Description
Juicy baked BBQ chicken thighs coated in a smoky, sweet glaze with perfectly crisped skin. An easy and flavorful dish ideal for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 5–6 chicken thighs, bone-in skin-on
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (Sweet Baby Ray’s Original)
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil (for coating)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Place the chicken in a large bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and coat evenly with the seasoning mixture, rubbing it over and under the skin.
- Add some barbecue sauce to the chicken and rub it all over and under the skin for extra flavor.
- Arrange the chicken thighs skin-side up in an oven-safe baking dish. Brush additional barbecue sauce over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 30–40 minutes.
- After 15 minutes of cooking, remove from the oven and baste again with more barbecue sauce. Return to the oven and continue baking for another 15–20 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F to 185°F.
- For crispier skin, broil on the top rack for 1–2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 3–5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Patting the chicken dry helps the seasoning and sauce adhere better.
- Adjust barbecue sauce quantity based on preference for sauciness.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure proper doneness.
- Broiling at the end enhances crispiness but requires close monitoring.
- Serve with coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
