Fixing Bbq Chicken In The Oven: A Tasty Solution

BBQ chicken is a delicious dish that can be made in the oven when you don't want to fire up the grill. This recipe typically involves baking chicken pieces in a barbecue sauce glaze, resulting in tender meat with a sweet and sticky coating. The best cuts of chicken to use are bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and/or legs, as the bone and skin help keep the meat juicy. The baking method involves marinating the chicken, baking it, basting it with sauce, and then broiling it to achieve a crispy, caramelized finish. This recipe is versatile, allowing for customization with your favourite BBQ sauce and side dishes.

Choosing the right cut of chicken

When it comes to choosing the right cut of chicken for your BBQ chicken in the oven, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is generally recommended to use bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces as they tend to be more juicy and flavourful. Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are often considered the best option as they are less likely to dry out and have a higher fat content, resulting in tender and juicy meat. Chicken legs and wings are also good choices for similar reasons.

If you prefer white meat, you can certainly use chicken breasts, but it is important to note that they have a tendency to dry out more easily. To avoid this, it is recommended to use bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts and follow the same cooking technique as you would for the dark meat. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be used but may require adjustments to the cooking time to prevent them from drying out.

In summary, for the juiciest and most flavourful BBQ chicken in the oven, opt for bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or legs. If you prefer white meat, bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts are your next best option. Adjustments can be made for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, but they may require closer monitoring to prevent overcooking.

How to get a super thick BBQ glaze

Ingredients

A thick BBQ glaze is a great way to finish off your chicken, adding a sweet, sticky, and shiny coating. You can make your own glaze or use a store-bought variety. Here are some tips and tricks to achieve a super thick glaze.

Firstly, you'll want to choose the right cut of chicken. Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks are ideal, as the bone helps to keep the meat juicy, and the skin adds flavour and helps to create a nice glaze.

Sauce

The key to a thick glaze is in the sauce. You can use a store-bought BBQ sauce, but if you want to make your own, a simple combination of cider vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup or tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, onion powder, and black pepper will do the trick. You can also add some water to thin out the sauce, but be careful not to add too much, as you want a thick glaze.

Cooking Method

Now, for the cooking method. You can brush the sauce onto the chicken before baking, but for a really thick glaze, try this method: bake the chicken for 20 minutes, then remove it from the oven and brush on a generous amount of sauce. Bake for another 30 minutes, then remove and add more sauce. Finally, broil/grill the chicken for 2-3 minutes to caramelise the sauce and give it that extra thickness.

Tips for a Thicker Glaze

If you want an even thicker glaze, there are a few things you can add to your sauce. Try mixing in some honey, apple juice, chicken broth, or even a stick of butter. These ingredients will add shine and smoothness to your glaze. You can also reduce the sauce by simmering it on the stove for a few minutes to thicken it up.

Final Thoughts

There you have it! A super thick BBQ glaze is achievable with a few simple tips and tricks. Remember to use the right cut of chicken, adjust your sauce, and use the correct cooking method. With these techniques, you'll have juicy, flavourful chicken with a mouth-watering thick glaze.

How to get crispy, charred skin

To get crispy, charred skin on your BBQ chicken, there are several steps you can take. Firstly, make sure the chicken skin is dry before cooking. Remove the chicken from its packaging and pat each piece dry with paper towels. You can also leave the uncovered chicken in the refrigerator overnight or for at least an hour to help dehydrate the skin.

Secondly, when cooking, start with high heat to get a nice crust on the skin. If you're using a stovetop, heat some vegetable oil in an oven-safe skillet until almost smoking, then sear the chicken, skin-side down, until crisp. If you're using an oven, set the temperature between 400°F and 450°F and place a rack in the top third of the oven, as this is the hottest part. Place the chicken pieces skin-side up on the rack and let it cook until the skin is crisp.

Additionally, when roasting in the oven, use a large pan with a rack to allow air to circulate and brown the skin. You can also place vegetables under the chicken so they can be flavoured by the drippings. If you don't have a rack, use a layer of vegetables such as carrots, celery, and onion instead.

Finally, when searing chicken in a skillet, leave the skin undisturbed to form a crust. Depending on the size of the chicken pieces, this can take anywhere from 3 to 5 minutes. The same rule applies when roasting in the oven—avoid poking or prodding the chicken to prevent tearing or puncturing the skin.

What kind of BBQ sauce to use

When it comes to choosing a BBQ sauce for your chicken, you have a lot of options. You can use a store-bought variety, such as Sweet Baby Ray's, or make your own at home. Here are some ideas for both options:

Store-Bought BBQ Sauce

Sweet Baby Ray's is a popular choice for a ready-made sauce. It's a sweet and tangy sauce with a hint of smoke, which pairs perfectly with chicken. You can also use any other prepared BBQ sauce you prefer, or even a homemade BBQ sauce if you're feeling adventurous.

Homemade BBQ Sauce

If you want to make your own BBQ sauce, you have a lot of flexibility to experiment with different ingredients and flavours. Here are some essential components of a good BBQ sauce:

• Ketchup or Tomato Sauce: This forms the base of your sauce. You can use regular ketchup or go for a refined sugar-free option. If you don't have ketchup, you can substitute it with a mix of tomato sauce and tomato paste.
• Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is a great choice for adding tanginess to your sauce. If you don't have it, you can use white vinegar or even white wine, sherry, or champagne vinegar.
• Sweetener: Brown sugar is a common choice, but you can also use coconut sugar, white sugar, cane sugar, honey, maple syrup, or molasses. Adjust the amount to your taste preferences.
• Mustard: Dijon mustard or prepared yellow mustard adds a nice kick to the sauce. You can also use mustard powder.
• Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper are common additions to BBQ sauce. Adjust the amounts to your taste and spice preferences.
• Liquid Smoke: Adding a few drops of liquid smoke will give your sauce a hint of smoky flavour. If you don't have any, you can omit it or use chipotle chilli powder for a similar effect.
• Worcestershire Sauce: This adds a savoury, umami flavour to the sauce. If you don't have any, you can use soy sauce or liquid aminos as a substitute.

To make your own BBQ sauce, simply whisk all the ingredients together in a small pot over medium-high heat. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Let the sauce cool before using it or storing it in the refrigerator.

What to serve with oven-baked BBQ chicken

Oven-baked BBQ chicken is a delicious dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to complement your juicy, sticky chicken:

Classic BBQ Sides:

• Cornbread
• Coleslaw
• Potato Salad
• Southern Baked Beans
• Dinner Rolls
• Creamy Mashed Potato

Lighter Alternatives:

• Green Bean Salad
• Big Leafy Salad
• Cabbage Salad
• Creamy Cauliflower Mash

Other Simple Sides:

• Creamy Cucumber Salad
• Garlic Roasted Carrots
• Roasted Broccoli
• Greek Lemon Potatoes
• Smoky Parmesan Corn on the Cob
• Boursin Mashed Cauliflower
• Basmati Rice

Starch Sides:

• Baked potatoes
• Steamed broccoli
• Sauteed green beans

Tips:

• Keep the sides simple, as the BBQ chicken is the star of the show!
• If you're counting calories, opt for a lighter side like a salad or cauliflower mash.
• For a true BBQ experience, go for classic sides like cornbread and baked beans.

Frequently asked questions