These easy Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs are marinated in a homemade spice rub and coated in sweet and tangy barbecue sauce. They’re juicy, tender, and have that perfect caramelized texture without having to use a grill!

Why You’ll Love This Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe

Easy to make – these chicken thighs couldn’t be easier to make. All you have to do is season them with the spice rub and let them marinate. Then, the oven does all of the work!
Perfect for feeding a crowd – one batch makes 8 servings and can easily be doubled, meaning these recipe is great for both a quick weeknight meal or a larger gathering.
Great for meal prep – I love this recipe because the leftovers store really well and pair amazingly with a wide variety of sides.

Recipe Ingredients

Chicken thighs: you’ll need two pounds of boneless skinless chicken thighs for this recipe. If you prefer you can use chicken breast but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time so that they stay juicy and don’t dry out.

Brown sugar: this helps sweeten the spice rub for that classic sweet BBQ flavor.

Seasonings: onion powder, garlic powder, dry mustard, salt, pepper, oregano, and paprika create a savory spice rub for super flavorful chicken.

Barbecue sauce: any barbecue sauce you like best will work for this recipe. You could go with one on the sweeter side or choose one that’s a bit more smoky

Kitchen Essentials

How to Make BBQ Chicken Thighs in the Oven

Step One: Add the chicken thighs, brown sugar, and spices to a large mixing bowl. Toss to combine and coat the chicken. Then, let it marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours or up to overnight.

Step Two: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees, and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.

Step Three: Next, pour ⅓ cup of barbecue sauce over the chicken, and toss until well combined.

Step Four: Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes. Then, flip the chicken, and brush the thighs with barbecue sauce. Continue to bake for another 10 to 12 minutes.

Step Five: Flip the chicken again, and brush the remaining barbecue sauce on top. Next, turn the oven to broil. Broil the chicken for 4 to 6 minutes or until the sauce is sizzling, the edges are crispy, and the chicken is cooked through.

Step Six: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes. Then, pair it with your favorite side, and enjoy!

Can I Grill This Recipe Instead?

Sure! Marinate the chicken as usual. Then, heat the grill to 400-450 degrees, and grill the chicken for about four minutes on each side or until the thighs cook through. Baste the barbecue sauce on top as they cook, and be sure to save some extra sauce for serving!

Serving Suggestions

I like to serve my baked BBQ chicken thighs with a side of coleslaw and corn. However, they pair well with a variety of sides. Some other great pairing options include:

chicken thighs in bowl with corn and coleslaw

How to Store and Reheat

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.

Reheat the chicken in the microwave, skillet, or air fryer until heated through.

More Delicious Chicken Recipes

I hope you give these Easy Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs a try! They’re a delicious protein source that can feed a crowd. If you do give this recipe a try, let me know! Leave a comment with a star rating below. You can also snap a photo & tag @allthehealthythings on INSTAGRAM. Your reviews and ratings help support All the Healthy Things and make it possible for me to continue to create the recipes you trust and love.