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Perfectly Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 80 reviews
  • Author: Diane
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This recipe for Perfectly Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs delivers juicy, flavorful chicken with a crispy skin thanks to a smoky, savory marinade and slow baking at high heat. Easy to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend barbecue, these chicken thighs are baked on a wire rack to ensure crispiness and coated with rich barbecue sauce for a delicious finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 pounds Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

Marinade & Seasoning

  • 2 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • ½ teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper

Barbecue Sauce

  • 1 cup Barbecue sauce (choose your favorite sauce)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking the chicken thighs at a high heat to develop crispy skin and juicy meat.
  2. Make Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine extra virgin olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk them together until smooth and well blended to create a flavorful marinade base.
  3. Marinate Chicken: Add the bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs to the bowl and thoroughly coat them with the marinade. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes so the flavors penetrate the meat.
  4. Prepare Baking Setup: Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easier cleanup and place a wire rack on top. The rack allows air circulation around the chicken, promoting crispiness on all sides.
  5. Arrange Chicken: Place the marinated chicken thighs skin-side up on the wire rack, making sure they are spaced apart so they cook evenly without steaming.
  6. Apply Barbecue Sauce: Brush each chicken thigh generously with barbecue sauce, reserving some sauce to baste later in the cooking process for added flavor and moisture.
  7. Initial Bake: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes. Check after 30 minutes to monitor for any signs of burning or overcooking, adjusting the time if needed.
  8. Baste & Continue Baking: Remove the chicken briefly to baste with the reserved barbecue sauce. Return the chicken thighs to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes to let the sauce caramelize and deepen in flavor.
  9. Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken thighs reaches 165°F (74°C) to guarantee safe consumption.
  10. Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes so the juices redistribute, resulting in tender and juicy meat.
  11. Serve: Serve the baked BBQ chicken thighs with the reserved barbecue sauce on the side for extra dipping or drizzling.

Notes

  • Marinating the chicken for longer than 30 minutes, up to 2 hours, will deepen flavor.
  • If you prefer spicier chicken, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the marinade.
  • Using a wire rack is key to keep skin crispy while baking.
  • Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat gently in the oven or a skillet to maintain crispiness of skin.

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Find it online: https://savorytablerecipes.com/perfectly-baked-bbq-chicken-thighs-recipe/