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Savory Chicken Thigh BBQ Recipe That Beats Chicken Breast Every Time

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This savory chicken thigh BBQ recipe delivers juicy, tender meat with crispy skin and a flavorful BBQ glaze. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, it outperforms chicken breast every time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 1½ teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (mid-sweet with a little tang)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Prepare a rimmed baking sheet with a wire rack on top.
  2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
  4. Toss the chicken thighs in the spice mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
  5. Place the chicken thighs skin-side up on the wire rack, spacing them apart to allow air circulation.
  6. Bake for 25 minutes until the skin starts to crisp and the meat is nearly cooked.
  7. Remove the chicken from the oven and brush generously with BBQ sauce mixed with apple cider vinegar if using.
  8. Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes to caramelize the sauce.
  9. Check for doneness; internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) or juices run clear.
  10. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before seasoning for crispy skin. Use bone-in, skin-on thighs for best moisture and flavor. Apply BBQ sauce near the end to prevent burning. Let chicken rest before serving. For extra crispiness, broil 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully. Remove chicken from fridge 20 minutes before cooking for even cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken thighs, BBQ chicken, savory chicken, crispy skin, easy dinner, bone-in chicken, oven baked chicken, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://merrymorsel.com/savory-chicken-thigh-bbq-recipe-that-beats-chicken-breast-every-time/