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Caramelized BBQ Chicken Thighs in the Oven Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 96 reviews
  • Author: Mia
  • 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 juicy and flavorful, marinated with a blend of spices, then baked and broiled in the oven for a deliciously sticky, caramelized glaze. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or weekend cookout, they offer smoky, sweet, and savory notes with a crispy finish.

Ingredients

Units Scale

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: Combine the chicken thighs, avocado oil, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and dried mustard in a large sealable container. Toss thoroughly to coat all pieces evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight to enhance flavor. If short on time, you can skip marinating but flavor improves with it.
  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 mat for easy cleanup. Toss the marinated chicken thighs with 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce, leaving any extra sauce behind. Arrange the chicken evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
  3. First bake and flip: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the chicken for 15 minutes. Afterward, remove from the oven and flip each thigh to ensure even cooking and browning.
  4. Brush with BBQ sauce and continue baking: Brush the flipped chicken thighs generously with the reserved BBQ sauce. Return the baking sheet to the oven and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
  5. Broil for caramelized glaze: Remove the chicken once more and increase your oven temperature to broil. Flip the chicken one last time and brush again with BBQ sauce to coat thoroughly. Broil the thighs for 5-6 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning, especially if parchment paper is used. This step crisps the edges and caramelizes the sauce beautifully while ensuring the chicken is cooked through.
  6. Serve: Remove chicken from the oven and serve hot. Provide additional BBQ sauce on the side if desired to enhance the smoky, tangy flavor.

Notes

  • Marinating the chicken enhances flavor but is optional if short on time.
  • Use parchment paper cautiously during broiling to prevent burning; foil or silicone mats are safer.
  • Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
  • Adjust BBQ sauce amount to your taste preference; reserve some for serving.
  • Serve with sides like coleslaw, corn on the cob, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

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