Description
Succulent barbecue chicken thighs bring Southern comfort straight to your dinner table with minimal effort. Caramelized onions and smoky spices create a mouthwatering blend that makes dinner feel like a weekend celebration you’ll want to savor.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 8 chicken thighs (bone-in and skin-on)
Spices and Seasonings:
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt (to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Liquids and Additional Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 large onion (peeled and sliced into rings)
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil and preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring an even cooking surface.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together barbecue sauce, extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder to create a robust marinade.
- Generously season chicken thighs with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring even coverage on all sides.
- Arrange chicken thighs skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining space between each piece for consistent heating.
- Using a silicone brush, generously coat the chicken with half of the prepared barbecue sauce mixture, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Distribute thin sliced onion rings evenly over the chicken thighs, creating a flavorful and aromatic layer.
- Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and roast for 25 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook partially and absorb initial flavors.
- Carefully flip the chicken thighs, then brush the remaining barbecue sauce over the surface, ensuring complete coverage.
- Continue baking for an additional 20-25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), confirming the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
- For enhanced caramelization, activate the broiler and cook for 3-4 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
- Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant touch and serve immediately.
Notes
- Caramelize chicken skin under the broiler for a crispy, golden-brown finish that adds irresistible texture and deepens flavor complexity.
- Let chicken rest briefly after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite remains incredibly moist and tender.
- Customize BBQ sauce by experimenting with different flavor profiles like honey-chipotle or tangy Carolina-style for a personalized twist.
- Slicing onion rings thinly helps them cook evenly and infuse the chicken with sweet, subtle aromatics during baking.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee perfect doneness, preventing overcooking and maintaining juicy, succulent chicken thighs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking, Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg