This recipe brings together juicy, tender chicken thighs coated in a smoky, tangy barbecue sauce and topped with caramelized onions. The combination of smoked paprika, apple cider vinegar, and spices in the sauce adds depth and complexity, while the onions enhance the dish with a sweet-savory balance. Perfect for weeknights or gatherings, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that pairs well with sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Easy to Make: Minimal ingredients and a straightforward cooking method make this dish perfect for any skill level.
Deliciously Sticky and Savory: The barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika create a rich, sticky glaze with layers of smoky and tangy flavor.
Juicy Chicken with Crispy Skin: Baking the thighs skin-side down initially allows the skin to crisp up beautifully.
Budget-Friendly: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are affordable, making this recipe great for feeding a crowd.
Key Ingredients:
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are ideal for this recipe, as they stay juicy and develop a crispy, flavorful skin when baked.
Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade barbecue sauce. Choose a smoky or hickory-flavored sauce if you like extra depth.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a tangy kick that balances the sweetness of the barbecue sauce and enhances the overall flavor.
Smoked Paprika: For a rich, smoky undertone, smoked paprika is a must. You can substitute with regular paprika if needed, but it won’t be as smoky.
Onions: Slicing the onions into rings allows them to caramelize beautifully as they bake, adding a sweet and savory contrast to the chicken.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
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Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Sheet
Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Starting with a preheated oven ensures consistent cooking for the chicken.
Prepare the Baking Sheet:
Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil. This prevents sticking and simplifies cleanup after baking.
Step 2: Mix the Barbecue Sauce
Combine Ingredients:
In a small bowl, mix together:
1 cup of barbecue sauce
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
2 teaspoons of smoked paprika
1 teaspoon of garlic powder
1 teaspoon of onion powder
Stir the ingredients until well blended to create a flavorful barbecue coating for the chicken.
Season the Chicken:
Lightly season each chicken thigh with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Step 3: Arrange and Coat the Chicken
Arrange on Baking Sheet:
Place the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet, which will help the skin get crispy during baking.
Apply Sauce:
Using a brush, generously apply half of the barbecue sauce mixture over the chicken thighs. This initial coating will infuse the chicken with deep, smoky flavors.
Step 4: Add Onions and Bake
Add Onions:
Arrange sliced onion rings on top of the chicken thighs. The onions will caramelize as they cook, adding a sweet and savory contrast.
First Bake:
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 25 minutes.
Flip and Apply More Sauce:
After 25 minutes, flip the chicken so it’s skin-side up and coat with the remaining barbecue sauce. This additional layer deepens the barbecue flavor and adds a beautiful glaze.
Continue Baking:
Bake for another 20-25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The skin should be golden and slightly crispy.
Step 5: Broil for Extra Caramelization (Optional)
Broil:
For added caramelization, broil the chicken for 3-4 minutes at the end of the baking time. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. This step intensifies the barbecue flavor and adds a lovely crisp to the skin.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Rest the Chicken:
Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is juicy and flavorful.
Garnish and Serve:
If desired, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a fresh garnish. Serve the chicken thighs warm, with the caramelized onions on the side.
Serving Suggestions:
These savory, sticky barbecue chicken thighs are versatile and pair well with many side dishes. Here are a few ideas:
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up the extra barbecue sauce and juices.
Grilled Corn on the Cob: For a true barbecue experience, serve with grilled corn on the cob.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, green beans, or Brussels sprouts make for a healthy, colorful side.
Coleslaw: A light, tangy coleslaw balances the rich barbecue flavors and adds crunch.
Rice or Quinoa: A bed of fluffy rice or quinoa is a neutral base that complements the bold flavors.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
These barbecue chicken thighs reheat well, making them ideal for leftovers.
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheat: Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes, or microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
Recipe Variations:
Add a twist to these barbecue chicken thighs with one of these fun variations:
Spicy Honey BBQ: Add 1-2 tablespoons of honey and a dash of hot sauce to the barbecue sauce mixture for a sweet-spicy kick.
Bourbon BBQ: Stir a splash of bourbon into the barbecue sauce for a smoky, bourbon-infused flavor.
Herbed BBQ: Add fresh rosemary or thyme to the sauce for an earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the smoky barbecue.
Asian-Inspired: Swap the apple cider vinegar with rice vinegar and add a splash of soy sauce and sesame oil for an Asian twist.
Citrus BBQ: Add the zest of one orange or lemon to the sauce for a hint of citrus that brightens up the dish.
Conclusion:
These Baked Barbecue Chicken Thighs with Onions are a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With juicy, tender chicken, a sticky barbecue glaze, and caramelized onions, each bite is bursting with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for the family or hosting a casual get-together, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit. Enjoy every savory, sticky bite!
Baked Barbecue Chicken Thighs with Onions
Ingredients
- 8 chicken thighs bone-in and skin-on
- 1 large onion peeled and sliced into rings
- 1 cup barbecue sauce use your favorite brand
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- In a small bowl, mix together barbecue sauce, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder until well blended.
- Season chicken thighs with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Place the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Using a brush, generously apply half of the barbecue sauce mixture over the chicken.
- Arrange onion rings on top of the chicken. Bake for 25 minutes.
- After 25 minutes, flip the chicken skin-side up and coat with the remaining barbecue sauce. Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Optional: For added caramelization, broil the chicken for 3-4 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm with caramelized onions on the side.