Baked Barbecue Chicken Thighs with Onions
This baked barbecue chicken thighs recipe is a perfect combination of tender, juicy meat and smoky-sweet barbecue flavors, complemented by caramelized onions. With its simple preparation and rich flavor profile, this dish is ideal for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or meal prepping. The recipe highlights the importance of bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, a flavorful seasoning mix, and your favorite barbecue sauce, all baked to perfection in one pan. Pair it with classic sides like mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad for a complete meal that satisfies every craving.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite variety)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Rub olive oil evenly over each thigh.
- In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Season the chicken thighs generously on all sides with the spice mixture.
- Spread the sliced onions evenly over the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Place the chicken thighs skin-side up on top of the onions.
- Brush barbecue sauce generously over the top of each chicken thigh. Reserve some barbecue sauce for later.
- Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- During the last 5 minutes of baking, brush the remaining barbecue sauce over the chicken and return it to the oven.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve the chicken thighs with the roasted onions and your favorite sides.
Notes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
- Total Time: ~55 minutes
- Servings: 6
Tips for Success:
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe and juicy results.
- Dry the chicken thighs thoroughly for crispier skin.
- Apply barbecue sauce in two stages: once before baking and again during the last 5 minutes for a caramelized glaze.
- Arrange the chicken in the dish with enough space for even heat distribution.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the juices to redistribute.
Storage and Reheating:
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to retain texture and flavor.