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why make this recipe

Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs are a delicious and easy dish to prepare. They are perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. The combination of spices in the dry rub, along with the sticky BBQ sauce, makes the chicken flavorful and juicy. Plus, baking in the oven means you can set it and forget it, making cooking hassle-free.

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how to make Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs

Ingredients :

8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 3 lbs)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1 cup ketchup
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon liquid smoke
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions :

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil.
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Rub with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
In a bowl, combine brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
Coat the chicken thighs generously with the dry rub.
Place the thighs skin-side up on the baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes without opening the oven.
Prepare the BBQ sauce by combining ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, honey, liquid smoke, garlic powder, and onion powder in a saucepan. Simmer to thicken.
Remove the chicken from the oven and brush with half of the BBQ sauce.
Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Brush with remaining BBQ sauce and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

how to serve Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs

You can serve Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs with a variety of sides. Think of coleslaw, cornbread, or steamed vegetables. The chicken can be served right on the bone or shredded for sandwiches.

how to store Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs

Store any leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the fridge. They should stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. To reheat, place them in the oven until heated through. You can also heat them in the microwave, but the oven will keep the skin crispy.

tips to make Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs

Make sure to dry the chicken well before applying the rub. This helps the skin get crispy.
Adjust the spices in the rub and the sauce according to your taste preference.
For an extra crispy skin, you can broil the chicken for a few minutes at the end of cooking.

variation

You can change the flavor of the BBQ sauce by using different types of vinegar or adding hot sauce for an extra kick. You can also substitute chicken thighs with drumsticks or breasts if you prefer.

FAQs

1. Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. They might cook faster, so keep an eye on them.

2. Can I marinate the chicken overnight?
Absolutely! Marinating overnight allows the flavors to soak in even more. Just remember to reduce the salt in the rub since some sauces can be salty.

3. What can I serve with BBQ chicken thighs?
BBQ chicken thighs go well with sides like potato salad, baked beans, rice, or a fresh garden salad.

Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs

Delicious and easy Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs, perfect for family dinners or gatherings. The spices in the dry rub combined with a sticky BBQ sauce yield flavorful, juicy chicken.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 40

Total Time 50

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients

For the Chicken

8 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 3 lbs)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

For the BBQ Sauce

1 cup ketchup
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon liquid smoke
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preparation

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil.
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Rub with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
In a bowl, combine brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
Coat the chicken thighs generously with the dry rub.

Cooking

Place the thighs skin-side up on the baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes without opening the oven.
Prepare the BBQ sauce by combining ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, honey, liquid smoke, garlic powder, and onion powder in a saucepan. Simmer to thicken.
Remove the chicken from the oven and brush with half of the BBQ sauce.
Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Brush with remaining BBQ sauce and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Make sure to dry the chicken well before applying the rub for crispy skin. Adjust spices according to taste. For extra crispy skin, broil the chicken for a few minutes at the end of cooking.

Keyword BBQ Chicken, Chicken Thighs, Easy Dinner, Family Recipe, Oven Baked