Nothing quite beats the aroma of juicy chicken thighs baking in the oven, especially when they’re slathered in a homemade barbecue sauce that’s both sweet and smoky. This recipe pays homage to family meals while ensuring that you can create this crowd-pleaser without the hassle of outdoor grilling. Perfectly tender, the chicken thighs soak up the flavors from the easy BBQ chicken marinade, delivering a comforting dish that’s perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Scale:
4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 to 2 pounds)
1/2 cup homemade barbecue sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1 cup ketchup
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Make the homemade barbecue sauce: In a small saucepan, combine ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
Prepare the marinade: In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Add 1/2 cup of the homemade barbecue sauce to the marinade mixture, combining thoroughly.
Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large zip-top bag or a mixing bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
Prepare for baking: Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top.
Arrange the chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it skin-side up on the wire rack. Brush generously with some of the reserved homemade barbecue sauce.
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Brush on more barbecue sauce halfway through.
Let it rest: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes.
Serve: Enjoy your juicy oven-baked BBQ chicken thighs with extra barbecue sauce on the side.
