Description
This Oven Baked Barbecue Chicken recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken thighs coated in a flavorful homemade spice rub and finished with a rich barbecue sauce. Perfectly baked to juicy perfection, this dish combines smoky, sweet, and savory flavors, making it an easy and delicious weeknight dinner option.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 8 boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 1 1/2 pounds)
Seasoning and Sauce
- 3 tablespoons oil
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400˚F (204˚C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or foil to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure the spice rub adheres well and place them in a mixing bowl.
- Oil and Spice Rub: Drizzle the chicken with oil and toss to coat evenly. In a separate small bowl, mix together brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and cinnamon to create the spice blend.
- Apply Seasoning: Rub the spice blend thoroughly into each chicken thigh, ensuring every piece is evenly coated with the flavorful mixture.
- Arrange for Baking: Place the seasoned chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they are spaced apart for even cooking.
- Initial Baking: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken reads 160˚F (71˚C).
- Apply Barbecue Sauce: Remove the chicken from the oven and brush each thigh generously with barbecue sauce to add a tangy and sweet glaze.
- Final Baking: Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165˚F (74˚C), indicating that the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve hot, enjoying the deliciously baked barbecue chicken thighs.
Notes
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165˚F for safe consumption.
- Use a meat thermometer for best results and to avoid overcooking.
- You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a spicier kick, add cayenne pepper to the spice blend.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
