Smoky BBQ Chicken Thighs with Cheddar Cornbread Crust

• 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 1/2 cups cornmeal
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Steps

1. 1 Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. 2 Season chicken thighs with smoked paprika and garlic powder.
3. 3 Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken skin-side down for 5 minutes until golden.
4. 4 Flip chicken, pour BBQ sauce over, and transfer skillet to the oven.
5. 5 In a bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in cheese, buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter.
6. 6 After 30 minutes, remove skillet from oven and pour cornbread batter over the chicken.
7. 7 Return skillet to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes, or until cornbread is golden and chicken is cooked through.
8. 8 Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Equipment

• Oven-safe skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk

Variations

• Swap chicken thighs for drumsticks for a different texture.
• Add sautéed onions and bell peppers under the cornbread crust for extra veggies.

Substitutions

• If you don't have buttermilk, use 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar mixed with enough milk to make 1 cup.
• Substitute barbecue sauce with a tangy tomato-based sauce if preferred.

Pairings

• Corn on the cob
• Southern-style collard greens

Nutrition

Tips

• Use bone-in chicken thighs for extra flavor and juiciness.
• For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños to the cornbread batter.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven to maintain crust texture.

Freezing: Freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a 350°F oven.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with coleslaw and baked beans for a classic BBQ meal.
• Pair with a crisp, cold lager to cut through the richness.

FAQ