How to Barbecue Chicken Thighs in the Oven

Barbecue chicken thighs are a versatile and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed year-round, even if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill. At Central City BBQ, we pride ourselves on delivering delicious barbecue in New Orleans, and today we’re sharing our tried-and-true method for making BBQ chicken thighs in the oven. This technique ensures tender, juicy meat with that irresistible smoky flavor we all crave. Here’s how to do it.

Preparing the Chicken Thighs

To start, you’ll need to gather your ingredients. You’ll need chicken thighs, your favorite BBQ sauce, olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. At Central City BBQ, we recommend using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for the best flavor and texture.

Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is perfect for roasting the chicken, ensuring a crispy exterior and juicy interior.
Season the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. These spices will create a flavorful base layer that complements the BBQ sauce.
Arrange on a Baking Sheet: Lay the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side up on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Make sure the thighs are spaced out to ensure even cooking.

Baking the Chicken

The secret to perfectly baked BBQ chicken thighs is a two-step cooking process: roasting and broiling.

Roast the Chicken: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes. This initial roasting phase cooks the chicken through and begins to render the fat, creating a crispy skin.
Apply the BBQ Sauce: Remove the chicken from the oven and generously brush each thigh with your favorite BBQ sauce. At Central City BBQ, our signature sauce has a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors that epitomizes BBQ in New Orleans.
Broil for Extra Flavor: Switch your oven to broil mode. Place the chicken back in the oven, on the top rack, and broil for 5-7 minutes. This step caramelizes the BBQ sauce, creating a delicious sticky glaze. Keep a close eye on the chicken to prevent the sauce from burning.

Final Touches and Serving

Once the chicken is beautifully caramelized and cooked through, it’s time to let it rest and prepare for serving.

Rest the Chicken: Allow the chicken thighs to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This rest period helps the juices redistribute, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful.
Garnish and Serve: For a touch of freshness, sprinkle some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro over the chicken. Serve the BBQ chicken thighs with classic sides such as coleslaw, cornbread, or a fresh green salad.

The Perfect Indoor BBQ Experience

Even without a grill, you can achieve mouthwatering BBQ chicken thighs in your oven that rival any outdoor cookout. This method ensures that the chicken is tender, juicy, and packed with the bold flavors of BBQ in New Orleans.

At Central City BBQ, we love sharing our passion for great food and helping you bring the taste of our restaurant into your home. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, our BBQ in New Orleans offers an unforgettable dining experience. From our award-winning smoked meats to our friendly atmosphere, Central City BBQ is your go-to spot for authentic BBQ in New Orleans.

Next time you’re craving BBQ but don’t feel like firing up the grill, remember this simple oven-baked chicken thigh recipe. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the rich, smoky flavors of BBQ in the comfort of your kitchen. Happy cooking!