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Caramelized BBQ Chicken Thighs in the Oven Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 75 reviews
  • Author: Lily
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This recipe for Caramelized BBQ Chicken Thighs in the Oven delivers tender, flavorful boneless chicken thighs marinated with aromatic spices and baked to perfection with a sticky, caramelized BBQ glaze. The chicken is marinated for at least an hour to deepen the flavors, then baked and broiled to achieve a crispy, caramelized finish, making it a perfect easy weeknight or weekend meal.


Ingredients

Chicken and 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 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, and 1/2 teaspoon dried mustard. Add the chicken thighs and toss to thoroughly coat. Seal the container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight to allow the flavors to infuse the chicken.
  2. Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, aluminum foil, or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
  3. Initial bake: Toss the marinated chicken thighs with 1/4 cup of the BBQ sauce, reserving the remaining sauce for later. Arrange the thighs evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet, leaving behind any excess sauce. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
  4. Flip and baste: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and carefully flip each chicken thigh. Brush each piece generously with the reserved BBQ sauce to develop a rich glaze. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
  5. Broil for caramelization: Remove the chicken again and increase the oven heat to broil. Flip the thighs once more, brush with more BBQ sauce for a thorough glaze, and broil for 5 to 6 minutes until the edges become crispy and the chicken is cooked through. Watch closely if using parchment paper as broiling temperatures vary and can cause burning.
  6. Serve: Once broiled to perfection, remove from oven, let rest briefly, and serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side if desired. Enjoy your caramelized BBQ chicken thighs hot and juicy.

Notes

  • Marinating the chicken for at least 1 hour enhances flavor but can be skipped if short on time.
  • Keep a close watch during broiling to avoid burning, especially if using parchment paper.
  • Use boneless, skinless thighs for quick cooking and easy eating; bone-in will increase cook time.
  • Adjust BBQ sauce quantity based on preferred glaze thickness and flavor intensity.
  • Leftover chicken can be stored tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.