Ingredients:
- 6 bone-in chicken thighs
- 1/3 cup chopped onion
- 3/4 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/3 cup white vinegar
- 3 Tbsp. brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp. ground mustard
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1/8 tsp. pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- In a nonstick skillet coated lightly with oil, brown chicken thighs over medium heat.
- Transfer the browned chicken thighs to a 13 x 9 baking dish coated with cooking spray.
- Coat the skillet again with oil. Add chopped onion and cook and stir over medium heat until tender.
- Stir in ketchup, water, white vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, ground mustard, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and simmer the sauce, uncovered, for 15 minutes.
- Pour the barbecue sauce over the chicken thighs in the baking dish.
- Bake the chicken, uncovered, until a meat thermometer inserted into the chicken reads 170 degrees, about 35-45 minutes.
Prep Ahead Hack:
- Do steps 1 and 2. Cool the chicken to room temperature and store it in the fridge.
- When you want to eat, remove the chicken from the fridge and let it reach room temperature.
- Then bake at 350 degrees as directed in step 3.
Enjoy your delicious oven-barbecued chicken, a perfect winter-friendly alternative to grilling!
Here are some helpful tips to make your Oven Barbecued Chicken even more delightful:
- Marinate Ahead: If time allows, marinate the chicken thighs in the barbecue sauce for a few hours or overnight. This enhances the flavor and tenderness of the chicken.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality ketchup, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Fresh and good-quality ingredients can significantly impact the taste of the barbecue sauce.
- Adjust Sweetness: Depending on your taste preferences, you can adjust the amount of brown sugar in the barbecue sauce. If you like it sweeter, add a bit more; if you prefer less sweetness, reduce the sugar.
- Grill Finish: For a smokier flavor and a slightly crispy exterior, you can finish the chicken on the grill for a few minutes after baking. Brush with additional sauce while grilling.
- Broil for Crispy Skin: After baking, you can place the chicken under the broiler for a few minutes to crisp up the skin. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
- Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or cilantro before serving. This adds a burst of freshness to the dish.
- Serve with Coleslaw: Oven Barbecued Chicken pairs wonderfully with coleslaw. The crunchy and tangy slaw complements the saucy chicken perfectly.
- Baste During Baking: For an extra layer of flavor, baste the chicken with the barbecue sauce during the baking process. This helps the sauce adhere better to the chicken.
- Add Heat: If you like a bit of heat, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the barbecue sauce.
- Double the Sauce: If you enjoy extra sauce, consider doubling the barbecue sauce recipe. Serve the additional sauce on the side for dipping.
Remember to tailor these tips to your personal preferences, and enjoy your delightful Oven Barbecued Chicken!
Here are some secrets to achieving the perfect Oven Barbecued Chicken:
- Sear the Chicken: Before baking, sear the chicken thighs in a hot skillet to lock in moisture and enhance the flavor. This step adds a nice caramelization to the skin.
- Layer Flavors: Build layers of flavor by seasoning the chicken with salt, pepper, and a touch of your favorite spices before applying the barbecue sauce. This ensures that each bite is well-seasoned.
- Choose the Right Cut: Chicken thighs are a great choice for oven barbecued chicken because they are more forgiving and tend to stay juicier than breast meat. The bone-in, skin-on thighs add extra flavor.
- Low and Slow: For tender and juicy chicken, cook it at a lower temperature for a longer time. This slow cooking method allows the flavors to meld, and the chicken becomes more succulent.
- Baste Strategically: Baste the chicken with the barbecue sauce at intervals during baking. This not only adds more flavor but also helps create a glossy, appetizing glaze on the chicken.
- Let it Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking. This gives the juices time to redistribute, ensuring that each bite is moist and flavorful.
- Quality Barbecue Sauce: Whether store-bought or homemade, use a quality barbecue sauce with a balance of sweetness, tanginess, and smokiness. Experiment with different brands or make your own signature sauce.
- Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures that the chicken is cooked through but still juicy.
- Use Aromatics: Add aromatics like minced garlic or finely chopped onions to the barbecue sauce for an extra layer of flavor. These ingredients infuse the sauce with a savory depth.
- Broil for Crispiness: If you prefer a crispier skin, place the chicken under the broiler for a few minutes at the end of the cooking time. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
By incorporating these secrets, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying the perfect Oven Barbecued Chicken!
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers related to the Oven Barbecued Chicken Recipe:
Q: Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe? A: Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs, but keep in mind that bone-in, skin-on thighs tend to result in juicier and more flavorful meat.
Q: Can I prepare the chicken in advance? A: Yes, you can brown the chicken and prepare the sauce in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator, and when ready to cook, follow the remaining steps.
Q: How do I prevent the chicken from drying out? A: To prevent dryness, make sure not to overcook the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Q: Can I use a different type of vinegar in the barbecue sauce? A: Yes, you can experiment with different types of vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar, to slightly alter the flavor profile.
Q: Can I freeze Oven Barbecued Chicken? A: Yes, you can freeze baked barbecue chicken. Ensure it’s completely cooled before storing it in an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q: What sides go well with Oven Barbecued Chicken? A: Classic barbecue sides like coleslaw, corn on the cob, or baked beans complement Oven Barbecued Chicken. You can also serve it with a green salad or grilled vegetables.
Q: Can I make this recipe with other cuts of chicken? A: While chicken thighs work well, you can also use drumsticks, wings, or a mix of chicken pieces. Adjust cooking times accordingly based on the chosen cuts.
Q: Can I make the barbecue sauce from scratch? A: Absolutely! You can make a homemade barbecue sauce using ingredients like ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and spices. Adjust the sweetness and tanginess to your liking.
Q: What temperature should the oven be set to for baking? A: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the chicken. This moderate temperature allows for even cooking.
Q: How can I make the skin crispier? A: For a crispier skin, place the chicken under the broiler for a few minutes at the end of the cooking time. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
These answers should help guide you through the process of making delicious Oven Barbecued Chicken!