Ah, the allure of BBQ chicken thighs—there’s something inexplicably comforting about them, isn’t there? I remember a summer evening, the air thick with the scent of smoky barbecue, and laughter echoing around the backyard. These juicy oven-baked delights, with their slightly charred edges and mouthwatering tang, capture that feeling perfectly.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 400? and prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with nonstick foil or parchment paper and spraying it with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a small bowl, mix together paprika, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then thoroughly rub the seasoning mixture over the chicken, including under the skin.
- Arrange the chicken thighs skin side up on the prepared baking sheet. Pour about ¾ cup of your favorite BBQ sauce into a small bowl, then lightly brush the chicken on both sides with the sauce, ending with the skin side up.
- Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and use a clean brush to apply more of the reserved BBQ sauce. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, ensuring the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165?.
- Switch the oven to broil and broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes until the sauce caramelizes. Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving with extra BBQ sauce if desired.
Ingredients
- 8 chicken thighs (approximately 3 pounds), skin-on, bone-in
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 cup barbecue sauce (your preferred brand or 2 cups homemade, plus extra for serving)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 2688kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 200g | Fat: 200g | Saturated Fat: 56g | Cholesterol: 1184mg | Sodium: 7152mg | Potassium: 2664mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 3568IU | Calcium: 96mg | Iron: 8mg
FAQ
- When should I apply barbecue sauce to the chicken?
- It’s best to apply a light coating of barbecue sauce before baking to infuse flavor, then add a thicker layer during the final stages or when using the broiler to caramelize the sauce.
- Is it necessary to flip the chicken while baking?
- No, flipping is not required. Keeping the skin side up during baking ensures the skin becomes crispy.
- What type of chicken is ideal for BBQ baked chicken?
- Bone-in chicken thighs are the best choice for juicy baked BBQ chicken due to their flavor and moisture retention. Boneless thighs are also tender but may not be as juicy.
- What is the safe internal temperature for cooked chicken?
- Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165?. Using a meat thermometer is recommended to ensure proper cooking.
- How should leftovers be stored?
- Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days or frozen in a freezer bag for up to 6 months.
Tips
- Preheat for Success: Always preheat your oven to 400? to ensure that your chicken cooks evenly and achieves the perfect balance of crispy skin and juicy interior.
- Season Thoroughly: Apply the seasoning rub all over the chicken, including under the skin, to maximize flavor. This simple blend of paprika, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper enhances the taste significantly.
- Broil for Extra Crispiness: If you want the chicken skin to be extra crispy, switch to the broiler for the last few minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on it to prevent the BBQ sauce from burning.
- Food Safety Tip: Use a clean brush each time you baste the chicken with BBQ sauce to avoid contamination. This ensures food safety and maintains the integrity of the sauce.
Equipment
- Meat Thermometer – for ensuring the chicken reaches the proper internal temperature of 165?.
- Nonstick Foil – for lining the baking sheet.
- Rimmed Baking Sheet – to bake the chicken thighs.
- Basting Brush – for applying barbecue sauce to the chicken.
