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BBQ Chicken Thighs – Juicy Oven-Baked Chicken with Sweet and Smoky Sauce

BBQ chicken thighs baked in the oven until tender and juicy, then glazed with a sweet-and-smoky BBQ sauce. Expect caramelized edges from skin-side-up baking and a glossy sauce finish with a final brushed coat.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
resting 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 430
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken
  • 8 bone-in chicken thighs About 3 lbs
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
BBQ glaze
  • 1.5 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Garnish
  • 1 chopped parsley If desired

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan

Method
 

Preheat and prep the chicken
  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
  3. Rub chicken with olive oil.
  4. Mix garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  5. Season chicken evenly on all sides.
  6. Arrange thighs skin-side up on a baking sheet.
Bake, glaze, and finish
  1. Bake for 30 minutes.
  2. Mix BBQ sauce, honey, and Worcestershire sauce.
  3. Brush chicken generously with sauce.
  4. Return to oven and bake 15–20 minutes more.
  5. Brush with additional sauce during the last 5 minutes.
Rest and serve
  1. Rest 5 minutes before serving.
  2. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

For best caramelization, keep the thighs skin-side up and use a generously coated brush during the last 5 minutes so the glaze clings and thickens. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days; freeze cooked chicken thighs for up to 2 months. For a lower-sugar option, use a no-sugar-added or reduced-sugar BBQ sauce and keep the honey to 1/2 tbsp if desired.