Grill masters need not apply for this Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken.
Oven Baked BBQ Chicken was a favorite in my household. Part of it reminds me of my grandfather. A man who was never a part of the cowboy lifestyle but loved it, nonetheless. I would frequently find him watching Western movies. What’s more Western than BBQ Chicken? Maybe a steak but shush, let’s act like it is chicken.
Southern BBQ is one of the most sought-after flavors in the United States, it’s a blend of so many rich cultures all brought together just like the melting pot the United States is. You don’t need a smoker or a grill to get rich, tangy, and flavorful chicken. A moist delicious chicken thigh is one of the greatest proteins you can have and one often messed up by home cooks, chicken can dry out easily but baking it in a rich BBQ sauce helps lock in the moisture while adding amazing flavor.
It tastes like chicken. It is one of the most compared protein flavors and phrases but this time it is true because it is chicken. The flavor is sweet, tangy, and crisp but juicy chicken. Some people say it tastes like sticky, sweet perfection. If it were a season, it would be summer. You could serve it for a meal, picnic, potluck, or meal prep it for later in the week. For some people, BBQ chicken will remind them of a tailgate or sporting event. BBQ chicken is such a flavorful and truly highlighted main course that it can be paired with so many sides and deserts it’s the food equivalent of that jacket that goes with everything and still gets all the compliments.
Why Bone-In Chicken Thighs?
Thighs are tender. When you cook with the bone-in you get more flavor the meat pulls moisture from the bone marrow. There has to be a science behind this but for now let’s just say it’s a matter of preference. The chicken thigh is almost entirely dark meat, the dark meat holds so much moisture and nutrients, it’s a fattier part of the meat than the breast but the fattiness is part of what locks in the moisture and helps make it delicious. If you are not a fan of chicken thighs you could substitute with chicken breasts but why would you want to. By switching to a chicken breast you’re going to have all-white meat and be technically healthier because of the lower fat content but it will also run the risk of drying out faster so be attentive to your BBQ chicken if you do decide to change your chicken portion.
Using skin-on chicken thighs is also important because the skin, once again, helps lock in moisture and gives you a nice crisp when it cooks. The skin will also hold fantastic flavor on its own accord. The skin holds healthy fats, iron, potassium, iron, and its own level of protein.
What is the shelf life of Oven Baked BBQ Chicken?
Oven Baked BBQ Chicken should be stored in a sealed container and refrigerator, if stored properly the BBQ chicken lasts three to four days.
Is Oven Baked BBQ Chicken healthy?
It is a wonderful protein source and relatively low in calories.
How can you prepare Oven Baked BBQ Chicken in advance?
If you’d like to do your prep in advance to have a quick meal later. You can prepare your sauce in advance, blend your ingredients, and store them in a sealed container for when you are ready to cook.
Do I have to add hot sauce to my BBQ Sauce?
Absolutely not, if you’re not a fan of spicy you won’t want to add hot sauce. You can always make your sauce sweeter by replacing the hot sauce with honey.
Serving Suggestions
Oven Baked BBQ Chicken goes with so much. Other dishes you could add to the menu alongside Oven Baked BBQ Chicken are Fresh Mexican-Style Salad, Zucchini Noodle Salad with Tomatoes, Ultimate BBQ Cowboy Beans, Autumn Corn Chowder, Cilantro Lime Rice, and Baked Sweet Potato. For dessert try New York–Style Fresh Peach Cheesecake, Apple Butter Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting, Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars, and Pineapple Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. Regardless of what you decide to add to your menu, with this oven baked BBQ chicken as the main event your entire meal will be a success.
Oven Baked BBQ Chicken
Ingredients
- 3 cups BBQ sauce your favorite
- 1/2 cup peach preserves
- 1 clove garlic minced
- Hot sauce to taste optional
- 12 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Olive oil for brushing
Instructions
- Stir together the sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine BBQ sauce, peach preserves, minced garlic, and hot sauce (if using). Heat over medium heat for 5 to 10 minutes until hot. Set aside.
- Preheat the oven. Turn on your oven to 400°F to get it ready for baking.
- Prepare the chicken. Lightly brush two rimmed baking sheets with olive oil. Place chicken thighs skin side down on the sheets. Roast in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Sauce and flip. Take the chicken out of the oven briefly, brush generously with the BBQ sauce mixture, then carefully flip each thigh over. Brush the top side with more sauce and return to the oven for 7 minutes.
- Final touches. Remove the chicken from the oven, apply another coat of sauce, and increase the oven temperature to 425°F. Roast for a final 5 to 7 minutes until the sauce begins to caramelize and the chicken is fully cooked. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
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