone should no longer be pink.

What temperature should you bake bone-in chicken thighs?

425°F is ideal for bone-in thighs. Anywhere from 400-450°F will work. Higher heat helps crisp the skin and caramelize the sauce. Check temperature after 25-35 minutes based on size.

Can you overbake chicken thighs?

Yes, chicken thighs can become overdone if baked too long. They will be dry, tough and stringy. Use a thermometer to prevent overbaking. Let carryover cooking finish them off the oven.

Should you flip chicken thighs when baking?

Yes, flipping halfway through ensures even cooking and sauce distribution. Carefully flip bone-in thighs after 10 minutes. Brush with sauce then return to oven.

How can you tell if baked chicken is bad?

Signs that baked chicken has spoiled include an off smell, slimy texture, or discolored meat. When in doubt, throw it out. Cooked chicken should be consumed within 3-4 days and reheated to 165°F.

Get Perfectly Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs Every Time

Mastering baked BBQ chicken thighs doesn’t have to be difficult. Follow this guide for crispy, saucy chicken off the bone or skin-on that is cooked through and full of flavor. Bake bone-in thighs for 25-35 minutes at 425°F and boneless for 20-25 minutes.

Pat chicken dry before applying sauce, use a rack for air circulation, bake at 400-450°F, and let rest before serving. Check internal temperature to prevent over or undercooking. With these tips, you can become the BBQ chicken master!

Conclusion

Baking BBQ chicken thighs at 425°F leads to tender, juicy meat with crispy caramelized sauce in 25-35 minutes depending on bone-in or boneless. Pat thighs dry, coat with oil and spices, flip halfway through baking then glaze with sauce. Check internal temperature to ensure chicken reaches a safe 165°F. Avoid common mistakes like overcrowding and cutting too soon. Follow the steps and guidelines in this article to achieve finger-licking barbecue chicken thighs straight from your oven. With the proper method, baking BBQ chicken thighs is easy and delivers delicious results every time.