Are you craving a simple yet incredibly delicious dinner that'll have everyone at the table begging for seconds? Look no further than these Easy Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs! In just 40 minutes, you can transform ordinary chicken into a restaurant-quality meal that's crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and dripping with irresistible BBQ flavor. Whether you're a busy home cook or a weekend warrior in the kitchen, this foolproof recipe will become your new go-to for a crowd-pleasing dinner that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum taste.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly grease with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry using paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up and allows seasonings to adhere better.
- Drizzle olive oil over the chicken thighs and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides, ensuring even coverage.
- Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side up on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece to ensure even cooking.
- Bake the chicken thighs in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and brush generously with BBQ sauce, coating each thigh completely.
- Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the BBQ sauce to caramelize and create a sticky, flavorful glaze.
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley or green onions if desired.
Tips
- Pat the chicken dry: This crucial step ensures crispy skin and helps seasonings stick better.
- Use a meat thermometer: Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe and perfectly cooked chicken.
- Space out the chicken: Leave room between thighs on the baking sheet to promote even cooking and crispy edges.
- Choose quality BBQ sauce: A good sauce can make or break this dish, so select one with a flavor profile you love.
- Let the chicken rest: Allowing the meat to rest for 5 minutes after cooking helps redistribute juices, keeping the chicken moist.
- For extra caramelization, use a broiler for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking to create a deeper, stickier glaze.
- Feel free to adjust seasonings to your taste - try adding garlic powder, smoked paprika, or a dash of cayenne for extra kick.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 140mg
