Baked Barbecue Chicken Thighs with Onions: A Flavorful Delight
Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dinner recipe? Look no further than Baked Barbecue Chicken Thighs with Onions. This dish combines tender chicken thighs with savory barbecue sauce and caramelized onions, creating a mouthwatering meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the recipe step by step, including cook notes, variations, and even keto and low-carb versions for those following specific diets.
Ingredients:
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather all the ingredients we’ll need:
- 8 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 1 large onion, peeled and sliced into rings
- 1 cup of your favorite barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Now, let’s get cooking:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Chicken Thighs: Season the chicken thighs with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, ensuring they’re evenly coated.
- Caramelize Onions: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until they are soft and golden brown, about 8-10 minutes. Set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Coat Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken thighs in a baking dish. Pour the barbecue sauce mixture over the chicken, making sure each piece is coated evenly.
- Add Onions: Arrange the caramelized onions on top of the chicken thighs, spreading them out evenly.
- Bake: Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbling and caramelized.
- Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, remove the baking dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Cook Notes and Variations:
Here are some tips and variations to enhance your Baked Barbecue Chicken Thighs with Onions:
- Marinate Chicken: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken thighs in the barbecue sauce mixture for 1-2 hours before baking.
- Add Heat: If you like spicy food, add a dash of hot sauce or chili powder to the barbecue sauce mixture for a kick of heat.
- Use Different Sauces: Experiment with different barbecue sauces to change up the flavor profile of the dish. From smoky to sweet and tangy, there are endless options to explore.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
For those following a keto or low-carb diet, here’s how you can modify the recipe:
Keto Version:
- Choose Low-Carb Barbecue Sauce: Look for sugar-free or low-carb barbecue sauces to reduce the carb content of the dish.
- Replace Onions: While onions add flavor, they also contain carbs. Consider reducing the amount of onions or omitting them altogether to lower the carb count.
Low-Carb Version:
- Skip Barbecue Sauce: Instead of using traditional barbecue sauce, opt for a homemade sauce made with tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, and spices to keep the carb count low.
- Serve with Low-Carb Sides: Pair the Baked Barbecue Chicken Thighs with Onions with low-carb side dishes such as roasted vegetables or a fresh salad to create a balanced meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Let’s address some common questions about making Baked Barbecue Chicken Thighs with Onions:
Q: Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe? A: Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer. Just keep in mind that they may cook slightly faster than bone-in, skin-on thighs, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the chicken thighs and onions in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. When ready to serve, simply assemble the dish and bake as directed.
Q: Can I grill the chicken instead of baking it? A: Absolutely! You can grill the seasoned chicken thighs over medium heat until they are cooked through, then top them with the caramelized onions and a drizzle of barbecue sauce before serving.
Baked Barbecue Chicken Thighs with Onions is a simple yet satisfying dish that’s sure to please your taste buds. With its tender chicken, sweet and tangy barbecue sauce, and caramelized onions, it’s a flavor-packed meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or hosting a backyard barbecue, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Give it a try and enjoy the irresistible combination of flavors!