Introduction
Cooking juicy, flavorful chicken thighs in the oven with a homemade BBQ sauce is an easy way to make a delicious family meal. Baking chicken thighs requires minimal preparation and clean up, and oven-baked thighs cook up moist and tender every time when you follow a few simple steps.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook barbecue chicken thighs in the oven, along with tips for choosing thighs, making a sauce, seasoning, temperature control, doneness, and more. With this foolproof method, you will have tasty BBQ chicken ready to serve in under an hour.
Choosing Bone-In Chicken Thighs
The best chicken thighs for oven-baking are bone-in and skin-on. The bones help keep the meat juicy and add extra chicken flavor as it cooks. The skin gets beautifully crisp and caramelized.
Opt for large, meaty thighs approximately 6-8 ounces each. Avoid overly fatty pieces. Free range and organic chicken offer superior flavor.
Allow the thawed chicken to sit at room temperature while preparing the sauce and seasonings so it cooks more quickly and evenly. Pat the skin dry with paper towels.
Making a Sweet and Tangy BBQ Sauce
An easy homemade BBQ sauce really makes baked chicken thighs pop with flavor. Whisk together your desired combination of the following ingredients:
- Ketchup or tomato puree
- Brown sugar or honey
- Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- Worcestershire sauce
- Smoked paprika and garlic powder
- Mustard
- Chili powder or red pepper flakes (optional)
Make the sauce on the thick side since it will coat the chicken better than a thin, runny sauce. Refrigerate extra sauce to use for basting, dipping, or leftovers.
Seasoning the Chicken Thighs
Season the chicken all over with salt and pepper before coating with sauce. This adds flavor and helps create a nicely browned skin.
For extra flavor, you can rub on any of the following:
- Smoked paprika
- Chili powder
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Dried oregano or thyme
Go light on the salt since the BBQ sauce is already quite salty on its own.
Baking Temperatures for Chicken Thighs
Cook the chicken thighs at a moderate oven temperature between 375°F and 400°F. Higher heat will make the outsides burn before the inside cooks through.
- At 375°F, the thighs will need to bake for approximately 40-50 minutes.
- At 400°F, reduce cooking time to 30-40 minutes.
Use an oven-safe meat thermometer to check for doneness, not the clock. Internal temperature is the best way to ensure properly cooked chicken.
How to Cook BBQ Chicken Thighs Step-By-Step
- Preheat oven to 375-400°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil or parchment. Coat with a thin layer of oil or nonstick spray.
- Season chicken thighs evenly with salt, pepper, and any other dry spices. Go light on the salt.
- Coat both sides of the thighs with prepared BBQ sauce. Use about 1-2 tablespoons per thigh.
- Arrange thighs skin side up on the baking sheet. They can touch but should not overlap.
- Bake for 30-50 minutes until cooked through and skins are browned. Brush on a bit more sauce during the last 10 minutes.
- Check temperature in the thickest part with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving. The temperature will rise a bit more as it rests.
- Serve thighs warm with extra BBQ sauce on the side. Enjoy with desired sides like coleslaw, beans, potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Doneness Tips
It can be tricky getting the thighs fully cooked without drying them out. Follow these tips:
- Insert thermometer into the thickest section, avoiding bone.
- If undercooked, continue baking and test again in 5-10 minutes.
- If overbaked, they will register above 175°F and feel firm when poked.
- Let thighs rest before biting into them to allow juices to redistribute.
The meat should be fork tender and juicy when pierced at the minimum 165°F. If any pink color remains, pop back into the oven for a few more minutes.
Make-Ahead and Leftover Tips
- Fully cooked thighs keep well refrigerated for 3-4 days.
- Reheat in oven at 325°F until warm, 15-20 minutes.
- Sauce can be made 1-2 days in advance; combine and cook as directed.
- Cooked, sauced thighs freeze well for 2-3 months. Reheat frozen pieces slowly in oven.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I flip the chicken thighs while baking?
Flipping is not necessary. Chicken thighs can cook evenly lying skin side up the entire time. Flipping may actually lead to drier, tougher meat.
Can I use boneless thighs instead?
Boneless thighs tend to dry out faster since the bone helps keep meat juicy. If using boneless, reduce oven temperature 25°F and cook time by 5-10 minutes.
What sauce flavors go well with baked chicken thighs?
Sweet and tangy BBQ sauce is always a winner. Other good options are honey mustard, teriyaki, jerk seasoning, or garlic Parmesan. Get creative with flavors!
What side dishes pair well with oven-baked chicken thighs?
Some classic suggestions are baked potatoes, cornbread, coleslaw, roasted veggies, rice pilaf, pasta salad, or a fresh green salad.
What’s the best way to crisp up the chicken skin?
Be sure to pat the skin dry before seasoning and baking skin side up. Brushing on sauce too early will make the skin soggy. Wait until the last 10-15 minutes to glaze.
Conclusion
Cooking baked BBQ chicken thighs in the oven is one of the easiest ways to put a flavorful dinner on the table quickly on a busy weeknight. The sweet and tangy sauce paired with juicy, boneless chicken thighs equals happiness in every bite. Adjust cooking times and temperatures as needed to achieve your ideal finished texture. Leftovers also make amazing sandwiches or wraps the next day. Enjoy this simple oven-baked chicken recipe that never disappoints!