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Caramelized BBQ Chicken Thighs

This easy recipe for Caramelized BBQ Chicken Thighs in the Oven brings sweet-charred glaze and juicy meat together in one simple dish, perfect for busy weeknights.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Protein
  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
Oil & Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite store-bought or homemade) Use a thick, flavorful sauce.
Spices & Seasoning
  • 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

Method
 

Marinating
  1. In a large sealable container, combine chicken thighs, avocado oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and dried mustard. Toss to coat and marinate in the refrigerator for at least one hour or overnight.
Baking
  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Toss marinated chicken thighs with 1/4 cup BBQ sauce. Place on the baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes.
  3. Flip each thigh, brush with reserved sauce, and bake for another 10 minutes.
  4. Increase oven heat to broil. Flip chicken again, brush with more BBQ sauce, and broil for 5–6 minutes until crispy and cooked through.
  5. Enjoy your caramelized BBQ chicken thighs with extra BBQ sauce as desired.

Notes

Dry the chicken briefly with paper towels before marinating so the oil and spices stick better. Use a thick, flavorful BBQ sauce — thinner sauces can burn under the broiler. Watch the broiler closely; sugars caramelize fast and can go from perfect to burnt in a minute. Let the chicken rest 5 minutes before serving to redistribute juices. For extra tenderness, marinate overnight.