Baked Barbecue Boneless Chicken Thighs

Juicy boneless chicken thighs smothered in a scrumptious sauce that hits all the right notes, these Baked Barbecue Boneless Chicken Thighs are ready to enjoy in about 30 minutes.

Crowd Favorite

Tender, juicy chicken thighs smothered in a tangy BBQ sauce baked to perfection. Is your mouth watering yet? These Baked Barbecue Boneless Chicken Thighs are so easy to make and so flavorful. The simple, all-purpose barbecue sauce is as straight forward as it is delicious. You’re sure to be coming back for more.

What’s for Dinner?

I love cooking with chicken thighs because there’s so much moisture and flavor there. They do a great job of holding onto the elements of the barbecue sauce. They bake up tender and delicious every time.

So easy and always such a hit with my family. You can serve ’em up Sunday supper style with some creamy mashed potatoes, roasted carrots and a green salad, or keep it casual with a broccoli salad and baked sweet potato fries.

Ingredients and Supplies

(see recipe card at the bottom of this post for measurements and details)

Ingredients:

• Ketchup: I use a high-quality ketchup for the best base flavor.
• Dark brown sugar: Dark brown sugar has more molasses and a richer flavor, but light brown sugar will do in a pinch.
• Orange juice: Fresh-squeezed orange juice brightens the sauce and balances the sweetness with acidity. Bottled juice works in a pinch but aim for pulp-free.
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds depth of flavor. A little goes a long way, so don’t overdo it.
• Liquid smoke: A must for barbecue sauce! Liquid smoke is made by condensing smoke into liquid form, capturing the flavor of a wood burning fire. Hickory and mesquite are common varieties so choose based on your flavor preference.
• Kosher salt: Salt balances the sweetness of the brown sugar and enhances the overall flavor. Table salt will pack a saltier punch than Kosher salt so if you only have table salt, use less.
• Fresh ground black pepper: Freshly ground pepper gives a more aromatic kick than pre-ground. You can increase it for more bite, if desired.
• Onion powder: Provides a subtle onion flavor. Make sure it’s fresh (older powders lose potency and flavor).
• Garlic powder: Adds mellow garlic flavor without the sharpness of fresh garlic.
• Cayenne powder: Brings the heat. Adjust the cayenne powder up or down depending on your spice tolerance. A pinch makes it mild; more makes it fiery.
• Boneless skinless chicken thighs: We love chicken thighs because they offer a great balance of flavor, moisture, and texture. They’re also more forgiving than chicken breasts and stay tender even if cooked a little longer.

Supplies:

• Rimmed sheet pan
• Aluminum foil
• Nonstick cooking spray
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk

How to Make Baked Barbecue Boneless Chicken Thighs

• Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a rimmed sheet pan with foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
• In a large bowl, whisk together all of the ingredients except for the chicken thighs.
• Reserve 1/4 cup of the barbecue sauce to baste the chicken with as it bakes.
• Add the chicken thighs to the remaining sauce in the bowl, turning to coat each thigh well in the sauce.

• Arrange the coated chicken in a single layer on the prepared sheet pan. If there is any residual sauce in the bowl, brush it on top of the thighs.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken thighs are cooked through, juices run clear, and a meat thermometer inserted into the middle of the largest thigh reads 165°F, basting with the reserved sauce after 15 minutes.
• Serve and enjoy!

Storage

Allow to cool completely and then store barbecue chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

To reheat leftover chicken thighs, cover with foil and bake in a 325°F for 20 minutes or until warmed through again. Or heat in the microwave in 30 second intervals, until heated through.

If you make my Baked Barbecue Boneless Chicken Thighs, be sure to snap a picture and share it with me on Instagram @thebakermama so I can see. If you’re on Facebook, be sure to join my Friends of The BakerMama group to connect and share all the fun and yummy recipes of mine that you make! 😍 I just love seeing how inspired and creative y’all get with the ideas I share. Enjoy!

xoxo,

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