Baked BBQ Chicken with Sweet and Sticky Glaze
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Baked BBQ Chicken is the best way to enjoy BBQ chicken all year round. I use only two ingredients and have perfected our baking method so the chicken turns out juicy, with the best sweet, sticky glaze every time!
This is a recipe I make at least once a month, so I’ve had plenty of time to get it just right. Over the years, I’ve tried several cooking methods, but this one consistently delivers the best results.
Here’s why you’ll fall in love with baked BBQ chicken: it gets coated in a thick, sticky glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven, while the chicken underneath stays tender and juicy. The recipe is almost hands-off—pop it in the oven, flip it once, then finish with a quick broil. You can use my favorite homemade BBQ sauce or whatever bottle you already have in the fridge. Either way, it’s sweet, saucy, and downright delicious.
Ingredients to gather
One of the things I love most about this recipe is the SUPER short ingredient list. It’s the recipe that I reach for when I don’t feel like cooking.
- Chicken Thighs: To make this recipe, you’ll need bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. If you don’t like the skin, rub some BBQ sauce underneath it to flavor the meat, but keep it on for baking. The skin will help protect the meat and keep it nice and juicy.
- BBQ Sauce: The bottle you have in your fridge will do just fine! For a flavor that is a bit unique, you can try my bourbon BBQ sauce.
What cut of chicken is best for this recipe?
Chicken thighs! Specifically, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs will yield tender, juicy chicken with a deliciously sticky glaze. Drumsticks work well, too.
Boneless chicken thighs cook very quickly, so if you use them, the BBQ sauce won’t have a chance to caramelize fully. They’ll be good, but not as good. Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are best!
If your family enjoys chicken breasts, I recommend my baked BBQ chicken breast recipe.
What to serve with oven baked BBQ chicken
Simple sides are best with BBQ chicken as this recipe will be the star of the show. Here are a few of our favorites:
Veggie sides:
How to store BBQ baked chicken
Leftover chicken can be stored in a sealed container in your fridge for 3-4 days. I enjoy it sliced and served cold over a salad for lunch. Or warm it up on the stovetop or in the microwave with a little extra BBQ sauce.
Baked BBQ Chicken with Sweet and Sticky Glaze
Ingredients
- 8 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
- ¾ cup BBQ sauce (divided (see notes))
Instructions
- Place the chicken in a bowl and pour ½ cup of the BBQ sauce over top. Mix to combine then set aside while your oven heats. Or leave it to marinate in the fridge for up to 4 hours.8 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees. For easy cleanup, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the chicken on the baking sheet skin side down. (Reserve any extra BBQ sauce left in the bowl.) Bake the chicken for 25 minutes.
- Flip the chicken over and baste the top with the BBQ sauce that was in the marinating bowl. Return to the oven and bake for another 25 minutes.
- Turn your oven to broil. Baste the top of the chicken with the remaining ¼ cup of BBQ sauce and broil for 3-5 minutes until the top is dark and caramelized. Keep a close eye on it and remove the chicken sooner if it starts to get too dark.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here.
Great recipe. Done it a couple times. I used a rack with my foil lined baking pan. Easy clean up. It’s a keeper.
Question: What is the timeline for chicken legs?
Legs take the same amount of time to cook as bone-in chicken thighs!
It seems to be burnt with that timing of 25 mins per side. Will be trying with less time. But have made a few times and really enjoy
Baked this early before the day gets hotter. The house smelled really good and the chicken came out perfect. Only one skin stuck to the foil but nothing serious. I’m keeping this recipe. I just had breakfast but the chicken smells so good I think I’ll have a piece. Thanks you.
Thank you so much! This was almost too good 😊
Very good! I did take the skin off my chicken. I didn’t marinate, but put sauce down on the foil first. Also seasoned with dry bbq, garlic and Adobe. Great flavor and tender!
I was surprised reading some of the negative reviews on this chicken. I have been cooking for many years and I always appreciate a recipe that’s easy and tasty. This is a basic BBQ chicken recipe and it was delicious. I did use bone-in, skin- on thighs, as recommended, but I also made boneless breasts, because that’s what I like. They were fine, not dried out at all. Will definitely make this again.
After the first 25 minutes, when I went to flip the chicken, the skin side was burnt black from the sugar in the sauce.. I had to scrape it all off before basting again. Next time, I might try browning the skin side with NO sauce, then only adding some after I flip.
I didn’t see what temp to set the oven. That might be good to know.
Hi Tonya, it’s instruction number 2, 425 degrees.
What temp?
425 Fahrenheit!
I’d love to make this for our 4th of July party–if I make it ahead of time (say, before the party starts), and keep the chicken on warm in the oven, will it dry out too much? Other suggestions?
Bone in thighs are a great choice for making ahead of time as they don’t dry out as quickly as chicken breasts. I would turn the oven temp down low and cover them once they’re cooked. For safety, make sure the chicken thighs are kept warm at 140 degrees Fahrenheit or higher (after they’re cooked to 165 degrees.)
Very Yummy! Looks beautiful just like picture. Can’t get any easier prep wise. A Keeper Recipe.
My favorite recipe. This is my go to every time. My whole family loves it. It always turns out awesome.
This BBQ is the Best Ever!!!!,
Thank you very much 🥰💗. Vickey
….
So we don’t have to add any seasoning. Just the BBQ sauce.
That’s right!
Hi, I couldn’t find skin-on thighs in the grocery store, believe it or not! Can i use skinless, bone-in thighs instead? Thanks!
Oh yes! You can definitely use skinless!