Craving juicy, flavorful barbecue chicken without firing up the grill? Look no further! This recipe for oven-baked BBQ chicken thighs delivers incredible taste and tenderness, taking inspiration from the queen of home cooking herself – the Pioneer Woman. Imagine sinking your teeth into chicken thighs dripping with a rich, tangy barbecue sauce, all achieved effortlessly in your oven. Forget complicated grilling methods, this recipe is all about simplicity and maximum flavor, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend feast.
Close-up of juicy BBQ chicken thighs with BBQ sauce
Why This Pioneer Woman Style BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe Works
This recipe is a winner for several reasons. First, using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs ensures maximum juiciness and flavor. Chicken thighs are naturally more forgiving than breasts, making them less likely to dry out during baking. Secondly, drawing inspiration from Pioneer Woman’s cooking style, this recipe emphasizes ease and foolproof methods. No need to be intimidated by grilling or complicated steps – this oven-baked approach is straightforward and yields consistently delicious results. Finally, the homemade barbecue sauce, enhanced with a touch of jelly, creates a beautiful glaze that caramelizes in the oven, adding a layer of sweetness and depth to the savory chicken.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather these simple ingredients:
- 12 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 3 cups of your favorite barbecue sauce
- ½ cup jelly (apple, peach, or orange marmalade work wonderfully)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Olive oil
- Aluminum foil
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect BBQ Chicken Thighs
Let’s get cooking! Follow these easy steps to create mouthwatering Pioneer Woman inspired BBQ chicken thighs:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly brush the foil with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- First Bake: Arrange the chicken thighs skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes. This initial bake ensures the chicken is cooked through and the skin starts to render.
- Prepare the BBQ Sauce: While the chicken is in the oven, prepare the glaze. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine your 3 cups of barbecue sauce, ½ cup of jelly, and 1 minced clove of garlic. Stir until the jelly is melted and the sauce is heated through.
- Sauce and Flip: After the first 25 minutes, remove the chicken from the oven. Generously brush the tops of the chicken thighs with the barbecue sauce mixture. Carefully flip each thigh using a spatula, being mindful not to tear the skin. Brush the other side with sauce as well.
- Second Bake: Return the chicken to the oven and bake for another 7 minutes.
- More Sauce and Bake Again: Remove from the oven again and brush both sides of the chicken thighs with the remaining sauce. Bake for a final 7 minutes.
- Final Glaze and Roast: For the last bake, remove the chicken, brush with sauce one last time. Increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C). Roast for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is beautifully caramelized. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Let the BBQ chicken thighs rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in even more tender and flavorful chicken.
Oven baked BBQ chicken thighs being brushed with sauce
Serving Suggestions for Pioneer Woman BBQ Chicken
These BBQ chicken thighs are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of side dishes. For a classic comfort food meal, try serving them with creamy macaroni and cheese, just like in the original post’s suggestion! Coleslaw, potato salad, cornbread, or grilled vegetables are also excellent choices. And don’t forget dessert! Consider following the original post’s lead and indulge in vanilla ice cream with homemade hot fudge for a truly memorable meal.
Tips for the Best BBQ Chicken Thighs
- Don’t skip the jelly: The jelly adds a unique sweetness and helps create a beautiful, glossy glaze. Experiment with different flavors like apple, peach, or orange marmalade to find your favorite.
- Use your favorite BBQ sauce: The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability. Choose a barbecue sauce that you love, whether it’s smoky, sweet, or tangy.
- Ensure chicken is cooked through: Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Resting is key: Resist the urge to cut into the chicken immediately after it comes out of the oven. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat.
Platter of delicious Pioneer Woman style BBQ chicken thighs
Final Thoughts
This Pioneer Woman inspired BBQ chicken thighs recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough to serve to guests. The combination of juicy chicken thighs, flavorful barbecue sauce, and simple oven-baking makes this recipe a must-try for any BBQ lover. So, ditch the grill and embrace the ease and deliciousness of this oven-baked BBQ chicken. Your taste buds will thank you!
