Caramelized BBQ chicken thighs baked in the oven, garnished and ready to serve

Caramelized BBQ Chicken Thighs in the Oven

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Why Make This Recipe

Caramelized BBQ Chicken Thighs in the Oven are a delightful and simple dish that everyone loves. The chicken turns out juicy with a sweet and tangy BBQ flavor, perfect for family dinners or a casual gathering with friends. Baking the chicken in the oven gives it a beautiful caramelized finish, making it look as good as it tastes. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, needing just a handful of ingredients!

How to Make Caramelized BBQ Chicken Thighs in the Oven

Ingredients:

  • 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
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce

Directions:

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large sealable container, combine chicken thighs, avocado oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and dried mustard. Toss to coat everything well and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least one hour or overnight for best flavor.

  2. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

  3. Prepare and Bake: Take the marinated chicken thighs and toss them with 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce. Place the chicken on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes. After that, flip each thigh, brush with more BBQ sauce, and bake for another 10 minutes.

  4. Broil: Increase the oven heat to broil. Flip the chicken again, brush it with even more BBQ sauce, and broil for about 5-6 minutes until crispy and completely cooked through.

  5. Serve: Enjoy your caramelized BBQ chicken thighs with extra BBQ sauce on the side if desired.

How to Serve Caramelized BBQ Chicken Thighs in the Oven

Serve these delicious BBQ chicken thighs hot from the oven. They pair well with sides like coleslaw, roasted vegetables, baked beans, or cornbread. You can also add them to salads or serve them in sandwiches for a tasty lunch option.

How to Store Caramelized BBQ Chicken Thighs in the Oven

If you have leftovers, let the chicken cool completely before storing. Place the chicken thighs in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can also freeze them for up to three months; just make sure to seal them well to prevent freezer burn.

Tips to Make Caramelized BBQ Chicken Thighs in the Oven

  • For more flavor, let the chicken marinate overnight.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
  • Experiment with different BBQ sauces for varied tastes.
  • If you like a spicy kick, add some chili powder or hot sauce to the marinade.

Variation

You can swap the chicken thighs for chicken drumsticks or breasts. Adjust the cooking time as needed, especially for thinner cuts of meat.

FAQs

Can I use skin-on chicken thighs?
Yes, you can use skin-on thighs for added flavor. Just be aware that it may take a little longer to cook.

What BBQ sauce should I use?
You can use any BBQ sauce you like, whether sweet, tangy, or spicy. Homemade BBQ sauce works great too!

Can I grill these instead of bake them?
Absolutely! You can grill the marinated chicken thighs over medium heat until cooked through and caramelized. Just monitor closely to avoid burning.

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Caramelized BBQ Chicken Thighs in the Oven

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  • Author: angela
  • Total Time: 90 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: None
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Description

Juicy chicken thighs baked to perfection with a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large sealable container, combine chicken thighs, avocado oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and dried mustard. Toss to coat everything well and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least one hour or overnight for best flavor.
  2. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  3. Prepare and Bake: Take the marinated chicken thighs and toss them with 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce. Place the chicken on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes. After that, flip each thigh, brush with more BBQ sauce, and bake for another 10 minutes.
  4. Broil: Increase the oven heat to broil. Flip the chicken again, brush it with even more BBQ sauce, and broil for about 5-6 minutes until crispy and completely cooked through.
  5. Serve: Enjoy your caramelized BBQ chicken thighs with extra BBQ sauce on the side if desired.

Notes

For more flavor, let the chicken marinate overnight and use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.

  • Prep Time: 60 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg

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