Description
This Oven Baked BBQ Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken thighs coated in a tangy and sweet homemade barbecue sauce. Baked to perfection and finished under the broiler for a caramelized, crispy skin, this dish combines simple ingredients for a flavorful and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Barbecue Sauce
- 1 cup ketchup or Australian/UK tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 4 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tsp mustard powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp fresh black pepper
- 1 cup water
Chicken
- 1.5 kg / 3 lb chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on), drumsticks or wings
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chives or finely chopped green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) to prepare for baking the chicken.
- Prepare Sauce: In a ceramic or glass baking dish, combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and water. Stir well until all ingredients are fully blended to create the homemade barbecue sauce.
- Coat Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the sauce in the baking dish, turning them carefully to coat thoroughly with the sauce. Arrange the chicken pieces skin side down to ensure even cooking and flavor absorption.
- Bake Initial: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 20 minutes, allowing the sauce to begin absorbing and the chicken to start cooking thoroughly.
- Turn and Baste: Remove the baking dish from the oven, flip the chicken pieces over, and generously spoon more sauce over them. This helps keep the chicken moist and enhances the flavor.
- Bake Further: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Skim Fat (Optional): Carefully tilt the pan and spoon off or drain any excess fat accumulated during baking to avoid greasiness.
- Broil to Caramelize: Switch your oven setting to broiler/grill on high. Spoon sauce generously over the chicken and place the dish under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes to caramelize the sauce and crisp the chicken skin. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley, chives, or green onions, and serve immediately for a delicious meal.
Notes
- You can use chicken thighs, drumsticks, or wings based on your preference; cooking times remain similar.
- Watch the chicken closely under the broiler to avoid burning the sauce.
- For a spicier sauce, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika.
- Leftover sauce can be stored in the refrigerator and used as a dip or for marinating other meats.
- Make sure to use a ceramic or glass baking dish for even cooking and easy cleanup.
- Adjust salt and sugar levels according to taste preferences.
