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Crispy & Juicy BBQ Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe

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4.1 from 52 reviews

These Crispy & Juicy BBQ Baked Chicken Thighs are a perfect blend of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors. With a crispy skin and tender, juicy meat, this easy oven-baked recipe uses a flavorful spice rub and tangy BBQ sauce to create a crowd-pleasing dish ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 8 Chicken thighs (about 3 pounds), skin-on, bone-in
  • 2 teaspoons Paprika
  • 2 teaspoons Kosher salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper

BBQ Sauce

  • 3/4 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or 2 cups homemade), plus more for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400℉. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with nonstick foil or parchment paper and spray it lightly with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Make the Spice Rub: In a small bowl, combine the paprika, kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper to create a seasoning blend that will give your chicken flavor and color.
  3. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness. Rub the seasoning blend all over the chicken, including under the skin by gently lifting it and distributing the rub beneath. This helps infuse flavor deeply.
  4. Arrange and Sauce: Place the seasoned chicken thighs skin side up on the prepared baking sheet. Pour about ¾ cup of BBQ sauce into a small bowl and lightly brush the sauce over both sides of the chicken, finishing with the skin side up. Set aside the remaining BBQ sauce for later basting, and use a clean brush to avoid contamination.
  5. Bake Initially: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven at 400℉ for 20 minutes, allowing the chicken to start cooking and the skin to crisp.
  6. Baste and Continue Baking: Remove the chicken from the oven and, using a clean brush, generously brush the reserved BBQ sauce over the chicken. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165℉ for safe consumption.
  7. Broil to Caramelize: Switch your oven to the broiler setting and broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes, watching closely until the BBQ sauce caramelizes to a perfect sticky glaze. Be careful not to burn the sauce.
  8. Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes to retain juices. Serve with additional BBQ sauce on the side for dipping and enjoy!

Notes

  • Always use a clean basting brush to brush BBQ sauce on the chicken after it has touched the chicken to avoid contamination and ensure food safety.
  • Patting the chicken dry before seasoning is key to getting a crispy skin.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; chicken is safe at 165℉.
  • You can substitute homemade BBQ sauce or your favorite store-bought brand depending on taste preference.
  • Letting the chicken rest after baking helps the juices redistribute for a juicier bite.
  • Author: Adeline
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://flavorhug.com/crispy-and-juicy-bbq-baked-chicken-thighs-recipe/