Name: BBQ Ranch Chicken Thighs
Ingredients: Chicken Thighs: The star of the show! Choose boneless, skinless thighs for quicker cooking and ease of eating, or bone-in, skin-on for extra flavor and juiciness. About 2 pounds will serve a family of four generously.; BBQ Sauce: Your favorite brand will work perfectly. Opt for a smoky or sweet BBQ sauce depending on your preference. A classic hickory or mesquite flavor is a great choice.; Ranch Dressing: Creamy ranch dressing is the secret ingredient that adds a tangy and herby counterpoint to the BBQ sauce. Use a good quality ranch for the best flavor.; Brown Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness and helps to caramelize the sauce during baking or grilling, creating a beautiful glaze. Light or dark brown sugar both work well.; Worcestershire Sauce: A dash of Worcestershire sauce deepens the flavor profile, adding umami and complexity to the BBQ ranch mixture.; Garlic Powder: Enhances the savory notes of the dish and complements both the BBQ and ranch flavors.; Onion Powder: Similar to garlic powder, onion powder adds another layer of savory depth and aroma.; Smoked Paprika: Brings a smoky and slightly sweet flavor that beautifully complements the BBQ sauce and adds a vibrant color to the chicken.; Salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors. Use kosher salt or sea salt for best results.; Black Pepper: Adds a touch of spice and balances the sweetness of the BBQ sauce and brown sugar. Freshly ground black pepper is recommended for optimal flavor.; Optional Garnishes: Fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a pop of color and freshness before serving. Sesame seeds can also add a nice textural element.

Ingredients

Chicken Thighs: The star of the show! Choose boneless, skinless thighs for quicker cooking and ease of eating, or bone-in, skin-on for extra flavor and juiciness. About 2 pounds will serve a family of four generously.
BBQ Sauce: Your favorite brand will work perfectly. Opt for a smoky or sweet BBQ sauce depending on your preference. A classic hickory or mesquite flavor is a great choice.
Ranch Dressing: Creamy ranch dressing is the secret ingredient that adds a tangy and herby counterpoint to the BBQ sauce. Use a good quality ranch for the best flavor.
Brown Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness and helps to caramelize the sauce during baking or grilling, creating a beautiful glaze. Light or dark brown sugar both work well.
Worcestershire Sauce: A dash of Worcestershire sauce deepens the flavor profile, adding umami and complexity to the BBQ ranch mixture.
Garlic Powder: Enhances the savory notes of the dish and complements both the BBQ and ranch flavors.
Onion Powder: Similar to garlic powder, onion powder adds another layer of savory depth and aroma.
Smoked Paprika: Brings a smoky and slightly sweet flavor that beautifully complements the BBQ sauce and adds a vibrant color to the chicken.
Salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors. Use kosher salt or sea salt for best results.
Black Pepper: Adds a touch of spice and balances the sweetness of the BBQ sauce and brown sugar. Freshly ground black pepper is recommended for optimal flavor.
Optional Garnishes: Fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a pop of color and freshness before serving. Sesame seeds can also add a nice textural element.

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Instructions

Preheat Your Oven or Grill: If baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If grilling, preheat your grill to medium heat, around 350-450°F (175-230°C). Make sure your grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
Prepare the BBQ Ranch Sauce: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Stir until all ingredients are well combined and the sauce is smooth and homogenous.
Season the Chicken Thighs: Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl. Season them generously with salt and black pepper on both sides. Ensure each thigh is evenly seasoned to maximize flavor in every bite.
Coat the Chicken in Sauce: Pour the BBQ ranch sauce over the seasoned chicken thighs. Toss to coat the chicken thoroughly, ensuring each piece is generously covered in the flavorful sauce. You can use your hands or tongs to make sure the chicken is evenly coated. For maximum flavor penetration, you can let the chicken marinate in the sauce for at least 30 minutes, or even up to a couple of hours in the refrigerator. This step is optional but highly recommended for a richer taste.
Bake or Grill the Chicken:
- Baking: Arrange the sauced chicken thighs in a single layer in a baking dish. Make sure they are not overcrowded, as this can steam the chicken instead of baking it properly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). To get a nice caramelized glaze, you can broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking time, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning.
- Grilling: Place the sauced chicken thighs on the preheated grill. Grill for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Grill over medium heat to prevent the sauce from burning before the chicken is cooked. You can move the chicken to indirect heat if the sauce starts to darken too quickly. Grilling will impart a wonderful smoky flavor to the chicken.
Rest and Garnish (Optional): Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven or grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions if desired for a touch of freshness and visual appeal. Sesame seeds can also be sprinkled on top for added texture.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the BBQ Ranch Chicken Thighs hot. They are delicious on their own or paired with your favorite side dishes. See the “How to Serve” section for serving suggestions.

Nutrition

Serving Size: one normal portion
Calories: 450
Protein: 35g