Description

These oven-baked BBQ chicken thighs are juicy, flavorful, and coated in a deliciously sticky barbecue sauce. With a perfect balance of smokiness and sweetness, this easy recipe is great for weeknight dinners or weekend cookouts—no grill required!

Ingredients

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6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional for heat)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
1 tablespoon honey (optional for extra sweetness)

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top (this helps the chicken cook evenly).
Season Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder. Rub the seasoning mix all over the chicken thighs.
Bake First Round: Place the chicken on the wire rack, skin-side up. Brush lightly with olive oil. Bake for 25 minutes.
Add BBQ Sauce: In a small bowl, mix barbecue sauce, honey, and Worcestershire sauce. Brush a generous layer onto the chicken thighs.
Bake Again: Return to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 175°F (79°C).
Broil for Crispiness (Optional): If you want extra caramelization, broil the chicken on high for 2-3 minutes until the skin is crispy and the sauce is bubbling.

Rest & Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy with your favorite sides!

Notes

BBQ Sauce Variations: Try spicy, honey mustard, or smoky bourbon BBQ sauce for different flavors.
Boneless Option: If using boneless chicken thighs, reduce cooking time by about 10 minutes.

Serving Ideas: Pair with coleslaw, cornbread, roasted veggies, or mashed potatoes.