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Barbecue Chicken Recipe With Barbecue Sauce
Sheila Browder

Barbecue Chicken Recipe With Barbecue Sauce

Barbecue chicken is a staple for many of us, loved by kids, adults, and everyone in between. It evokes memories of sunny days and casual nights filled with chatter and tasty bites. By using juicy chicken pieces and a simple yet flavorful barbecue sauce, this dish celebrates comfort food at its best. 
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 46 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • To make your barbecue chicken gather the following ingredients:
  • - 8-10 chicken thighs and/or drumsticks bone-in, skin-on for maximum flavor
  • - 2 cups of your favorite barbecue sauce feel free to experiment with different flavors
  • - 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil or canola oil for a neutral flavor
  • - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika to add a subtle smokiness
  • - 1 teaspoon garlic powder for an extra depth of flavor

Equipment

  •  Rimmed baking sheet
  • basting brush
  • Meat thermometer

Method
 

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
  1. First things first, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Getting that oven nice and toasty before the chicken hits the pan makes a world of difference.
Step 2: Prep the Chicken
  1. Grab your chicken pieces and place them in a large bowl. Drizzle the olive oil over them, making sure to coat each piece thoroughly. Season generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Rub the spices in well— this is where flavor begins.
Step 3: Arrange on the Baking Sheet
  1. Take a rimmed baking sheet and lay the chicken pieces skin-side down. Make sure they’re spread out evenly; this allows for optimal cooking and even browning. Prepare for delicious aromas to start filling your kitchen.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
  1. Pop that baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 25 minutes. This initial roasting helps render some of the fat from the skin, leading to a beautifully crispy finish later.
Step 5: Increase the Heat
  1. After 25 minutes, remove the chicken from the oven. Be prompt about it—closing the door quickly helps keep the heat in! Turn your oven temperature up to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 6: Baste with Barbecue Sauce
  1. Use a basting brush to coat the tops of the chicken pieces with barbecue sauce. Then, gently flip them over using a spatula, taking care not to tear the skin. Baste the other side as well.
Step 7: Continue Baking
  1. Return the chicken to the oven and let it bake for seven more minutes. This is where the sauce starts to caramelize and infuse flavor.
Step 8: Repeat the Basting Process
  1. Remove the chicken again after that time has passed. Baste the top again with a generous coat of barbecue sauce. Place it back in the oven for another seven minutes.
Step 9: Flip and Baste One More Time
  1. We’re not done yet! You’ll want to repeat this basting process one more time, flipping the chicken over again and baking for another seven minutes. You’re looking for the chicken to reach a beautiful golden color.
Step 10: Check the Temperature
  1. After a total baking time of 46 minutes, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, aiming for at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. If you like dark meat, for optimal tenderness, aim for 180-190 degrees Fahrenheit. Don’t hesitate to put it back in the oven for a few more minutes if it needs it.
Step 11: Broil for Extra Crispiness (If Desired)
  1. If after all that your chicken isn’t as crispy as you’d like, switch your oven to broil mode. Place the rack higher up and let the chicken broil for about 3-5 minutes, keeping a close eye on it.
Step 12: Let the Chicken Rest
  1. Finally, allow the chicken to sit for about 5-10 minutes after cooking. This not only cools it slightly but also redistributes those delightful juices within the meat.

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcal

Notes

- Tip 1: Always preheat your oven. It sets the cooking stage for success.
- Tip 2: For a spicier kick, look into adding a splash of hot sauce to the barbecue sauce.
- Tip 3: Don’t skip the resting time after cooking; it’s essential for juicy chicken.
- Tip 4: You can use a combination of chicken pieces for varied texture and flavor.
- Tip 5: Leftover chicken can be shredded and used in sandwiches or salads.

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