Sticky Oven-Roasted BBQ Chicken Thighs

2 2 minutes read

This irresistibly sticky, oven-roasted BBQ chicken is bursting with smoky flavor and mouthwatering tenderness. Made with juicy bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and coated in a bold, customizable homemade barbecue sauce, it’s a simple yet satisfying dinner that’s as easy to clean up as it is to make.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

This baked BBQ chicken pairs beautifully with wholesome sides like roasted garlic carrots, crispy asparagus, or a tangy dill pickle pasta salad. The chicken stays ultra-juicy in the oven, while the sweet-and-savory BBQ glaze caramelizes to perfection. Customize the sauce to suit your taste, from sweet and mild to spicy and bold!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt

For the Homemade BBQ Sauce:

½ cup ketchup
2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
2 fresh garlic cloves, grated or finely minced
2 tablespoons grated red onion
½ teaspoon ground ginger
A dash of hot sauce (adjust to taste)

Instructions

Step 1: Season the Chicken
In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and salt. Mix well. Arrange the chicken thighs in a 9×13-inch baking dish and rub them thoroughly with the seasoning blend.

Step 2: Bake the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the seasoned chicken for 20 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the BBQ Sauce
While the chicken is baking, stir together the ketchup, soy sauce, honey, grated garlic, onion, ginger, and hot sauce in a separate bowl until well blended.

Step 4: Glaze and Roast Again
After 20 minutes, brush half the BBQ sauce over the chicken. Return it to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes. Then, coat with the remaining sauce and bake for an additional 15 minutes (a total of 50 minutes).

Step 5: Rest and Serve
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Spoon any remaining sauce from the dish over the top for extra flavor.

Helpful Tips

Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for doneness.
Drizzle the extra sauce from the baking pan over the finished chicken—it’s full of flavor!
Substitute with chicken breasts, drumsticks, or quarters, adjusting the bake time as needed.
If using boneless thighs, reduce cooking time slightly.
Grating your garlic and onion ensures a smooth, even sauce texture.