Savory Barbecue Baked Chicken Thighs
Indulge in the mouthwatering flavors of these Savory Barbecue Baked Chicken Thighs, a delightful recipe that's not only easy to prepare but also packed with robust taste! The dish features tender chicken thighs marinated in a zesty homemade barbecue sauce made primarily with French's mustard, giving it a unique flavor profile that's hard to resist. Perfectly paired with crispy fries and refreshing coleslaw, this meal is ideal for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends. If you're short on time, feel free to skip browning the chicken, though doing so enhances the overall flavor and thickens the sauce with savory juices. Easily adjustable for sweetness, you can add extra brown sugar for a sweeter bite. Gather your family and experience a comforting, soul-satisfying meal that will undoubtedly become a staple in your household.
4
Servings
500
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken thighs
2 lbs (fresh, skin-on)
seasoning salt
to taste (can substitute with white salt)
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
oil
3-6 tablespoons (for browning)
fresh garlic
1-2 tablespoons (minced)
onion
1 (sliced or coarsely chopped)
green bell pepper
1 small (seeded and finely chopped (optional))
French's yellow mustard
1/4-1/3 cup
ketchup
1/4 cup
cider vinegar
1/3 cup
liquid smoke
1 tablespoon
dark brown sugar
1/3 cup
chili powder
1 tablespoon (or to taste)
cayenne pepper
1 pinch (optional, adjust to heat preference)
black pepper
to taste
seasoning salt
1/4 teaspoon (optional, adjust to taste)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large casserole dish.
2
Evenly spread the sliced onions and optional green bell pepper across the bottom of the baking dish to create a flavorful base.
3
Season the chicken thighs generously with seasoning salt and freshly ground black pepper.
4
In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken thighs and brown them on both sides, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. This step is crucial for flavor, but can be skipped if you're pressed for time.
5
Transfer the browned chicken thighs into the prepared casserole dish, placing them over the onion pepper mixture.
6
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the French's yellow mustard, ketchup, cider vinegar, liquid smoke, dark brown sugar, chili powder, minced garlic, cayenne pepper if desired, and black pepper to create a rich barbecue sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt as preferred.
7
Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are well coated.
8
Using your hands or kitchen tongs, gently turn the chicken to ensure even distribution of the sauce.
9
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the foil in the last 10 minutes for a delicious glaze.
Nutrition Information
30g
Fat
37.5g
Carbs
37.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Barbecue Baked Chicken Thighs?
They are tender chicken thighs marinated in a zesty homemade barbecue sauce and baked until juicy.
What is the primary flavor of the sauce?
The sauce features a unique flavor profile driven by French's mustard, dark brown sugar, and liquid smoke.
Which mustard brand is recommended for this recipe?
French's yellow mustard is specifically recommended to create the unique barbecue flavor profile.
Can I skip browning the chicken in the skillet?
Yes, you can skip browning if you are pressed for time, but doing so enhances the overall flavor and thickens the sauce.
What side dishes pair well with these chicken thighs?
This meal is perfectly paired with crispy fries and refreshing coleslaw.
How long does the chicken need to bake?
The chicken should bake for approximately 40 minutes in a preheated oven.
What oven temperature is required?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
What is the target internal temperature for cooked chicken?
The chicken is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
How can I make the barbecue sauce sweeter?
You can easily adjust the sweetness by adding extra dark brown sugar to the sauce mixture.
What type of vinegar is used in the homemade sauce?
The recipe calls for one third cup of cider vinegar.
Is liquid smoke used in this recipe?
Yes, one tablespoon of liquid smoke is included to provide a rich, smoky barbecue taste.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to provide 4 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 500 calories.
Can I substitute seasoning salt?
Yes, seasoning salt can be substituted with regular white salt if desired.
How long should I brown the chicken thighs?
Brown the seasoned chicken thighs for approximately 3 to 4 minutes per side over medium-high heat.
What ingredients form the base of the baking dish?
A layer of sliced onions and optional green bell peppers forms the flavorful base for the chicken.
Should the casserole dish be greased?
Yes, you should grease a large casserole dish before adding any ingredients.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe suggests using fresh, skin-on chicken thighs.
Why should I remove the foil in the last 10 minutes?
Removing the foil allows the sauce to thicken and create a delicious glaze on the chicken.
Is this recipe suitable for busy weeknights?
Yes, it is an easy-to-prepare meal ideal for weeknights or laid-back weekends.
How can I add heat to the recipe?
You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra chili powder to adjust the spice level.
What type of sugar is recommended for the sauce?
Dark brown sugar is used to provide a deep, rich sweetness to the barbecue sauce.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The recipe requires 1 to 2 tablespoons of minced fresh garlic.
What is the purpose of the oil?
The oil is used in a large skillet to brown the chicken thighs before baking.
How do I ensure the chicken is evenly coated in sauce?
After pouring the sauce, use your hands or kitchen tongs to gently turn the chicken thighs.
Is the green bell pepper a mandatory ingredient?
No, the seeded and finely chopped green bell pepper is an optional addition.
How much fat is in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 30 grams of fat.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 37.5 grams of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 37.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a comforting, soul-satisfying meal that is family-friendly.