Oven Baked Sticky BBQ Chicken

This Oven Baked Sticky BBQ Chicken is the perfect balance of tender, juicy chicken and bold, sweet, sticky BBQ flavors. The seasoning creates a flavorful base, while the homemade BBQ sauce adds depth and richness that caramelizes perfectly during baking. Whether you’re making this for a family dinner or hosting a gathering, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The recipe is simple to follow, and the result is a delicious, finger-licking good chicken dinner that’s perfect with mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite sides!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:
3 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 6 pieces)
3 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp onion powder
3 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp salt
3 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice

For the BBQ Sauce:
⅓ cup ketchup
⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
⅓ cup honey
3 garlic cloves (grated or finely minced)
3 tbsp red onion (grated or finely diced)
½ tsp ginger
1 tsp hot sauce

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat Oven:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Season the Chicken:

1. In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, olive oil, and lemon juice. Mix until well combined.

2. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly on both sides of each chicken thigh.

3. Place the seasoned chicken thighs in a 9×13 baking dish.

Bake the Chicken:

1. Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.

Prepare the BBQ Sauce:

1. While the chicken is baking, mix together the ketchup, soy sauce, honey, grated garlic, red onion, ginger, and hot sauce in a small bowl until well combined.

Add the BBQ Sauce:

1. After the chicken has baked for 20 minutes, remove it from the oven.

2. Spread half of the BBQ sauce evenly over the chicken thighs.

3. Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes.

Final Coating:

1. After 15 minutes, spread the remaining BBQ sauce over the chicken thighs.

2. Bake for another 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

Rest and Serve:

1. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

2. Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite side dish!

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 6 people.

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 50 minutes

• Total time: 1 hour

Variations

1. Spicy BBQ: Add more hot sauce or some diced jalapeños to the BBQ sauce for extra heat.

2. Sweet BBQ: Use brown sugar or maple syrup instead of honey for a deeper sweetness.

3. Boneless, Skinless Chicken: You can use boneless, skinless thighs or chicken breasts for a leaner option, but the skin-on, bone-in thighs provide more flavor and moisture.

4. Grilled Version: After baking, transfer the chicken to a grill for a couple of minutes to get a smoky, charred finish.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze the chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or microwave until heated through.

FAQs

Can I marinate the chicken before baking?

Yes! For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the seasoning mixture for 30 minutes before baking.

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in?

Yes, but bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs will give the dish more flavor and moisture. If using boneless thighs or breasts, reduce the baking time slightly.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and the juices run clear. A meat thermometer is the best way to check.

Can I make the BBQ sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the BBQ sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

What sides go well with this BBQ chicken?

This BBQ chicken pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.

Conclusion

Oven Baked Sticky BBQ Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds! The combination of seasoned chicken with a sweet and tangy homemade BBQ sauce makes for a mouthwatering meal. With minimal prep and a short cooking time, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy a satisfying and delicious meal!

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