Description
Spicy barbecue chicken thighs with onions deliver bold flavors from Mexican cuisine. Grilled ingredients blend smoky seasonings and caramelized sweetness, creating a memorable meal that satisfies hearty appetites.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 chicken thighs (bone-in and skin-on)
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 large onion (peeled and sliced into rings)
- Salt (to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Marinade Preparation: Whisk barbecue sauce, extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder into a harmonious blend of tangy and smoky flavors.
- Chicken Seasoning: Thoroughly season chicken thighs with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring comprehensive flavor penetration.
- Initial Baking Setup: Line baking sheet with aluminum foil, arrange chicken skin-side down with ample spacing, and preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- First Sauce Application: Generously brush chicken with half the prepared marinade, strategically placing thin onion rings across the surface to infuse additional depth.
- Primary Roasting Phase: Bake for 25 minutes, allowing chicken to cook and absorb initial flavor profiles, then carefully flip and coat with remaining barbecue sauce.
- Final Cooking Stage: Continue baking for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), then activate broiler for 3-4 minutes to achieve caramelized, crispy exterior.
- Resting and Serving: Remove from oven, let chicken rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices, and optionally garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow chicken to sit in marinade for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance taste absorption and tenderness.
- Master Skin Crispiness: Pat chicken thighs dry before seasoning to ensure crispy, golden-brown skin during roasting and broiling.
- Temperature Precision Matters: Use a meat thermometer to accurately check internal temperature, preventing undercooked or dry chicken.
- Sauce Application Strategy: Apply barbecue sauce in layers during cooking to build depth of flavor and create a beautiful caramelized exterior.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking, Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg