Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with a dish that’s bursting with flavor and reminiscent of your favorite BBQ joint? Look no further than this Copycat Brooks BBQ Chicken recipe! With its tender, juicy chicken thighs slathered in a tangy BBQ sauce and seasoned to perfection, this dish promises to be a hit at your dinner table. Whether you're hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself to a delicious meal, this recipe is sure to impress. Get ready to uncover the secrets to making BBQ chicken that rivals your favorite restaurant—your taste buds will thank you!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove chicken thighs from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to reach room temperature, which ensures more even cooking.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to create a dry rub seasoning.
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve crispy skin.
- Generously season both sides of the chicken thighs with the prepared spice mixture, ensuring even coverage.
- Place seasoned chicken thighs skin-side up on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece for proper air circulation.
- Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- During the last 10 minutes of cooking, brush each chicken thigh generously with BBQ sauce, allowing it to caramelize slightly.
- Remove from oven and let chicken rest for 5-7 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring moist meat.
- Serve hot, optionally drizzling additional BBQ sauce over the chicken before plating.
Tips
- Bring Chicken to Room Temperature: Before cooking, let your chicken thighs sit out for about 30 minutes. This helps them cook more evenly, resulting in juicy, tender meat.
- Preheat Your Oven: Always preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) for optimal cooking conditions. A properly heated oven ensures that your chicken cooks evenly and achieves that perfect crispy skin.
- Make a Flavor-Packed Dry Rub: Combine garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to create a delicious dry rub. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds depth to your BBQ chicken.
- Pat Dry for Crispiness: Don’t skip the step of patting the chicken dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is key to achieving that coveted crispy skin.
- Space Out the Chicken: When placing your chicken thighs on the baking sheet, leave some space between each piece. This allows hot air to circulate, ensuring even cooking and a nice crisp.
- Monitor Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check that your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This guarantees that your chicken is safely cooked and juicy.
- Brush with BBQ Sauce: For that irresistible caramelized finish, brush your chicken with BBQ sauce during the last 10 minutes of baking. This adds a beautiful glaze and enhances the flavor.
- Let It Rest: After removing the chicken from the oven, let it rest for 5-7 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping your chicken moist and flavorful.
- Serve with Extra Sauce: For an extra burst of flavor, drizzle additional BBQ sauce over the chicken just before serving. It’s the perfect finishing touch!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 110mg
