Chicken thighs are a delicious and inexpensive cut of chicken perfect for baking. When coated in a zesty homemade barbecue sauce, baked bbq chicken thighs become fall-off-the-bone tender and packed with finger-licking flavor. Learning how to bake bbq chicken thighs at home helps you save money on takeout while enjoying restaurant-quality results. Follow this guide to master baking juicy bbq chicken thighs in your oven.

Ingredients Needed to Bake BBQ Chicken Thighs

Baking bbq chicken thighs requires just a few simple ingredients. Below is what you’ll need:

For the Chicken

6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs – Chicken thighs work better than breasts for baking bbq chicken. The fat content keeps them moist.
2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil – Use oil with a high smoke point so it can withstand oven temperatures.
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Barbecue Sauce

1 cup ketchup – Use your favorite store-bought or homemade ketchup.
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or distilled white vinegar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon molasses – For richness and depth of flavor.
1 tablespoon mustard – Yellow, Dijon, or spicy brown all work.
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika – For smoky flavor without actual smoke.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Dash of cayenne pepper – Leave out if you don’t want spice.

Step-by-Step Guide for How to Bake BBQ Chicken Thighs

Follow these simple steps for oven-baked bbq chicken thighs every bit as good as what you’d get from a restaurant.

1. Prep the Chicken Thighs

Preheat your oven to 400°F.
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Make sure they are as dry as possible.
Place the thighs in a baking dish or rimmed sheet pan.
Brush both sides of each thigh with olive oil. Use about 1 tablespoon per side.
Generously season both sides with salt and pepper. I like 1/4 teaspoon of each per thigh.

2. Make the Barbecue Sauce

While the oven preheats, you can quickly mix up the barbecue sauce:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, molasses, mustard, and all the spices.
Whisk vigorously until thoroughly combined.

3. Bake the Chicken

Place the oiled and seasoned chicken thighs skin-side up in the preheated 400° oven.
Bake for 20 minutes.
Remove from oven and brush generously with the homemade barbecue sauce.
Return to oven and bake 20 more minutes.
Remove again, flip thighs over, and brush the other side with barbecue sauce.
Return to oven and bake 10 more minutes until cooked through (about 170°F internal temperature).

4. Broil for Crispy Skin

Here’s an optional step if you want crispy, caramelized skin:

Set your oven to broil on high.
Broil the sauce-glazed chicken thighs skin-side up for 2-3 minutes just until the skin crisps and browns.
Watch carefully to avoid burning.
Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes before serving.

The bbq chicken thighs are now ready to enjoy! The boneless thighs will be fall-off-the-bone tender after baking.

Tips for Juicy Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs

Here are some tips to ensure your baked bbq chicken thighs turn out perfectly moist and delicious every time:

Dry the chicken well – Dabbing the thighs with paper towels removes excess moisture that can prevent the sauce from caramelizing.
Use bone-in, skin-on thighs – The bones and skin keep the meat moist and full of flavor. Skinless boneless thighs can dry out in the oven.
Brush on barbecue sauce multiple times – Layering sauce builds up flavor without burning. Saucing just at the end doesn’t allow the sauce to caramelize fully into the meat.
Flip halfway through – Letting the thighs roast on just one side prevents even cooking and charring of the sauce. Flipping ensures juiciness.
Broil at the end – 2-3 minutes under an intense broiler crisps up the sticky sauce for finger-lickin’ results.
Let rest before eating – A 5 minute rest allows juices to reabsorb for moist, tender meat. Dig in too quickly and juices can spill out.

How Long to Bake BBQ Chicken Thighs

Total baking time for bbq chicken thighs is about 50-60 minutes at 400°F. Here is a timeline:

20 minutes initially to partially cook through
20 minutes after flipping and first sauce coating
10 minutes after second basting with sauce
2-3 minutes under broiler (optional for crispy skin – watch closely)
5 minute rest

The chicken is fully cooked once it reaches an internal temperature of 165-170°F. If you don’t have a meat thermometer, look for clear juices running out when pierced with a knife.

Adjust baking times slightly up or down based on the size of your thighs. Larger, meatier thighs may need a little longer. Start checking temperature after 45 minutes.

How to Tell When BBQ Chicken is Done

It can be tricky to know precisely when baked bbq chicken thighs are fully cooked, but here are some signs to look for:

Internal temperature of 165-170°F
Juices run clear when pierced with a knife
Meat pulls back from the bone
Sauce is sticky and caramelized
Meat is fork tender and falls off the bone easily
No pink color remains inside

The barbecue sauce glaze makes it harder to tell when the chicken is cooked through. Use a meat thermometer for the most reliable doneness indicator if you are unsure.

Can You Bake Chicken Thighs From Frozen?

It is possible to bake bbq chicken thighs straight from frozen, but we don’t recommend it. Thighs need time to defrost slowly and evenly in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.

Baking frozen chicken thighs can lead to unsafe, undercooked meat on the inside with burnt outsides. Defrosting gives the barbecue sauce time to permeate the meat fully and caramelize properly for the best texture and flavor.

Should You Flip Chicken Thighs When Baking?

Flipping the thighs halfway through the baking time is highly recommended for evenly cooked bbq chicken. Here’s why:

Allows both sides to caramelize – Flipping provides sauce coating and direct heat to the bottom side.
Prevents burning – One side sitting in juices could overcook and burn.
Distributes moisture – Less moisture loss when it’s not all draining out one side.
Evens out doneness – Direct bottom heat parcooks the underside to match top.
Improves presentation – No soggy side sitting in sauce; both sides get glazed.

So for the most evenly browned, tender and flavorful baked bbq chicken thighs, take the time to flip them over about halfway through baking.

Baking Pan Options

You can bake bbq chicken thighs in:

Sheet pan – Rimmed baking sheets work well since sauce can drip. Provide plenty of room between thighs.
Broiler pan – Perforated surface allows excess grease to drain away from chicken.
Metal baking dish – Like a casserole dish; contain spills.
Glass or ceramic baking dish – Affordable option but sauce can bake on permanently.
Wire rack on pan – Elevates chicken over collected drippings in the pan below. Crispiest skin.

Avoid nonstick pans as the sauce can stain the coating at high heats. An aluminum pan conducts heat the most evenly for uniform cooking.

Baked BBQ Chicken Thigh Recipe Variations

Once you master the basic method for oven-roasted bbq chicken thighs, try out flavor variations using different:

Sauces:

Bourbon – Adds sweet smokiness
Teriyaki – For Asian flair
Jerk – Caribbean spices like allspice, thyme, habanero
Alabama white – Mayonnaise-based; tangy

Marinades:

Buttermilk – Tenderizes and adds tang
Italian dressing
Coconut milk

Spice rubs:

Cajun
Lemon pepper
Chili lime
Jamaican jerk

Glazes:

Honey mustard
Orange marmalade
Hoisin
Plum sauce

The possibilities are endless for customizing baked bbq chicken thighs to suit your taste.

FAQs About How to Bake BBQ Chicken Thighs

Still have some questions about how to make perfectly baked bbq chicken thighs? Below are answers to some frequently asked questions.

Should you sear chicken thighs before baking?

Searing before baking is optional but can add deeper flavor through flavorful fond development. Pat thighs dry, sear skin-side down in an oiled skillet 2-3 minutes per side until nicely browned. Transfer to baking dish to finish in the oven.

What temp should baked bbq chicken thighs be?

Check for a minimum internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part of a thigh before removing from oven. Juices should also run clear when pierced with a knife.

Can you bake chicken thighs at 350 degrees?

Yes, 350°F can work to bake bbq chicken thighs but may take longer. Stick to the same 50-60 minute range but start checking even earlier for doneness at that lower temperature.

How long does baked bbq chicken last in the fridge?

Properly stored, baked bbq chicken thighs will keep 3-4 days refrigerated. Reheat to 165°F before serving leftovers. freeze for 1-2 months.

Can you bake chicken thighs on a rack?

Yes, using a wire rack over a baking sheet allows air flow all around the chicken for even cooking and crispy skin as juices drip down.

Should you bake chicken thighs covered or uncovered?

For crispy skin, bake bbq chicken thighs uncovered. Covering will steam the meat, resulting in softer skin. Tenting foil over just the last 10 minutes can help avoid burning if needed.

Get Perfectly Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs Every Time

Baking flavorful barbecue chicken thighs is easier than you think. With the right ingredients, temp, bake times and these simple tips, you can enjoy tender, saucy bbq chicken thighs straight from your oven any night of the week.

Experiment with different homemade or store-bought barbecue sauces, glazes, spices and marinades to put your own spin on this classic chicken dish. Serve bbq baked chicken thighs with your favorite sides and watch it disappear!

How to Make Your Own Barbecue Sauce for Baking Chicken Thighs

Homemade barbecue sauce takes baked chicken thighs to new heights of finger-lickin’ flavor. Making your own sauce lets you customize the flavor profile to suit your tastes and packs a flavor punch store-bought sauces can’t match. Read on for expert tips on crafting the perfect barbecue sauce to use in baked bbq chicken thighs and other recipes.

Why Make Homemade Barbecue Sauce?

Here are the main benefits of preparing your own barbecue sauce instead of buying it pre-made:

Control the ingredients – Omit unnecessary sugars/preservatives and use higher quality components
Customize the flavors – Match sauce to your specific taste preferences
Use fresh ingredients – Minimize processing and enjoy sauce at peak freshness
Save money – Homemade sauce costs a fraction compared to retail prices
Impress guests – Wow everyone with your signature homemade barbecue sauce
Store better – Homemade sauces last months refrigerated without preservatives

How to Make Basic Barbecue Sauce

While recipes can vary widely, most homemade barbecue sauces start with similar base ingredients.

Here is an easy recipe to make at home:

Ingredients:

1 cup ketchup
1⁄4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon mustard
1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder
1⁄2 teaspoon onion powder
1⁄4 teaspoon chili powder
Dash cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions:

Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan.
Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently.
Reduce heat and let simmer 15 minutes, until thickened slightly.
Remove from heat and cool before using.
Store refrigerated up to 2 months.

This versatile sauce works wonderfully brushed on chicken thighs before baking. Adjust any ingredients to your preferences.

Customizing Your Own Sauce

Once you have the basic sauce down, you can start customizing it to make your own signature flavor. Try tweaking your recipe with these ingredient variations:

For sweetness:

Molasses, maple syrup, honey
Browned butter
Pineapple juice
Cherry jam

For smokiness:

Smoked paprika, chipotle peppers
Liquid smoke
Bacon fat
Minced chipotle peppers

For acidity:

Lemon juice, lime juice
Wine vinegar, rice vinegar
Grated citrus zest

For depth:

Soy sauce, fish sauce
Tomato paste
Roast garlic or onions
Toasted spices like cumin

For texture:

Minced veggies – onion, bell pepper
Pureed fruits – mango, pineapple
Tomatoes, roasted red peppers
Thickeners – corn starch, tapioca

For heat:

Hot sauce, ground chiles
Horseradish
Pepper flakes

Experiment to develop the perfect balance of flavors, acidity, sweetness, and heat for your tastebuds.

Cooking Methods for Barbecue Sauce

Simmering the sauce gently on the stovetop, as in the basic recipe above, thickens the texture so it coats nicely.

Grilling in a saucepan on the grill adds wonderful smoky depth.

Roasting the ingredients before blending develops deep, caramelized flavors. Try roasting tomatoes, garlic, onions, or bell peppers.

No matter which cooking method you choose, avoid a rapid boil so the sugars don’t burn. Gently reducing water content concentrates the flavors.

Storing Homemade Barbecue Sauce

Cool your homemade barbecue sauce completely before storing. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate up to 2-3 months. You can also freeze sauce for longer storage, up to 4 months.

For best flavor, use your sauce within the first 1-2 weeks before the fresh tastes dissipate. The sauce may separate upon standing – simply stir or shake to recombine before using.

Get Creative with Homemade Barbecue Sauces

Once you nail down a basic barbecue sauce recipe, the options are endless for putting your own spin on it. Try out flavor profiles like teriyaki, Jamaican jerk, tangy mustard, or bourbon molasses.

Pair your homemade sauce with baked bbq chicken thighs or any meat. Making your own sauce allows you to create the perfect complement to accentuate moist, tender oven-baked chicken. Give it a try!

How to Choose the Best Chicken Thighs for Baking

When learning how to bake juicy bbq chicken thighs, choosing the right chicken is half the battle. Read on for tips on selecting the best chicken thighs for baking at home.

Buy Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken Thighs

For baking, bone-in thighs with the skin intact are far superior to boneless, skinless thighs. Here’s why:

Bones help retain moisture during cooking
Skin keeps meat juicy and adds flavor from rendered fat
Skin gets crispy from baking
Skin helps keep meat from drying out

Skinless boneless thighs often dry out in the extended oven time needed to bake bbq chicken. The skin and bones help prevent this.

Choose Thighs Over Breasts

Chicken thighs are better suited for baking bbq chicken than breasts. Here are some benefits of thighs:

More fat keeps them moist
More collagen yields tender, juicy meat
Forgiving if slightly overcooked
Stays juicier when reheated as leftovers

Chicken breasts become dry and stringy when overcooked. Thighs maintain moisture even with extra oven time.

Pick Large, Evenly Sized Thighs

For uniform cooking, look for chicken thighs that are:

Approximately the same size and thickness
At least 4-6 ounces each
Big enough to easily coat in sauce

Avoid packages with smaller or irregularly shaped chicken pieces. Evenly sized thighs bake more evenly.

Select Good Quality Chicken

Higher quality chicken means better results. Look for thighs that are:

From chickens raised cage-free or free range
Minimal processing for fresher flavor
Good transparency on farming practices

Lower quality, mass-produced chicken often has less flavor and poor texture. It takes basting and baking well, so opt for better chicken when possible.

Check Sell-By Date

Always verify the sell-by or use-by date when purchasing chicken thighs to bake. Choose packages that must be used within the next 3-5 days to ensure optimal freshness.

Avoid outdated chicken thighs, which may not be as tender or take marinades as well after prolonged storage.