Keto Oven BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs
Juicy boneless chicken thighs marinated in a simple blend of olive oil, hot sauce, and seasonings, then baked and finished under the broiler for a caramelized BBQ glaze. This straightforward recipe delivers tender, flavorful chicken with minimal prep work. The two-stage cooking process ensures the meat stays moist while developing a beautiful golden-brown exterior. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining when you want BBQ flavors without firing up the grill.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoons hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup bbq sauce, divided
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking pan with parchment paper
- 2
Combine chicken thighs, olive oil, hot sauce, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl
- 3
Blend with clean hands until chicken is well coated
- 4
Let marinate while oven preheats or at least 15-30 minutes
- 5
Add 1/2 cup BBQ sauce to marinated chicken and coat with clean hands
- 6
Place chicken thighs on prepared baking pan
- 7
Bake for 20-25 minutes
- 8
Remove from oven and turn oven to broil
- 9
Brush chicken with remaining 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 10
Broil for 4-6 minutes until BBQ sauce turns golden brown
Tips
Let chicken rest for 5 minutes after broiling to allow juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness
Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety
Pat chicken thighs dry before marinating for better sauce adhesion and browning
Good to Know
Refrigerate cooked chicken up to 3 days in airtight container
Marinate chicken up to 24 hours ahead for deeper flavor
Serve immediately while hot for best texture and flavor
Common Mistakes
Don't skip marinating time to avoid bland chicken
Use clean hands when handling raw chicken to prevent cross-contamination
Don't overbake to avoid dry meat
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I use bone-in chicken thighs instead?
Yes, but increase cooking time to 35-40 minutes and check that internal temperature reaches 165°F near the bone.
What if I don't have a broiler?
Increase oven temperature to 450°F for the final 5-7 minutes to caramelize the sauce, though results won't be as crispy.
How long will leftovers keep?
Properly stored cooked chicken thighs will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.