Introduction

Sticky BBQ Chicken Bake is a flavorful and comforting dish perfect for family dinners. Tender chicken thighs are seasoned, baked with onions, and glazed with a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce for a mouthwatering meal.

Sticky BBQ Chicken Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1 packet of Hidden Valley ranch seasoning mix
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp parsley flakes
1 tsp black pepper
½ tsp salt
1 red onion, sliced into rounds
5 tbsp olive oil, divided
6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
½ cup BBQ sauce
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 ½ tbsp apple cider vinegar

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the ranch seasoning, onion powder, parsley flakes, black pepper, and salt. Set this seasoning mix aside.
Step 2: Place the sliced red onion in a large baking dish and scatter evenly. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of the seasoning mix over the onions, drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and toss gently to combine.
Step 3: Arrange the chicken thighs on top of the onions. Sprinkle the remaining seasoning mix evenly over the chicken and pat it in. Drizzle the remaining 4 tablespoons of olive oil over the chicken thighs.
Step 4: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the dish for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Step 5: While the chicken starts cooking, whisk together the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar in a measuring cup or small bowl. Set aside.
Step 6: After the chicken has baked for 40 minutes, remove the dish from the oven. Use a silicone brush to generously coat the chicken thighs with the BBQ sauce mixture.
Step 7: Return the dish to the oven and bake for the remaining 35 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and sticky.
Step 8: Serve hot with mashed potatoes and roasted corn or your favorite sides. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For extra crisp skin, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes after baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Swap the chicken thighs for drumsticks or boneless chicken if preferred, adjusting baking time accordingly.
Add a smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix if you like a little heat.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through to keep the sauce sticky and delicious.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in?

Yes, boneless thighs can be used, but reduce the baking time to about 35-40 minutes to avoid drying out the meat.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Most BBQ sauces and ranch seasoning mixes contain gluten, so check the labels carefully or use certified gluten-free alternatives for a safe option.

Sticky BBQ Chicken Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 141 reviews

This Sticky BBQ Chicken Bake is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs seasoned with a zesty ranch blend and a homemade sticky BBQ sauce. The chicken bakes atop a bed of sweet red onions, creating a deliciously moist and savory meal perfect for family dinners. The recipe finishes with a sticky BBQ glaze that caramelizes in the oven for a mouthwatering finish.

Author: Daniel
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Seasoning Mix

1 packet of Hidden Valley ranch seasoning mix
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp parsley flakes
1 tsp black pepper
½ tsp salt

Main Ingredients

1 red onion, sliced into rounds
5 tbsp olive oil (divided)
6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

Sticky BBQ Sauce

½ cup BBQ sauce
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 ½ tbsp apple cider vinegar

Instructions

Prepare the seasoning mix: In a small bowl, combine the Hidden Valley ranch seasoning mix, onion powder, parsley flakes, black pepper, and salt. Stir well and set aside.
Prepare the baking dish: Place the sliced red onion evenly in a large baking dish. Sprinkle 1 tsp of the seasoning mixture over the onions and drizzle 1 tbsp of olive oil. Toss together to coat the onions well. Arrange the chicken thighs on top of the onion layer.
Season the chicken: Sprinkle the remaining seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken thighs. Pat the seasoning lightly to adhere. Drizzle the remaining 4 tbsp of olive oil evenly over the chicken pieces for moisture and browning.
Bake the chicken: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the baking dish with chicken and onions in the oven and bake for 40 minutes.
Prepare the sticky BBQ sauce: While the chicken is baking, combine the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl or measuring cup. Whisk until smooth and set aside.
Glaze the chicken: After 40 minutes of baking, remove the baking dish from the oven. Using a silicone brush, coat the top of the chicken thighs evenly with the prepared sticky BBQ sauce mixture.
Finish baking: Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the BBQ glaze is sticky and caramelized.
Serve: Remove from the oven and serve hot, ideally with mashed potatoes and roasted corn for a wholesome meal. Enjoy your Sticky BBQ Chicken Bake!

Notes

You can use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for best flavor and juiciness.
Adjust the BBQ sauce and brown sugar quantities based on your sweetness preference.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F for safety.
For extra crisp skin, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes after baking if desired.
This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or corn on the cob.

Keywords: BBQ chicken bake, baked chicken thighs, sticky BBQ chicken, ranch seasoning chicken, easy chicken recipe, oven baked chicken, summer BBQ recipe