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Easy Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs

Close-up of four pieces of incredibly juicy bbq chicken coated in a thick, dark, glossy sauce, served on a white plate.
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Make juicy, tender BBQ chicken thighs quickly in the oven using a simple homemade rub and your favorite sticky sauce.

Ingredients

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  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 cup your favorite thick BBQ sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
  2. Pat the chicken thighs completely dry using paper towels. This helps the skin crisp.
  3. In a small bowl, mix the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to create the rub.
  4. Sprinkle the rub evenly over all sides of the chicken thighs, pressing it gently into the skin.
  5. Place the seasoned thighs skin-side up on the prepared baking sheet.
  6. Bake for 25 minutes.
  7. Remove the pan from the oven. Brush the tops of the chicken thighs generously with about half of the BBQ sauce.
  8. Return the chicken to the oven and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) and the sauce is slightly caramelized.
  9. Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Brush with the remaining BBQ sauce just before serving for extra glaze.

Notes

  • For crispier skin, place the chicken on a wire rack set inside the baking sheet before baking.
  • If you prefer boneless, skinless thighs, reduce the total cooking time by about 10 minutes.
  • You can substitute the homemade rub with 2 tablespoons of your favorite store-bought BBQ rub.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://spoonsprout.com/easy-oven-baked-bbq-chicken/