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–+ servings
Baked BBQ chicken thighs served with potato salad, corn on the cob, and cornbread on a dinner plate.

Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs

easyhealthyrecipes.com/baked-bbq-chicken-thighs/
These baked BBQ chicken thighs are juicy, tender, and loaded with smoky-sweet flavor thanks to a simple spice rub. Easy for busy weeknights or bust them out at a cookout if your barbecue is overloaded!
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 35 minutes
Resting Time: 5 minutes
Total: 40 minutes
Recipe makes approximately 4

Equipment Needed

  • Baking sheet (18 × 13-nch)
  • oven-safe wire rack 
  • Small mixing bowl
  • pastry brush
  • instant-read meat thermometer

Ingredients Needed

Chicken

  • 2  pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (see notes)
  • 2 tablespoons BBQ seasoning (or BBQ dry rub)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

BBQ Sauce

  • ¾ cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce ((optional))

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top.
  • Pat the 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels.
  • In a large bowl, combine the 2 tablespoons BBQ seasoning and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Toss the chicken until evenly coated, making sure to season underneath and over the skin.
  • Arrange the chicken skin-side up on the prepared wire rack. Bake for 25 minutes.
  • While the chicken bakes, whisk together the ¾ cup BBQ sauce, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, and 1 teaspoon hot sauce, if using.
  • After 25 minutes, remove chicken from oven, and brush the chicken generously with about half of the BBQ sauce mixture.
  • Return the chicken to the oven and bake for another 8 to 10 minutes, or until the sauce is caramelized and the internal temperature reaches 185–190°F.
  • Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes.
  • Brush with the remaining BBQ sauce just before serving for a fresh, glossy finish.

Recipe Notes

Chicken drumsticks: Drumsticks work just as well as thighs in this recipe. Bake until they reach an internal temperature of 180–190°F, adding a few extra minutes if they’re especially large.
No wire rack: You can bake the chicken directly on a foil-lined baking sheet. The skin won’t get quite as crispy, but it’ll still be yummy.
Meat thermometer: Chicken thighs are at their best between 180–190°F. They’re safe at 165°F, but cooking them a little longer gives the connective tissue time to break down, resulting in much juicier, more tender meat.
Extra crispy skin: Broil the chicken for the final 1–2 minutes after brushing with the BBQ sauce. Keep a close eye on it so the sugars don’t burn.

Nutrition Info (Approximate)

Calories: 600kcal | Protein: 32g | Fat: 40g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Total Carbs: 27g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 18g | Net Carbs: 26g | Vitamin C: 4mg | Cholesterol: 189mg | Sodium: 789mg | Potassium: 578mg | Calcium: 107mg | Iron: 4mg