Cook’s Illustrated recipe for baked chicken that is crispy and tender. Topped with a homemade sugar-free BBQ sauce.
What you need:
8 bone-in chicken thighs
1.25 teaspoons kosher salt
Freshly ground pepper
Olive oil
What you do:
1. Put oven racks in middle and lower positions. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Place a rimmed baking sheet lined with foil on the lower rack.
2. Wash and dry all chicken thighs.
3. With a paring knife or fork poke chicken thighs 10 to 12 times. Then lightly cover with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. If the pieces have skin, place them on the baking dish skin side down. You’ll hear a sizzle from the cold meat hitting the hot pan.
4. Let it cook until the meat thermometer reads 165 degrees. It’ll take about 20 to 25 minutes. Rotate pan once halfway through.
5. Remove pan from oven. Preheat broiler. Remove the fat rendered from the pan. Dispose or save for later.
6. Flip over the chicken (skin side up if your chicken has skin) and put under broiler for 3-5 minutes. Rotate the sheet as needed for even browning.
7. Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes before eating.
Follow the food 