Description
Oven Baked BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs are juicy, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices. Marinated for enhanced taste, these chicken thighs are baked to tender perfection, then broiled with BBQ sauce to achieve a deliciously caramelized finish. This easy recipe delivers mouthwatering results in under 40 minutes, making it a great weeknight dinner option.
Ingredients
Seasoning Mix
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
Chicken & Marinade
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
Sauce
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Wash the boneless skinless chicken thighs thoroughly and pat them dry using paper towels. Place the dry chicken pieces into a gallon-size zip-lock bag to prepare for marinating.
- Add Seasonings and Oil: Add the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, oregano, thyme, and olive oil directly into the zip-lock bag with the chicken.
- Marinate: Seal the bag securely and gently massage or shake it to coat the chicken evenly with the seasoning and oil. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 1 hour, and up to 24 hours in the refrigerator, to enhance flavor.
- Bake the Chicken: Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Place a wire rack on top of a baking sheet and arrange the marinated chicken thighs on the rack. Bake for about 20 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches between 170°F and 175°F (77°C to 79°C), ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and juicy.
- Brush on BBQ Sauce: Remove the chicken from the oven and generously brush the top of each thigh with the BBQ sauce, coating each piece well.
- Broil to Caramelize: Set the oven to broil and place the baking sheet back in. Broil the chicken for about 5 minutes or until the BBQ sauce caramelizes and develops a sticky, slightly charred finish. Watch closely to avoid burning.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken longer (up to 24 hours) intensifies the flavor and tenderness.
- Using a wire rack during baking allows heat to circulate evenly around the chicken, promoting a moist texture.
- If you don’t have a wire rack, place the chicken directly on a baking sheet but flip halfway through baking for even cooking.
- Watch the chicken carefully during broiling to prevent the BBQ sauce from burning.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure safety and juiciness.