Oven-Baked Bbq Chicken Thighs: A Simple, Succulent Delight

Chicken thighs are a great option for a juicy, flavourful meal. They are relatively cheap, easy to cook, and can be prepared in a variety of ways. One popular method is to cook them in the oven with BBQ sauce, which results in a sticky, sweet-savoury dish that is perfect for any occasion. This technique is also a great alternative for those who don't have access to a grill or want to avoid the hassle of firing one up.

Chicken prep: Pat dry, rub with seasoning, and arrange skin-side up on a lined baking sheet

To start, pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. You don't need to rinse the chicken as this can spread harmful bacteria. Next, rub the seasoning all over the chicken, even under the skin. You can use a simple seasoning of salt and pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder, or a BBQ rub. You can also add olive oil to the chicken at this stage. Then, arrange the chicken thighs skin-side up on a baking sheet. If you're using foil, make sure it's non-stick, or use parchment paper, to make clean-up easier.

Oven settings: Preheat to 400°F for even cooking

Oven settings are a crucial part of the cooking process, and for this recipe, you'll want to preheat your oven to 400°F. This temperature is ideal for achieving even cooking and ensuring your chicken thighs turn out juicy and flavourful.

Preheating the oven to the right temperature is essential for a few reasons. Firstly, it ensures that your food starts cooking at the desired temperature as soon as it's placed in the oven. If your oven is not preheated, your chicken may cook unevenly, with some parts cooking faster than others. This can lead to overcooked or undercooked spots, affecting the overall taste and texture of your dish.

Secondly, preheating helps to create a consistent cooking environment. Ovens can vary in terms of hot spots and cold spots, but by preheating, you minimise the impact of these variations. This is especially important when cooking multiple batches, as it helps ensure each batch cooks uniformly.

Lastly, preheating to 400°F is essential for food safety. Cooking chicken at the right temperature kills harmful bacteria, ensuring your meal is safe to eat.

So, when preparing your BBQ chicken thighs, be sure to allow your oven to preheat fully to 400°F before popping your chicken in. This simple step will go a long way towards ensuring your meal is cooked to perfection!

Bake time: 20-25 minutes, then baste with sauce

After 20-25 minutes of baking, it's time to baste the chicken with your chosen barbecue sauce. This will help to create a sticky, caramelized exterior.

The barbecue sauce is best applied in layers. First, brush a thin layer of sauce over the chicken, then bake for 20 minutes. Remove the chicken from the oven and apply another layer of sauce. Place the chicken back in the oven and bake for a further 15 minutes.

The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. If you want the skin to be extra crispy, turn on the broiler and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

The barbecue sauce can be store-bought or homemade. Homemade sauce can be made by combining ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and pepper.

Broil: For a few minutes to caramelise the BBQ sauce

Broiling the Chicken Thighs

After baking the chicken thighs, you can broil them for a few minutes to get a nice caramelised finish on the BBQ sauce.

To do this, turn the oven to broil and place the chicken back in for 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on the chicken as BBQ sauce can burn quickly under the broiler.

You'll know the chicken is ready when the sauce is caramelised and slightly charred.

Serving suggestions: Corn on the cob, salad, or a BBQ chicken sandwich

Corn on the Cob

A great side dish to your juicy chicken thighs is corn on the cob. You can cook it in the oven, too, so it's an ideal accompaniment to your oven-baked chicken. Here's how to do it:

• Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Remove the husks and silks from the corn.
• Butter the corn and wrap it in foil.
• Place the corn on a cookie sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes.

Salad

If you're looking for a healthier option, a BBQ chicken salad is a great choice. You can grill the chicken and add a variety of toppings and dressings to make it a scrumptious and filling meal. Here's an idea for a BBQ chicken salad:

• Grill two boneless, skinless chicken breasts brushed with olive oil and seasoned with salt and pepper.
• Let the chicken rest, then cut it into small pieces.
• In a large bowl, combine chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, canned black beans, canned Mexicorn (or grilled fresh corn), and diced red onion.
• Add the grilled chicken to the bowl.
• Prepare a BBQ ranch dressing by combining barbecue sauce and light ranch dressing.
• Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
• Top the salad with crushed tortilla chips and chopped cilantro.

BBQ Chicken Sandwich

If you're craving something a little more indulgent, why not try a BBQ chicken sandwich? You can use leftover chicken from your oven-baked meal and add some tasty toppings and sauces. Here's a suggestion for a mouth-watering BBQ chicken sandwich:

• Saute onion, celery, and garlic in butter until tender.
• Stir in salsa, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, salt, and pepper to make a delicious barbecue sauce.
• Add shredded cooked chicken to the sauce and simmer for 15 minutes.
• Serve the chicken on toasted hamburger buns with optional dill pickle slices.

Frequently asked questions