This simple, baked BBQ chicken recipe starts with marinating tender chicken thighs in olive oil, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Then coat them in a sticky blend of ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and chili powder for a sweet and savory exterior that caramelizes beautifully while keeping the meat juicy inside. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipped halfway through, for a golden crust. Enjoy this delicious, healthy BBQ chicken perfect for family dinners or weeknight meals!
“Indulge in a mouthwatering fusion of flavors with our delicious BBQ chicken recipe – perfectly baked succulent chicken thighs drizzled in sweet BBQ sauce. This easy-to-follow guide takes you through every step, from sourcing the best ingredients to ensuring your oven is preheated just right. Learn how to prepare, bake, and rest these savory delights, plus get serving suggestions and optional nutritional info. Elevate your barbecue experience with this baked BBQ chicken recipe!”
- Ingredients and Preparation
- Baking Sweet BBQ Sauce
- Seasoning the Chicken Thighs
- Preheating Oven and Arranging the Bake
- Baking Instructions
- Resting and Serving Suggestions
- Nutritional Information (Optional)
Ingredients and Preparation
For a mouthwatering BBQ chicken recipe, look no further than these succulent baked chicken thighs glistening with sweet BBQ sauce. This easy-to-prepare dish starts with selecting the right ingredients: tender chicken thighs marinated in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper for flavor; followed by coating them in a sticky, mouthwatering blend of ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and a touch of chili powder.
Before baking, the chicken is coated with this BBQ marinade, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. The sweet and savory sauce not only caramelizes on the exterior but also stays juicy inside, making for a truly remarkable culinary experience.
Baking Sweet BBQ Sauce
To create a sweet and savory BBQ sauce for your baked chicken thighs, start by combining 1 cup of ketchup, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon each of salt and pepper in a saucepan. Whisk these ingredients together over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture starts to simmer. Continue cooking for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. This homemade BBQ sauce adds a delicious touch to your chicken thighs, infusing them with a rich, sweet flavor as they bake in the oven.
Once the sauce is ready, brush it evenly over the chicken thighs, making sure every piece is coated. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking. The BBQ sauce will caramelize slightly during baking, creating a glossy, tantalizing finish that coats every bite of tender, juicy chicken.
Seasoning the Chicken Thighs
To prepare the chicken thighs for baking, start by patting them dry with a paper towel. This step is crucial as it ensures even seasoning and browning. Next, create your spice blend by mixing salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and brown sugar. The sweet and savory combination of these spices is what makes this BBQ chicken recipe stand out. Rub the spice mix all over the chicken thighs, ensuring each piece is coated evenly. This simple step enhances the flavor and creates a delicious crust as the chicken bakes in the oven.
For an extra kick, consider adding a splash of your favorite BBQ sauce to the rub or brushing it on during the baking process. The sweet BBQ notes will infuse the chicken with a tantalizing taste, making this baked dish a real crowd-pleaser.
Preheating Oven and Arranging the Bake
Before preparing your mouth-watering BBQ chicken thighs, it’s crucial to set the stage for a successful bake. Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is essential as it ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and reaches the desired internal temperature quickly. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper to make cleanup a breeze, then arrange the marinated chicken thighs in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap. This arrangement allows for even heat circulation, resulting in tender and juicy BBQ chicken.
Baking Instructions
To bake your succulent chicken thighs with sweet BBQ, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, mix together your favorite BBQ sauce and a drizzle of olive oil. Place the chicken thighs in a baking dish, and brush each thigh generously with the BBQ sauce mixture. Ensure every piece is well-coated for optimal flavor infusion during the baking process.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the sauce from burning and allow the chicken to bake for 25 minutes. After this initial phase, carefully remove the foil and baste the thighs with the sauce left in the dish. This step will add a glossy finish and enhance the BBQ flavor. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Resting and Serving Suggestions
After baking your succulent chicken thighs, it’s crucial to allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving. This resting period enables the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each bite is juicy and flavorful. While resting, you can also prepare your favorite sides, such as crispy vegetables, hearty potatoes, or fresh salads.
When ready to serve, slice the BBQ chicken thighs and place them on a platter. Garnish with extra barbecue sauce, chopped green onions, or crumbled cheese for added allure. These delicious baked chicken thighs are perfect for family dinners, gatherings with friends, or even as a quick weeknight meal. Serve them warm and enjoy the delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors from the BBQ glaze.
Nutritional Information (Optional)
This mouthwatering BBQ chicken recipe isn’t just a tasty treat—it’s also packed with essential nutrients. A single serving (approximately 150g) of baked chicken thighs provides a substantial amount of lean protein, crucial for muscle repair and growth. The sweet BBQ sauce adds a touch of carbohydrates and sugar for energy, while also offering antioxidants and potential anti-inflammatory benefits from ingredients like tomatoes and spices.
Additionally, the baking method ensures that these succulents remain moist and tender, contrasting the slightly charred exterior—a deliciously complex texture. This dish is not only satisfying but also offers a balanced meal option, making it a fantastic choice for those looking to enjoy flavorful food while maintaining a healthy diet.