Craving that irresistible barbecue flavor but don’t want to fire up the grill? Look no further! These oven baked BBQ boneless chicken thighs deliver all the smoky, savory goodness you desire, complete with a perfectly caramelized BBQ sauce finish, all from the comfort of your kitchen. This is truly a weeknight-friendly chicken recipe that requires no grill, just a quick bake in the oven and a final blast under the broiler for that sought-after sticky glaze.

The secret to these incredibly flavorful boneless, skinless chicken thighs lies in a robust seasoning blend that imparts a deep, savory character, along with the strategic application of BBQ sauce. By brushing the sauce on halfway through the baking process, we prevent the sugars in the sauce from burning, ensuring a perfectly sticky and sweet glaze. While I often reach for Sweet Baby Ray’s for its consistent flavor, feel free to use your favorite brand of barbecue sauce – whether it’s a smoky, spicy, or tangy variety, it will work wonderfully here.

These baked BBQ chicken thighs are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with classic barbecue sides. Think creamy coleslaw, crisp green beans, sweet corn on the cob, fluffy mashed potatoes, or even a comforting bowl of white cheddar mac and cheese. They make for a complete and satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or meal prepping for the week ahead.

Why You’ll Love This Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Recipe

This recipe isn’t just easy; it consistently delivers delicious results. Here’s what makes it a standout:

• No Grill Needed: Forget the hassle of firing up the grill! This recipe offers a fantastic alternative to traditional barbecue chicken, making it accessible any time of year, regardless of the weather. Enjoy authentic BBQ flavor without the extra equipment or cleanup.
• Incredibly Juicy and Flavorful: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are naturally forgiving and prone to staying tender and moist. A simple yet powerful dry rub ensures the chicken is seasoned all the way through, creating a foundational layer of bold flavor before the BBQ sauce even comes into play.
• Extra Saucy & Perfectly Caramelized: Each piece of chicken is generously coated and baked, allowing the BBQ sauce to caramelize beautifully in the oven. The thick, sticky glaze is absolutely delicious, and the extra sauce that pools at the bottom of the dish is ideal for spooning over the chicken or your chosen sides, ensuring every bite is rich with flavor.

Simple Ingredients for Maximum Flavor

You’ll love how a few pantry staples can come together to create such a memorable meal. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: Approximately 2 pounds, which usually accounts for about 6 individual thighs. These are fantastic for oven baking because their higher fat content helps them stay incredibly tender and juicy, absorbing all the delicious flavors without drying out.
• Seasoning Blend: This carefully crafted mix is what gives the chicken its amazing depth.
  • Smoked Paprika: The star of the show, providing that quintessential smoky depth without the need for a grill.
  • Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: Essential aromatics that add a rich, savory base to the rub.
  • Chili Powder: Delivers a mild warmth and earthy note, complementing the smoky paprika.
  • Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Fundamental seasonings to enhance all the other flavors.
• BBQ Sauce: Your favorite brand is key here! As mentioned, Sweet Baby Ray’s is a popular choice for its balanced sweet and tangy profile, but don’t hesitate to experiment with a spicy chipotle BBQ, a tangy Carolina gold, or even a homemade sauce for a truly personalized touch.

For precise measurements, refer to the detailed recipe card below.

In a small bowl, thoroughly combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. This creates your flavorful dry rub. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken thigh, gently pressing it in to ensure good coverage. Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs in your prepared baking dish, making sure they are in a single layer and do not overlap. This allows for even cooking and browning.

Place the baking dish with the chicken into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 minutes. This initial baking time allows the chicken to cook partially and the spices to toast, building a delicious base layer of flavor before the sauce is added.

Carefully remove the dish from the oven. Using a basting brush, generously coat both sides of each chicken thigh with your chosen BBQ sauce. This mid-cook application is key to preventing the sauce from burning due to its sugar content. Return the sauced chicken to the oven and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) as measured with a reliable meat thermometer.

Once the chicken has reached the target internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), consider an optional final step for ultimate caramelization. If your baking dish or rimmed baking sheet is broiler-safe (important safety note below!), place the chicken under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes. Keep a very close eye on it, as broiler heat is intense and the sauce can burn quickly. You’re looking for bubbling, slightly charred edges, and a deepened caramel color. Remember, it’s perfectly fine to cook chicken thighs past 165°F; their connective tissues break down further at higher temperatures, often making them even more tender and juicy. Once removed from the oven, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum juiciness.

Optional Finishing Touch: The Broiler for Perfect Caramelization

If you’re aiming for that extra smoky, slightly charred, and deeply caramelized BBQ sauce finish reminiscent of outdoor grilling, the broiler is your best friend. After the chicken has fully cooked (reaching 165°F/74°C), place your broiler-safe baking dish or sheet under the broiler for just 2 to 3 minutes. The intense, direct heat will make the sauce bubble and caramelize beautifully. Crucial Warning: Watch it constantly! Broilers work quickly, and the high sugar content in BBQ sauce can go from perfectly caramelized to burnt in a matter of seconds. Avoid using glass baking dishes under the broiler as they can shatter.

It’s worth noting that chicken thighs are quite forgiving. While 165°F is the safe internal temperature for poultry, chicken thighs actually tend to become even more tender and release their delicious juices at slightly higher temperatures (up to 175°F-180°F). So, don’t worry if they cook a little longer than the minimum. Once out of the oven, allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This brief rest period is essential, as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in exceptionally moist and flavorful thighs.

Essential Equipment for Success

Having the right tools makes all the difference for a smooth cooking experience. For this simple yet satisfying recipe, you’ll need a few key items:

• 9×13-inch Baking Dish or Rimmed Baking Sheet: The primary vessel for baking your chicken. If you plan to utilize the broiler for that delicious caramelized finish, it is crucial to use a broiler-safe option. Remember that nonstick cookware, ceramic cookware, and glass baking dishes are generally *not* safe for direct broiler heat and can shatter or warp. An all-metal rimmed baking sheet (often referred to as a half-sheet pan) is usually your safest bet for broiling.
• Cutting Board and Chef’s Knife: Essential for efficiently trimming any excess fat from your chicken thighs, ensuring a cleaner, more enjoyable eating experience.
• Basting Brush: An indispensable tool for evenly coating your chicken in that glorious BBQ sauce, ensuring every inch is glazed to perfection.
• Meat Thermometer: Your best friend for food safety and preventing dry chicken. This ensures your chicken is cooked to the perfect internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) without guesswork.

The Story Behind This Simple & Delicious Recipe

This recipe began out of a simple desire: to enjoy succulent, barbecue-style chicken without the fuss of firing up an outdoor grill. Whether it was unpredictable weather, a lack of propane, or just the convenience of indoor cooking, I wanted a reliable way to get that beloved smoky, sweet, and tangy chicken. What started as a practical solution quickly evolved into one of my all-time favorite ways to cook chicken thighs in the oven. It’s incredibly easy, creates minimal mess, and tastes like the essence of summer, no matter the season.

Two critical aspects make all the difference in achieving outstanding results with this recipe:

1. Don’t Skip the Broil: This optional but highly recommended step is what truly elevates the dish. The intense heat of the broiler causes the BBQ sauce to bubble, thicken, and caramelize, developing that sticky, slightly charred, and deeply flavorful finish that you’d typically get from a grill. It adds a crucial layer of texture and taste. Just ensure your baking dish is broiler-safe – safety first!
2. Always Use a Meat Thermometer: While chicken thighs are forgiving, a meat thermometer is your absolute guarantee for perfect doneness. It eliminates guesswork, prevents undercooking (for food safety), and helps avoid overcooking, ensuring your chicken remains juicy and tender every single time. Reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is the target, though thighs are delicious even when cooked a little past that point.

Frequently Asked Questions About Oven Baked BBQ Chicken

Here are answers to some common questions you might have when making this delicious oven baked BBQ chicken:

Pin Recipe
Save RecipeSaved!
Email
Print

Oven Baked BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

Important Food Safety Tips

Ensuring your chicken is cooked safely is paramount. Always keep these guidelines in mind when preparing poultry:

• Use a Meat Thermometer: This is your most reliable tool. Always confirm the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reaches a minimum of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.
• Prevent Cross-Contamination: Never reuse utensils, cutting boards, or brushes that have touched raw chicken without thoroughly washing them with hot, soapy water. Keep raw chicken separate from other ingredients.
• Wash Your Hands: Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds after handling raw chicken to prevent the spread of bacteria.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Arrange chicken thighs in a single layer in the baking dish without overlapping. Overcrowding can steam the chicken instead of baking it evenly, leading to an inconsistent texture and potentially longer cooking times.

For more comprehensive food safety guidelines, you can always refer to reputable sources such as USDA.gov.

More Delicious BBQ Favorites & Side Dishes

If you loved these oven baked BBQ boneless chicken thighs, you’re sure to enjoy these other barbecue-inspired recipes and classic pairings: