Cooking boneless chicken thighs in the oven with your favorite barbecue sauce results in juicy, fall-off-the-bone meat with caramelized edges and tons of finger-licking flavor. When baking these chicken thighs, keeping an eye on the temperature and cook time is key to preventing dry, overcooked meat. Here’s what you need to know about how long to bake barbecue boneless chicken thighs at 350°F for tender, saucy results.
Determining Doneness for Boneless Chicken Thighs
Boneless chicken thighs are generally safe to eat once they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. To test for doneness:
- Use an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a thigh, avoiding bone.
- Look for clear juices running from the thigh when pricked with a fork. Pink or red juices means the thigh needs more time.
- The meat should look opaque throughout when sliced into.
At 350°F, boneless thighs typically take 30-40 minutes to reach 165°F. However, cook time can vary based on the size and thickness of the thighs, as well as your oven’s accuracy. Rely on a thermometer for guaranteed safety and doneness.
Recommended Bake Time
At 350°F, boneless chicken thighs should bake for:
- 30-35 minutes for 4-6 small, thin thighs
- 35-40 minutes for 4-6 large, thick thighs
- Add 5 minutes for every 2 additional thighs
These time ranges ensure the center of the thickest thigh reaches 165°F. Smaller or thinner thighs may be done slightly sooner. To prevent overcooking, start checking temperature about 5 minutes before the minimum cook time.
If baking a full sheet pan of chicken thighs, rotate the pan halfway through for even cooking. Also allow a few minutes of rest time after baking before serving.
Steps for Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs
Follow these simple steps for foolproof oven-baked barbecue chicken thighs:
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Pat boneless, skinless chicken thighs dry and season all over with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices.
- For extra flavor, coat both sides of thighs with a light brushing of oil or dry rub seasoning.
2. Bake Until Nearly Done
- Arrange thighs in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper.
- Bake at 350°F for about 75% of total cook time, until thighs register 150°F internally.
3. Brush with BBQ Sauce
- Remove thighs from oven and generously brush tops with your favorite barbecue sauce.
- For caramelized sauce flavor, use thick, sticky sauces.
4. Finish Baking
- Return chicken to oven and bake for 5-10 minutes more, until sauce is bubbling and charred and thighs reach 165°F.
5. Rest and Serve
- Let thighs rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra barbecue sauce, if desired.
- Enjoy on their own or in sandwiches, tacos, salads, and more!
Following this simple baking method results in saucy, tender barbecue chicken thighs every time. Adjust cook times as needed based on the thickness of your thighs and your oven’s accuracy.
Common Questions
How do you keep boneless chicken thighs from drying out in the oven?
- Brush thighs with oil or marinate before baking. This adds moisture and flavor.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan, which traps steam and leads to drier meat.
- Tent foil loosely over the pan during the last 5-10 minutes of baking.
- Don’t overbake. Rely on a meat thermometer for doneness.
Can you bake chicken thighs from frozen?
Yes, frozen boneless skinless chicken thighs can be baked without thawing first. Add 5-10 minutes to the overall cook time to allow the thighs to cook through. Defrost first for best results.
What BBQ sauce is best for baked chicken thighs?
Thicker, sticky tomato-based sauces with sugar work great, as they’ll caramelize nicely. Avoid thin or overly sweet sauces, which may burn.
What temperature kills bacteria in chicken?
Chicken needs to reach an internal temperature of 165°F to kill any potential bacteria like salmonella. Use a food thermometer to verify the thighs have reached 165°F at the thickest part.
The Takeaway
Cooking up juicy, saucy baked BBQ boneless chicken thighs is simple. Bake at 350°F for 30-40 minutes based on thickness, brush with sauce, then bake 5-10 minutes more. Rely on a meat thermometer for guaranteed safety and perfect doneness. Adjust cook times as needed for your oven and batch size. Then enjoy these easy oven-baked barbecue chicken thighs on their own or in creative recipes.