1. Can I make BBQ Chicken Thighs ahead of time?

Yes! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance for maximum flavor. After baking, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days . To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to keep that sticky, crispy texture.

2. Can I use bone-in chicken thighs instead of boneless?

Absolutely. Bone-in thighs work beautifully for this recipe — they’re even juicier! Just add 10–12 minutes to the baking time and check for doneness with a meat thermometer (165°F internal temperature). Broil at the end for a perfect caramelized finish.

3. What’s the best BBQ sauce to use for oven-baked chicken thighs?

The best BBQ sauce is one that matches your taste preference — whether it’s sweet and smoky, spicy and tangy, or paleo-friendly . For a balanced flavor, look for sauces made with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. You can also mix your own using tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, and spices for a custom blend.

BBQ Chicken Thighs – Easy, Juicy & Flavorful Recipe

Name: BBQ Chicken Thighs
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs: juicy base for flavorful barbecue; 2 tablespoons avocado oil: helps crisp and coat the chicken evenly; 1 teaspoon kosher salt: enhances all the flavors; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: adds a mild heat; 1 teaspoon garlic powder: deepens the savory flavor; 1 teaspoon onion powder: builds aromatic sweetness; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: provides smoky depth and color; 1/2 teaspoon dried mustard: adds tang and complexity; 1 cup BBQ sauce: creates a sticky, caramelized glaze

Description

These BBQ Chicken Thighs are oven-baked to juicy perfection with a smoky, sticky, and sweet BBQ glaze. Made with simple spices, avocado oil, and your favorite BBQ sauce, this easy recipe delivers bold barbecue flavor without firing up the grill. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, and easily adaptable for Whole30 or paleo diets.

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs: juicy base for flavorful barbecue
2 tablespoons avocado oil: helps crisp and coat the chicken evenly
1 teaspoon kosher salt: enhances all the flavors
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: adds a mild heat
1 teaspoon garlic powder: deepens the savory flavor
1 teaspoon onion powder: builds aromatic sweetness
1 teaspoon smoked paprika: provides smoky depth and color
1/2 teaspoon dried mustard: adds tang and complexity
1 cup BBQ sauce: creates a sticky, caramelized glaze

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Instructions

In a large bowl, combine chicken thighs, avocado oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and dried mustard. Toss until chicken is evenly coated.
Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or overnight for richer flavor.
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
Add 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce to the marinated chicken and toss to coat. Arrange chicken pieces evenly on the baking sheet.
Bake for 15 minutes, then flip the chicken thighs and brush with additional BBQ sauce.
Return to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes.
Set oven to broil. Flip the chicken once more, brush with remaining BBQ sauce, and broil for 5–6 minutes, until edges are crispy and caramelized.
Remove from oven, let rest for 5 minutes, and serve with extra BBQ sauce if desired.

Notes

Line the baking sheet with parchment paper or foil to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
Chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to restore crispiness.

Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Oven-Baked
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
Calories: 290
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 640mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 125mg