Oven BBQ Chicken Thighs with Peach Preserves Recipe

I absolutely love how the Oven BBQ Chicken Thighs with Peach Preserves Recipe blends smoky, savory, and sweet flavors into one irresistibly juicy bite. This recipe is my go-to when I want something comforting yet a little special — that touch of peach preserves really lifts the BBQ sauce, making it bright and delicious without being overpowering. You’ll find this is the perfect dish for casual family dinners or weekend gatherings where everyone wants something satisfying without a ton of fuss.

When I first tried this recipe, I was surprised by how easy it was to get tender chicken with a beautifully caramelized glaze using just the oven. No grilling required. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just looking for a failproof way to make BBQ chicken indoors, this Oven BBQ Chicken Thighs with Peach Preserves Recipe is definitely worth trying — it’s juicy, flavorful, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays its part to make this Oven BBQ Chicken Thighs with Peach Preserves Recipe sing, from the savory garlic to the rich BBQ sauce and that delightful touch of peach preserves. When you shop, try to pick a high-quality BBQ sauce you really enjoy since it’s the star of the glaze.

• BBQ sauce: Choose your favorite store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce; it sets the base for your glaze flavor.
• Peach preserves: Look for chunky or smooth preserves with real fruit pieces for that natural sweetness and texture.
• Garlic: Freshly grated garlic adds a subtle, aromatic punch that complements the sweetness.
• Hot sauce (optional): Adds just a little heat, balancing the sweetness if you’re into a bit of spice.
• Olive oil: Used to prevent sticking and help crisp the chicken skin beautifully.
• Chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on): The most flavorful, juicy cut for baking and soaking up sauce.
• Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out natural flavors.
• Ground black pepper: Adds gentle heat and enhances the overall taste.

Variations

I like to tweak this Oven BBQ Chicken Thighs with Peach Preserves Recipe here and there depending on what I have on hand or who I’m cooking for. Feel free to switch up the hot sauce to tailor the heat or even swap peach preserves for apricot or mango for a different fruity twist.

• Spicy Variation: I discovered adding a few dashes of cayenne pepper or chipotle hot sauce really punches up the flavor without overpowering the peaches.
• Gluten-Free Option: Simply check your BBQ sauce label—it can be tricky—and use one that’s certified gluten free for safe eating.
• Grill Instead of Oven: When the weather’s nice, I sometimes finish these on the grill for a smoky char, but be sure to watch carefully to prevent burning the sugar in the preserves.
• Skinless Variation: If you prefer skinless thighs, you can still make this recipe, though the skin crisps add extra flavor and texture I adore.

How to Make Oven BBQ Chicken Thighs with Peach Preserves Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Peach BBQ Glaze

Start by combining your BBQ sauce, peach preserves, grated garlic, and optional hot sauce in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently as the preserves melt and the sauce warms, about 5 to 10 minutes. This step helps all those flavors marry nicely—don’t skip heating it because it activates the sweetness and softens the garlic bite.

Step 2: Prep the Chicken and Oven

While your glaze simmers, preheat your oven to 400°F. Line two rimmed baking sheets with foil and drizzle olive oil on them to keep the chicken from sticking. Place your chicken thighs skin-side down on the sheets in a single layer and season evenly with kosher salt and pepper. This skin-side down start is a little trick I use because it helps render the fat and crisps the skin beautifully once flipped.

Step 3: Roast and Glaze in Layers

Roast the chicken for 25 minutes before taking it out to brush each thigh generously with that peach BBQ glaze. Then, with care not to tear the skin, flip the thighs over using a spatula. Brush the tops with more glaze and pop them back in the oven for 7 minutes. Repeat that saucing and roasting cycle two more times, gradually increasing oven temperature to 425°F at the end to caramelize the glaze until it’s bubbly and slightly charred at the edges. You’ll see the difference in texture and flavor—the glaze really intensifies as it cooks.

Step 4: Rest Before Serving

Once the chicken is cooked through and beautifully glazed, remove from the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes. This little pause allows the juices to redistribute so your chicken stays moist and juicy when you slice into it. Trust me, this step makes a huge difference!

How to Serve Oven BBQ Chicken Thighs with Peach Preserves Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling fresh chopped parsley or cilantro over the chicken just before serving. It adds a burst of color and a fresh herb aroma that brightens every bite. Sometimes, I also include thinly sliced green onions to add a subtle crunch and mild onion flavor that pairs beautifully with the peachy glaze.

Side Dishes

Some of my favorite sides to pair here are creamy mashed potatoes, roasted sweet corn, or a crisp coleslaw to balance the richness. You can also serve this with simple steamed green beans or a summery cucumber salad for lightness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve the chicken thighs over a bed of fluffy coconut rice and garnish with toasted pecans—this adds a bit of crunch and a slightly nutty flavor that goes wonderfully with the peach BBQ sauce. Another idea is layering the chicken over grilled polenta rounds to impress guests while keeping things cozy and casual.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the meal, I let any leftover chicken cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for 3 to 4 days, and I find that the flavors sometimes deepen overnight, making leftovers even tastier.

Freezing

I have frozen cooked chicken thighs from this recipe a couple of times by wrapping them tightly in foil and placing them in a freezer bag. For best quality, I recommend using frozen chicken within 2 months. When thawing, I do it overnight in the fridge to keep the meat tender.

Reheating

To reheat, I place the chicken thighs on a foil-lined baking sheet and warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes or until heated through. This method helps keep the skin from getting too soggy, unlike microwaves, which I avoid for reheating to preserve texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Oven BBQ Chicken Thighs with Peach Preserves Recipe has become such a favorite in my home because it’s hearty, easy, and packs layers of flavor that feel special but not complicated. I love sharing it with friends who tell me how much they appreciate a recipe that’s straightforward yet impressive. Give it a try—you’ll enjoy the sweet-savory balance and juicy chicken as much as I do, I promise!

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