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    Home » Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs

    August 7, 2019 Chicken

    Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs

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    Grilling out is often thought of as a Summer activity, but frankly, I think it's too hot in the South to grill out for most of the summer! That's why I created this recipe for easy baked bbq chicken thighs that are made in the oven: so you don't have to stand in blistering 110 degree heat just to get some delicious barbecue chicken flavor.

    Jump to Recipe
    Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs

    You might be wondering ...

    How to barbecue chicken thighs in the oven

    You'll need a baking sheet with an edge, and some sort of rack ( a cookie cooling rack is fine. )

    The key to delicious bbq chicken in the oven is getting the skin nice and crispy, but keeping the meat juicy.  To do this, I'm borrowing a trick a cook at a Chinese restaurant once told me: toss the meat in a little bit of salt and baking powder.  It makes the skin extra crispy!  Using dark meat ( chicken thighs ) is what keeps this dish so moist.

    Baked Chicken Thighs

    Another trick to making the best bbq chicken thighs in the oven is to add a little bit of brown sugar to your barbecue sauce if it already doesn't have sugar.  Most pre-made sauces are already loaded with sugar, but if you have a homemade sauce that you love - you might need just a dash of brown sugar on top of your thighs to get that nice, crisp bbq flavor.

    pouring barbecue sauce

    The cooking method for bbq chicken in the oven is simple:

    • Bake the baking powder coated chicken thighs
    • Cover them in barbecue sauce
    • Bake them again
    • Finish with a quick broil to get a little char and extra crisp
    Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs

    Of course, you'll need some Southern side dishes to go with your chicken!

    What are the best sides for bbq chicken?

    • Instant Pot Corn on the cob
    • Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese
    • Corn Casserole
    • Baked Beans
    • Fresh green salad
    Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs

    Truth be told, I usually use a bottled sauce for baked bbq chicken thighs.  BUT - when I'm in the mood for Carolina Mustard BBQ, only homemade will do.  My Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce Recipe would be absolutely perfect to make mustard based bbq chicken thighs!

    [oih_opt_in id="3"]

    Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs from Overhead

    Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs

    An easy oven-baked bbq chicken thigh recipe that anyone can make, with only three ingredients!
    4.68 from 34 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Chicken, Dinner, Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: baked bbq chicken thighs, bbq sauce, chicken thigh
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 35 minutes
    Total Time: 40 minutes
    Servings: 4 people
    Calories: 302kcal
    Author: Marianne

    Ingredients

    • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
    • 1 tablespoon baking powder
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • 1 cup barbecue sauce I used Sweet Baby Rays

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Toss the chicken thighs in the baking powder and salt.
    • Shake off any excess baking powder and salt, and place the thighs on a baking rack on a rimmed sheet pan. Bake for 25 minutes.
    • Remove thighs from the oven, cover both sides with bbq sauce, and place back on the rack over the pan. Top each thigh with another teaspoon or so of sauce ( you can eyeball this and it will be fine )
    • Bake the chicken thighs for another 10 minutes.
    • Turn the oven on to Broil, HIGH setting if you have it available, and move the thighs to the top rack of the oven. Broil the thighs for 5 minutes. Once done broiling, let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
    Nutrition Facts
    Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs
    Amount Per Serving (1 thigh)
    Calories 302
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Tried this recipe?Mention @basilandbubbly or tag #basilandbubbly!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Linda Worley says

      August 10, 2021 at 6:26 pm

      5 stars
      smelled so yummy cooking and super easy to put together!!!

      Reply
    2. Barb says

      May 18, 2021 at 1:17 pm

      I used more spices less sauce since I am gluten free. It was so so good. I also used small chicken pieces since I wanted for a salad. DEEEEELISH.

      Reply
      • Marianne says

        May 18, 2021 at 9:54 pm

        Using them on salads is a great idea! thank you for sharing!

        Reply
    3. Cathy says

      February 17, 2021 at 8:47 pm

      5 stars
      This was delicious! Super easy and fast!! The chicken was crispy on the outside and super juicy inside!!

      Reply
      • Marianne says

        February 19, 2021 at 11:18 am

        Sounds perfect!

        Reply
    4. Janette says

      July 23, 2020 at 5:52 pm

      In the recipe you say baking SODA!!! Do not use baking soda!

      Reply
      • Marianne says

        July 24, 2020 at 9:22 am

        Thank you so much for pointing out this error! I've updated the recipe!

        Reply
    5. Mimi says

      August 21, 2019 at 10:57 am

      I’ve never come across this baking powder step! Interesting! I always have Head Country around, even though I think anything home made is much better. But, Head Country is good, so I don’t mind using it in a pinch. And I also don’t like standing in the heat and with the sun on me just to BBQ chicken!

      Reply
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    My name is Marianne, and I'm two parts food, one part booze, and a dash of snark. I live in Atlanta, GA with my two cats. My personal motto: Champagne and stretchy pants. Sign up for my mailing list to keep up with the new and seasonal recipes!

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