Description
Juicy chicken thighs baked until tender and coated with a smoky, tangy BBQ glaze. This simple oven-baked recipe is packed with flavor and makes an easy family-friendly dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 kg boneless or bone-in chicken thighs
Seasonings & Sauce
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp chili powder, optional
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) to ensure a hot environment for baking the chicken thighs evenly.
- Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, then place them in a baking dish to prepare for seasoning.
- Season Chicken: Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and evenly sprinkle smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and optional chili powder to coat the thighs with flavor.
- Initial Bake: Bake the chicken uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes to cook it through and start the browning process.
- Apply BBQ Sauce: Remove the chicken from the oven and brush generously with BBQ sauce to add tangy, smoky flavor and moisture.
- Final Bake: Return the chicken to the oven and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce starts to caramelize.
- Broil for Caramelization: For an extra caramelized finish, broil the chicken for 1 to 2 minutes at the end of baking. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute before serving.
Notes
- Chicken is safely cooked when the thickest part reaches 74°C (165°F).
- Add BBQ sauce toward the end to prevent it from burning.
- Serve with coleslaw, roasted vegetables, corn, or a green salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
