Description
Succulent BBQ chicken brings Southern comfort straight to your dinner table with a mouthwatering blend of smoky spices and tender meat. Crispy edges and juicy interior make this simple recipe a crowd-pleasing favorite you’ll want to serve again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 4 chicken thighs or drumsticks
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Liquids and Oils:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 375F (190C) and positioning a rack in the middle.
- Thoroughly blot chicken pieces with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring crisp exterior.
- Create a robust seasoning blend by generously sprinkling salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika across all chicken surfaces.
- Warm olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat, then carefully sear chicken until a rich golden-brown crust develops on each side.
- Carefully transfer seared chicken to a clean baking dish, then lavishly coat each piece with a thick layer of BBQ sauce, ensuring complete coverage.
- Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, pausing midway to brush additional BBQ sauce for enhanced flavor and moisture.
- Crank oven temperature to 425F to intensify caramelization, continuing to bake for an additional 10 minutes until sauce becomes sticky and chicken edges crisp.
- Remove from oven and allow chicken to rest for 5-7 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and ensuring tender, succulent meat before serving.
Notes
- Searing the chicken before baking locks in moisture and creates a delicious golden-brown exterior that adds incredible depth of flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally for safe consumption, preventing dryness by avoiding overcooking.
- Choose low-sugar BBQ sauce for a healthier version or make your own homemade sauce to control sugar and sodium levels.
- For gluten-free variation, verify BBQ sauce ingredients and use certified gluten-free condiments to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg