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?
- Great flavors: The combination of ketchup, brown sugar, and spices in the barbecue sauce creates a mouthwatering taste experience.
- Quick prep time: With just a few simple steps, you can have this dish ready for the oven in no time.
- 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:
- Preheat your oven to °F (°C) and prepare a rimmed sheet pan with aluminum foil and cooking spray.
- Whisk together the barbecue sauce ingredients in a bowl, reserving some for basting.
- Coat the chicken thighs in the sauce and place them on the sheet pan.
- 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:
- For a crispier finish, broil the chicken thighs for a few minutes at the end of cooking.
- 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:
- 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. - 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. - Can I freeze the baked chicken thighs?
While the texture may change slightly, you can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months. - 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
- 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
-
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 (8–10 thighs)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a sheet pan with foil.
- Prepare Barbecue Sauce: Mix all sauce ingredients in a bowl and set aside some for basting.
- Coat Chicken Thighs: Toss chicken thighs in the remaining sauce until coated.
- 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
