If you're looking for a quick yet restaurant-quality dinner, oven-baked BBQ chicken thighs are the perfect choice. With this recipe, the chicken stays tender and juicy on the inside while developing a delicious caramelized crust on the outside.
Below is a simple step-by-step guide to making flavorful BBQ chicken thighs at home.
700–800 g fresh chicken thighs
4 tbsp BBQ sauce
2 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp sweet paprika
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp salt
1 tsp dried thyme (optional, for extra flavor)
Rinse the chicken thighs thoroughly. Pat them completely dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, allowing the marinade to adhere better.
In a large bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, paprika, and thyme. Mix well until smooth and evenly combined.
Coat each chicken thigh evenly with the marinade. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature. For a richer flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate for 2–3 hours if time allows.
Arrange the marinated chicken thighs side by side in a baking dish or on a baking tray. Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (390°F) for 40–45 minutes.
During the last 10 minutes of baking, remove the chicken from the oven and brush a thin layer of additional BBQ sauce over each piece. Return the chicken to the oven. This allows the sugars in the sauce to caramelize, creating a glossy, flavorful, and slightly crispy coating.
Once fully cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps keep the meat juicy and evenly flavorful.
Serve with your favorite side dishes such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad.
Enjoy your meal!