Baked Barbecue Chicken Thighs Recipe

Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion? Look no further than these Baked Barbecue Chicken Thighs! With a flavorful and tangy barbecue sauce coating tender chicken thighs, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

  1. Great flavors: The combination of ketchup, brown sugar, and spices in the barbecue sauce creates a mouthwatering taste experience.
  2. Quick prep time: With just a few simple steps, you can have this dish ready for the oven in no time.
  3. Perfect for meal prep: These Baked Barbecue Chicken Thighs are great for meal prepping ahead of time and enjoying throughout the week.

Ingredient Notes:

  • Ketchup: Adds a tangy sweetness to the barbecue sauce.
  • Brown sugar: Provides a rich and caramelized flavor.
  • Orange juice: Adds a hint of citrus brightness to the sauce.
  • Worcestershire sauce: Enhances the savory umami flavors.
  • Liquid smoke: Infuses a smoky depth to the barbecue sauce.
  • Kosher salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne powder: Season the sauce for a well-rounded taste.
  • Boneless skinless chicken thighs: The perfect cut of chicken for absorbing the flavors of the barbecue sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to °F (°C) and prepare a rimmed sheet pan with aluminum foil and cooking spray.
  2. Whisk together the barbecue sauce ingredients in a bowl, reserving some for basting.
  3. Coat the chicken thighs in the sauce and place them on the sheet pan.
  4. Bake for -minutes, basting halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through.

Helpful Tips:

  • For extra flavor, marinate the chicken thighs in the barbecue sauce for a few hours before baking.
  • Serve with a side of coleslaw or cornbread for a complete meal.
  • Swap out the chicken thighs for bone-in thighs or drumsticks for a different twist on the recipe.

Expert Tips for the Best Results:

  1. For a crispier finish, broil the chicken thighs for a few minutes at the end of cooking.
  2. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of °F (°C) for safe consumption.

Serving Suggestions:

Pair these Baked Barbecue Chicken Thighs with a side of creamy mashed potatoes and a refreshing cucumber salad for a well-rounded meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips:

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. Can I use bone-in chicken thighs for this recipe?
    Yes, you can easily swap bone-in chicken thighs for a different texture and flavor.
  2. How spicy is this dish with the cayenne powder?
    The cayenne powder adds a subtle kick, but you can adjust the amount to suit your heat preference.
  3. Can I freeze the baked chicken thighs?
    While the texture may change slightly, you can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months.
  4. What can I use as a substitute for liquid smoke?
    Smoked paprika or chipotle powder can provide a similar smoky flavor in place of liquid smoke.

Conclusion:

These Baked Barbecue Chicken Thighs are a must-try recipe that’s sure to impress your family and friends. With a simple preparation and mouthwatering flavors, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Give it a try and enjoy the deliciousness!

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Baked Barbecue Chicken Thighs Recipe

Baked Barbecue Chicken Thighs Recipe

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  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Main-course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These Baked Barbecue Chicken Thighs are juicy, tender, and packed with flavor from a homemade barbecue sauce. Perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner!


Ingredients

Scale
  • Barbecue Sauce:

    • 1 cup ketchup
    • 1/4 cup brown sugar
    • 2 tablespoons orange juice
    • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
    • 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
    • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
    • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
    • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne powder
  • Chicken Thighs:

    • 5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (810 thighs)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a sheet pan with foil.
  2. Prepare Barbecue Sauce: Mix all sauce ingredients in a bowl and set aside some for basting.
  3. Coat Chicken Thighs: Toss chicken thighs in the remaining sauce until coated.
  4. Bake Chicken: Place chicken on the prepared pan, bake for 25-30 mins, basting with reserved sauce halfway through.

Notes

  • You can adjust the cayenne powder amount for more or less heat.
  • Consider marinating the chicken in the sauce for extra flavor.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 thigh
  • Calories: 260 kcal
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
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