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Caramelized BBQ Chicken Thighs in the Oven Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 65 reviews
  • Author: Paula
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These Caramelized BBQ Chicken Thighs are a flavorful and juicy oven-baked dish perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner. Marinated in a blend of spices and avocado oil, then baked and broiled with tangy BBQ sauce, they develop a beautifully caramelized, crispy exterior while staying tender inside. Easy to prepare and packed with smoky, savory flavor, this recipe yields four satisfying servings.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Chicken Marinade

  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried mustard

BBQ Sauce

  • 1 cup BBQ sauce, plus more for serving

Instructions

  1. Marinate the chicken. In a large sealable container, combine the chicken thighs with 2 tablespoons of avocado oil, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and dried mustard. Toss everything together thoroughly to evenly coat the chicken. Seal the container and refrigerate for at least one hour or up to overnight to let the flavors penetrate the meat. If short on time, you can skip marinating, but the flavor is enhanced with this step.
  2. Bake the chicken thighs. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, aluminum foil, or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup. Toss the marinated chicken thighs with 1/4 cup of the BBQ sauce, reserving the remainder for later. Arrange the thighs on the baking sheet, leaving behind any excess sauce. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes.
  3. Flip and brush with BBQ sauce. Remove the baking sheet from the oven carefully and flip each chicken thigh. Generously brush each piece with the reserved BBQ sauce to add moisture and flavor. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes to continue cooking the chicken through.
  4. Broil for caramelization. After the second bake, increase the oven temperature to broil. Flip the chicken once more and apply another coat of BBQ sauce to create a thick, glossy glaze. Place the baking sheet back in the oven on the broil setting for 5-6 minutes, keeping a close eye on the chicken to prevent burning, especially if using parchment paper. The broiling step will crisp the edges and caramelize the sauce beautifully, indicating the chicken is fully cooked and deliciously glazed.
  5. Serve and enjoy. Once the chicken thighs are crisp and cooked through, remove them from the oven. Serve immediately with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping, and enjoy the perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors.

Notes

  • Marinating the chicken overnight will yield the best flavor and tenderness.
  • Be cautious when broiling, as oven temperatures vary and parchment paper can burn easily.
  • Use thick, high-quality BBQ sauce for the best caramelization and flavor.
  • Chicken thighs can be substituted with bone-in thighs, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
  • Serve with sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.

Find it online: https://piesbypaula.com/caramelized-bbq-chicken-thighs-in-the-oven-recipe/