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Pioneer Woman BBQ Chicken Thighs

Pioneer Woman BBQ Chicken Thighs

This recipe features bone-in or boneless chicken thighs seasoned simply, baked until juicy, then brushed generously with barbecue sauce. As they cook, the sauce thickens and caramelizes, creating a glossy, finger-licking finish. The result is tender meat with a rich BBQ flavor that pairs well with classic sides.

Ingredients

Scale

  • pounds chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on or boneless)

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

  • ½ teaspoon onion powder

  • 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite style)

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Set your oven to 400°F (205°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line a sheet pan with foil for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Season the chicken

Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Rub them with olive oil, then season evenly with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Step 3: Arrange in the baking dish

Place the thighs skin-side up in the prepared baking dish, leaving a little space between each piece so they roast evenly.

Step 4: Bake the chicken

Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and the skin to begin crisping.

Step 5: Add the BBQ sauce

Remove the dish from the oven and brush a generous layer of barbecue sauce over each thigh.

Step 6: Return to oven

Place the chicken back in the oven and bake for another 15–20 minutes, until the sauce thickens and caramelizes and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 7: Rest and serve

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps keep the meat juicy and flavorful.