Dinner

Sticky BBQ Chicken Bake Recipe

ByCharlotte Montgomery February 4, 2026February 4, 2026

Introduction

Sticky BBQ Chicken Bake is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken thighs with a tangy, sweet barbecue glaze. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, it’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.

The image shows a close-up of three pieces of grilled chicken thighs covered in a thick, glossy, dark red barbecue sauce with some charred black spots on top, giving a slightly crispy texture. The chicken thighs rest on a bed of translucent, light beige cooked onions soaking in a rich brown sauce with a shiny surface. A woman's hand holds one piece of the chicken above the white dish, pulling it away from the others below. The scene is set on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 packet of Hidden Valley ranch seasoning mix
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp parsley flakes
1 tsp black pepper
½ tsp salt
1 red onion, sliced into rounds
5 tbsp olive oil, divided
6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
½ cup BBQ sauce
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 ½ tbsp apple cider vinegar

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the ranch seasoning, onion powder, parsley flakes, black pepper, and salt. Set this seasoning mix aside.
Step 2: Place the sliced red onion in a large baking dish and scatter them evenly. Take about one teaspoon of the seasoning mixture and sprinkle it over the onions. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the onions and toss to coat.
Step 3: Arrange the chicken thighs on top of the onions. Sprinkle the remaining seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken, then pat it in gently. Drizzle the remaining 4 tablespoons of olive oil evenly over the chicken thighs.
Step 4: Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 1 hour and 15 minutes total.
Step 5: While the chicken starts baking, prepare the BBQ sauce glaze. In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar until smooth. Set aside.
Step 6: After 40 minutes of baking, carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Use a silicone brush to coat the tops of the chicken thighs with the prepared BBQ sauce mixture.
Step 7: Return the dish to the oven and continue baking for the remaining 35 minutes, allowing the sauce to become sticky and caramelized.
Step 8: Once done, serve the sticky BBQ chicken thighs with mashed potatoes and roasted corn for a satisfying meal. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken with the seasoning mix for a few hours before baking.
Use boneless chicken thighs if you prefer quicker cooking; adjust baking time accordingly.
Swap out BBQ sauce for your favorite variety for different taste profiles.
Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms with the onions for added vegetables.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to keep the chicken juicy and the sauce sticky. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out.