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Caramelized BBQ Chicken Thighs in the Oven Recipe

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  • Author: Villerius
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This recipe for Caramelized BBQ Chicken Thighs features boneless, skinless chicken thighs marinated in a flavorful blend of spices and avocado oil, then baked and broiled in the oven with tangy BBQ sauce for a deliciously caramelized and crispy finish. Perfect for a satisfying dinner with a smoky, sweet glaze and crispy edges.

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: In a large sealable container, combine the chicken thighs with 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. Toss well to coat the chicken thoroughly with the marinade. Seal the container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight to allow flavors to develop. (You may skip marinating in a hurry, but marinating enhances the flavor.)
  2. Bake the chicken thighs: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, aluminum foil, or a silicone baking mat. Toss the marinated chicken thighs with 1/4 cup of the BBQ sauce, reserving the remaining sauce for later. Arrange the chicken thighs evenly on the lined baking sheet, leaving excess sauce behind. Bake for 15 minutes.
  3. Flip and brush with BBQ sauce: Remove the chicken from the oven and flip each thigh. Brush each piece generously with the reserved BBQ sauce. Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
  4. Broil for caramelization: Remove the chicken again, increase the oven setting to broil, and carefully flip the chicken once more. Brush each thigh with more BBQ sauce to fully coat them with a glaze. Broil for 5 to 6 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning, until the edges become crispy and the chicken is cooked through.
  5. Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and serve immediately with extra BBQ sauce on the side if desired. Enjoy the tender, flavorful, and crispy caramelized BBQ chicken thighs.

Notes

  • Marinating the chicken for at least an hour enhances flavor but is not mandatory.
  • Use a thermometer to ensure chicken thighs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
  • If broiling with parchment paper, watch closely to prevent burning as broiling temperatures vary.
  • Adjust BBQ sauce amount based on your sweetness and tang preference.
  • This recipe works well with bone-in thighs but will require longer cooking time.

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