Prepare the Chicken Thighs: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season them generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
Make the BBQ Sauce Mixture: In a small bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, onion powder, and chili powder until well combined.
Coat the Chicken: Brush both sides of the chicken thighs with the BBQ sauce mixture, reserving some sauce for later use.
Sear the Chicken: Heat a large oven-safe skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Flip the thighs and sear for an additional 3-4 minutes on the other side.
Add Remaining Sauce and Bake: Pour the remaining BBQ sauce mixture over the chicken thighs in the skillet. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
ADVERTISEMENT