Table of Contents: Baked Barbecue Chicken Thighs with Onions

Baked Barbecue Chicken Thighs with Onions

Remember the joy of a Sunday dinner with the family, filled with laughter and the aroma of something delicious bubbling in the oven? This recipe for Baked Barbecue Chicken Thighs with Onions aims to recapture that feeling. It’s a classic, no-fuss dish that delivers big on flavor and satisfaction – perfect for those moments when you want to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere without spending hours in the kitchen.

If you’re looking for easy chicken dinner ideas that will please everyone, look no further!

This isn’t just another BBQ chicken recipe. We’re taking juicy, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs – the most flavorful cut, in my opinion – and slow-baking them to tender perfection with sweet, caramelized onions. The result is fall-off-the-bone chicken coated in a sticky, tangy barbecue glaze.

It’s a dish that’s equally at home on a holiday buffet, a cozy weeknight table, or even a casual backyard gathering. Forget complicated grilling techniques; this method is foolproof and requires minimal effort.

Whether you’re hosting a potluck, craving a comforting meal, or simply need a reliable recipe to add to your rotation, these Baked Barbecue Chicken Thighs with Onions are guaranteed to become a new favorite. They’re a testament to the idea that simple ingredients, prepared with care, can create something truly extraordinary.

Alternate Names & Variations

This recipe goes by many names! You might also find it referred to as:

* Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken
* Barbecue Chicken and Onions
* Slow-Baked BBQ Thighs
* Easy Oven BBQ Chicken
* BBQ Chicken Thighs (a common search term for BBQ chicken recipes)
* Sheet Pan BBQ Chicken Thighs (if cooked on a sheet pan)

For a little variation, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the barbecue sauce for a spicy kick, or swapping the apple cider vinegar for lemon juice for a brighter flavor.

Ingredients: Baked Barbecue Chicken Thighs with Onions

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious dish:

* 8 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
* 1 large onion, peeled and sliced into rings
* 1 cup of your favorite barbecue sauce
* 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
* Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This is crucial for crispy skin! Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Make sure to get seasoning under the skin as well.

3. Sear (Optional, but Recommended): For extra flavor and color, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs, skin-side down, for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. You don’t need to cook them through, just get a nice sear. Remove from skillet and place in the prepared baking dish. Chef’s Tip: Don’t overcrowd the skillet; work in batches if necessary.
4. Caramelize the Onions: In the same skillet, add the sliced onion rings. Cook over medium heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and deeply caramelized. This step builds incredible flavor!
5. Assemble & Sauce: Arrange the caramelized onions around the chicken thighs in the baking dish. In a small bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce and apple cider vinegar. Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are well coated.

6. Bake: Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Baste the chicken with the pan juices halfway through baking. Chef’s Tip: If the skin starts to get too dark, loosely cover the baking dish with foil.
7. Rest & Garnish: Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.

Recipe Card Block

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
Total Time: 60-65 minutes
Servings: 4
Approximate Calories: 450-550 per serving (depending on BBQ sauce)

Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips

This recipe works because of the combination of techniques and flavors. Searing the chicken (even briefly) adds a depth of flavor that you just can’t get from baking alone.

The slow baking process ensures the chicken thighs remain incredibly moist and tender, while the caramelized onions provide a sweet and savory counterpoint to the tangy barbecue sauce.

It’s truly easy comfort food for family dinners. Using bone-in, skin-on thighs is key – the bone adds flavor, and the skin crisps up beautifully in the oven. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different barbecue sauces to find your perfect match.

A smoky, Kansas City-style sauce works particularly well, but a Carolina-style vinegar sauce or a sweet and tangy Memphis-style sauce are also delicious options. This recipe is also incredibly versatile; it’s a great base for adding other vegetables like bell peppers or potatoes.

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

Storage: Leftover baked barbecue chicken thighs with onions can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the chicken in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2-3 months. It’s best to freeze the chicken without the onions, as the onions can become mushy when thawed.

Reheating: Reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the skin won’t be as crispy. If you froze the onions separately, you can sauté them in a pan while the chicken reheats. This is a great way to enjoy easy chicken dinner leftovers!

People Also Ask: Baked Barbecue Chicken Thighs with Onions

How do you bake barbecue chicken thighs with onions?

This recipe for Baked Barbecue Chicken Thighs with Onions is incredibly straightforward. First, you season the chicken thighs with a blend of spices. Then, you caramelize the onions until they’re soft and golden brown.

Next, you arrange the onions around the chicken in a baking dish, pour over a delicious barbecue sauce mixture, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45-50 minutes, basting halfway through.

The key is to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe and juicy results. It’s a fantastic way to make a flavorful and satisfying meal with minimal effort.

What kind of BBQ sauce is best for this recipe?

The best BBQ sauce for Baked Barbecue Chicken Thighs with Onions really comes down to personal preference! However, a smoky, Kansas City-style sauce is a classic choice that complements the chicken and onions beautifully.

You can also use a Carolina-style vinegar sauce for a tangier flavor, or a Memphis-style sauce for a sweeter and spicier kick. Experiment with different brands and flavors to find your favorite. Just make sure it’s a sauce you enjoy, as it will be the dominant flavor in the dish.

How long do chicken thighs take to bake?

Generally, chicken thighs take about 45-50 minutes to bake at 375°F (190°C). However, the exact baking time can vary depending on the size and thickness of the thighs, as well as your oven.

The most important thing is to ensure the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Using a meat thermometer is the best way to check for doneness. This ensures perfectly cooked baked chicken thighs every time.

Can I use other vegetables besides onions?

Absolutely! While caramelized onions are a star in this Baked Barbecue Chicken Thighs with Onions recipe, you can definitely add other vegetables. Bell peppers (sliced), potatoes (cubed), carrots (chopped), and even sweet potatoes (cubed) all work well.

Add them to the baking dish along with the onions, and adjust the baking time accordingly to ensure they are tender.

Conclusion: Baked Barbecue Chicken Thighs with Onions

So there you have it – a simple, yet incredibly flavorful recipe for Baked Barbecue Chicken Thighs with Onions that’s sure to become a family favorite. Don’t be intimidated by the caramelizing of the onions; it’s a hands-off process that yields amazing results.

I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the joy of a perfectly cooked, comforting meal.

I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Please leave a comment below and let me know your thoughts, or share your photos on social media. Happy baking!