Description
This Baked BBQ Chicken Recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken thighs coated in flavorful barbecue sauce and caramelized to perfection under the broiler. Perfectly crispy on the outside and packed with smoky, tangy BBQ flavor, this oven-baked dish is ideal for a satisfying family dinner or weekend cookout.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Chicken
- 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Sauce
- 3/4 cup BBQ sauce, divided
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a mixing bowl and pour ½ cup of the BBQ sauce over them. Mix well to ensure all pieces are coated evenly. Set aside at room temperature while you preheat the oven, or for deeper flavor, cover and refrigerate to marinate for up to 4 hours.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup easier.
- Initial Bake: Arrange the chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet skin side down. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes to begin cooking the chicken and render the fat.
- Flip and Baste: Carefully turn each chicken thigh skin side up, then baste generously with the BBQ sauce that was left in the marinating bowl. Return the tray to the oven and bake for an additional 25 minutes.
- Broil for Caramelization: Switch your oven setting to broil. Baste the chicken with the remaining ¼ cup of BBQ sauce to add a final layer of smoky sweetness. Place the chicken under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes, watching very closely until the sauce darkens and caramelizes beautifully. Remove immediately if it starts to burn.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken ahead of time enhances flavor but is optional for quick preparation.
- Use your favorite BBQ sauce—sweet, spicy, or smoky depending on your preference.
- Keep a close eye during broiling to avoid burning the sauce.
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs produce juicier, more flavorful results than boneless or skinless.
- Leftover baked BBQ chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
