BBQ Chicken Thighs | Sticky Oven-Baked Summer Chicken Dinner

The smell of BBQ wafting through the summer air evokes memories of family gatherings and outdoor feasts. This recipe for BBQ Chicken Thighs | Sticky Oven-Baked Summer Chicken Dinner takes just a few hours to prepare, yet it delivers a mouthwatering result that’s sure to impress your guests. The blend of spices and homemade BBQ sauce creates a flavorful experience that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to elevate their summer cookout or weeknight dinner. Ideal for grilling enthusiasts and busy families alike, you can prepare the chicken thighs ahead of time and marinate them overnight for even more flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Juicy, tender chicken thighs are packed with flavor.
• The marinade caramelizes beautifully during grilling for a sticky finish.
• Quick prep time makes it easy for any weeknight meal.
• Versatile enough to serve for casual barbecues or festive gatherings.

What You’ll Need

Gather the following ingredients for your BBQ chicken dinner.

For the Marinade

• 2.5 lbs chicken thighs, boneless skinless
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp chili powder
• 3 tbsp avocado oil

For the BBQ Sauce

• 1 cup homemade southern BBQ sauce

Use chicken thighs for juiciness; avocado oil is ideal for grilling.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Use skin-on thighs for extra crispiness.
• Maple syrup works instead of brown sugar.
• Olive oil can replace avocado oil.
• Any BBQ sauce can substitute for homemade sauce.

How to Make It

Start by marinating the chicken to enhance its flavor.

1. Marinate the chicken.
Place chicken thighs in a large bowl and sprinkle with brown sugar, kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, and avocado oil. Mix well and marinate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

2. Prepare for grilling.
Take the chicken out of the fridge 30 minutes before grilling to allow it to reach room temperature. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.

3. Grill the chicken.
Add the chicken thighs to the grill, reduce to medium heat, and close the lid. Cook for a few minutes on each side until charred with grill marks.

4. Baste and finish cooking.
Once almost cooked through, baste both sides of the chicken with BBQ sauce and move to indirect heat to allow the BBQ sauce to absorb and finish cooking.

5. Check for doneness.
When the internal temperature reaches 175-190°F for dark meat (or 165°F for white meat), remove the chicken from the grill and serve with additional BBQ sauce.

How to Store It

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Yes, for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Microwave or grill for about 10 minutes until heated through.

Tips for Best Results

• Allow the chicken to marinate overnight for maximum flavor.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness without drying out.
• Keep the grill lid closed as much as possible for even cooking.
• Adjust the heat if the sauce begins to burn on the grill.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with coleslaw for a crunchy side.
• Serve alongside grilled vegetables for a wholesome meal.
• Accompany with cornbread for a classic BBQ experience.