Barbecuing chicken thighs in the oven is a delicious alternative when you don't have access to an outdoor grill. This method still gives you tender and flavorful chicken with a slightly charred, smoky taste. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Ingredients:
- Chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless, skin-on or skinless, based on your preference)
- Barbecue sauce of your choice
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: any additional spices or herbs you prefer (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, etc.)
Instructions:
Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (390°F) for boneless, skinless chicken thighs, or 220°C (425°F) for bone-in or skin-on chicken thighs. Make sure the oven is fully preheated before putting the chicken inside.
Prepare the chicken thighs: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. If using bone-in and skin-on thighs, you can trim any excess skin and fat. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices or herbs. Rub a little olive oil over the chicken to help the seasoning stick.
Arrange the chicken on a baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack on the baking sheet and arrange the seasoned chicken thighs on the rack. Elevating the chicken allows the heat to circulate around it, ensuring even cooking.
Bake in the oven: Put the baking sheet with the chicken thighs into the preheated oven. For boneless, skinless thighs, bake for approximately 25-30 minutes. For bone-in or skin-on thighs, bake for about 35-45 minutes. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken thighs. To be sure the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F).
Apply barbecue sauce: Remove the baking sheet from the oven, and brush barbecue sauce generously over the chicken thighs. Ensure each piece is coated with sauce.
Broil (optional): For an extra caramelized finish and charred appearance, you can set your oven to broil. Place the chicken thighs back into the oven under the broiler for 2-4 minutes or until the barbecue sauce caramelizes and forms a glaze. Keep an eye on the chicken to prevent burning.
Rest and serve: Let the chicken thighs rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps retain the juices and ensures tender, succulent meat. Serve with your favorite side dishes and enjoy your oven-baked barbecue chicken thighs!
Remember, cooking times may vary depending on your oven and the size of the chicken thighs, so always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.