Oven Baked BBQ Chicken
Introduction
Welcome to this delicious recipe for oven baked BBQ chicken. This mouthwatering dish is perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. The combination of tender chicken and flavorful barbecue sauce will leave everyone wanting more. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to create this delectable dish right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks
– 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon of paprika
– 1 teaspoon of salt
– 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
Steps
Now that we have all the ingredients ready, let’s get started with the cooking process:
Step 1: Preparing the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Rinse the chicken thighs and drumsticks under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Place the chicken pieces in a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Making the BBQ Sauce
In a separate bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Step 3: Coating the Chicken
Pour the BBQ sauce mixture over the chicken in the mixing bowl. Use tongs or your hands to ensure that each piece is evenly coated with the sauce.
Step 4: Baking the Chicken
Transfer the coated chicken pieces to a baking dish. Arrange them in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Glazing the Chicken
After the chicken has baked for about 30 minutes, remove it from the oven and baste it with some additional BBQ sauce. Return the chicken to the oven and continue baking for the remaining time.
Variations
While the classic oven baked BBQ chicken is already incredibly delicious, you can always add your own twist to the recipe. Here are a few variations you can try:
– Spicy BBQ Chicken: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the BBQ sauce mixture for an extra kick of heat.
– Honey BBQ Chicken: Mix in 2 tablespoons of honey into the BBQ sauce mixture to add a touch of sweetness to the dish.
– Smoky BBQ Chicken: Sprinkle a teaspoon of smoked paprika over the chicken before coating it with the BBQ sauce for a smoky flavor.
Tips
Here are some handy tips to ensure your oven baked BBQ chicken turns out perfect every time:
– Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. This will help you avoid undercooked or overcooked chicken.
– For an even crispier skin, you can broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
– Marinating the chicken in the BBQ sauce mixture overnight will intensify the flavor. If you have the time, it’s worth the wait.
Conclusion
Oven baked BBQ chicken is a crowd-pleasing dish that brings together the flavors of tender chicken and tangy barbecue sauce. With just a few simple steps, you can create a mouthwatering meal that will impress your family and friends. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or add your own variations, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.
FAQs
Q: Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! While bone-in chicken adds extra flavor, you can use boneless chicken thighs or drumsticks if you prefer.
Q: Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce?
A: Yes, you can use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce for convenience. However, if you have the time, making your own sauce from scratch will elevate the dish even further.
Q: Can I grill the chicken instead of baking it?
A: Definitely! If you prefer the smoky flavor of grilled chicken, you can marinate the chicken in the BBQ sauce mixture and then grill it over medium heat until fully cooked.
Q: How long can I store leftovers?
A: Leftover oven baked BBQ chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving.
