Description
This Sticky BBQ Chicken Bake features succulent bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs seasoned with a flavorful blend of ranch seasoning, onion powder, parsley flakes, black pepper, and salt. Layered over sweet red onion rounds and drizzled with olive oil, the chicken bakes slowly in the oven before being brushed with a tangy and sweet homemade BBQ sauce mixture halfway through baking. The result is tender, juicy chicken with a sticky, caramelized BBQ glaze that’s perfect served alongside creamy mashed potatoes and roasted corn for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients
Seasoning Mix
- 1 packet Hidden Valley ranch seasoning mix
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp parsley flakes
- 1 tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
Main Ingredients
- 1 red onion, sliced into rounds
- 5 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
BBQ Sauce Mixture
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 ½ tbsp apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Prepare the Seasoning Mix: In a small bowl, combine the ranch seasoning mix, onion powder, parsley flakes, black pepper, and salt. Mix well and set aside.
- Arrange Onions and Season Chicken: Place the sliced red onion rounds evenly in a large baking dish. Sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of the prepared seasoning over the onions. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the onions and toss gently to coat. Lay the chicken thighs on top of the onions. Evenly sprinkle the remaining seasoning mixture over the chicken and pat it in carefully. Drizzle the remaining 4 tablespoons of olive oil over the chicken thighs to ensure even coating.
- Bake the Chicken: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the chicken and onions uncovered for 40 minutes to begin cooking the chicken and soften the onions.
- Prepare Sticky BBQ Sauce: While the chicken bakes, whisk together the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar in a measuring cup or small bowl until combined. Set aside.
- Glaze Chicken with BBQ Sauce: After the initial 40 minutes of baking, remove the baking dish from the oven. Using a silicone brush, generously coat the tops of the chicken thighs with the sticky BBQ sauce mixture.
- Finish Baking: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 35 minutes, allowing the sauce to caramelize and the chicken to cook through completely.
- Serve: Once baked, serve the sticky BBQ chicken thighs hot over the roasted onions, accompanied by mashed potatoes and roasted corn for a hearty, flavorful meal. Enjoy!
Notes
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs help keep the meat juicy and flavorful.
- Adjust cooking time slightly depending on the size and thickness of the chicken thighs to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Using a silicone brush helps evenly glaze the chicken with the BBQ sauce for a beautiful sticky finish.
- For extra smoky flavor, consider using a smoky BBQ sauce or adding smoked paprika to the seasoning mix.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: BBQ chicken bake, sticky BBQ chicken, baked chicken thighs, oven-baked BBQ, ranch seasoned chicken, comfort food, easy chicken dinner
