These caramelized BBQ chicken thighs are a tasty treat! The sweet and sticky sauce gives them a beautiful glaze while baking in the oven, making them super easy to prepare.
Perfect for family dinners or BBQ nights, these thighs are juicy and flavorful. I love serving them with some cornbread—it’s the best combo ever! 🍗😋
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs provide the best flavor and juiciness. If you like, you can use boneless thighs or chicken breasts. Just note that cooking times may change for boneless cuts.
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite brand or flavor! For a twist, try homemade BBQ sauce or a sugar-free alternative if you’re watching your sugar intake.
Brown Sugar: It adds sweetness and helps with caramelization. You can substitute it with honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar for a different taste.
Smoked Paprika: This spice gives a nice smoky flavor. If you don’t have it, regular paprika will work, or even cayenne pepper for a bit of heat. Just use less!
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Thighs Are Always Juicy and Flavorful?
Marinating the chicken in the BBQ sauce mixture is key! This allows the flavors to soak into the meat. Aim to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but overnight is best. This extra time makes a world of difference!
- To coat evenly, use your hands to massage the sauce into the chicken. This helps ensure all sides are well covered.
- When baking, place the thighs skin side up. This method lets the skin crisp up nicely while keeping the meat moist.
- Lastly, broiling for a few minutes gives a gorgeous caramelized finish. Don’t walk away; it can go from perfect to burnt quickly!
How to Make Caramelized BBQ Chicken Thighs in the Oven
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 chicken thighs, skin-on and bone-in
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your choice of flavor)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep and at least 30 minutes for marinating. You’ll also need about 30 minutes to bake the chicken. In total, you’re looking at around 1 hour if you include marinating time, but it’s absolutely worth it for the flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This is the perfect temperature for getting those chicken thighs nice and crispy!
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a large bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir it all together until everything is well mixed. The mixture should smell amazing!
3. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and make sure they are coated thoroughly with the BBQ sauce mixture. Let them soak in those flavors for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, you can even marinate them overnight in the refrigerator for an extra boost of flavor.
4. Arrange the Chicken:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil to make clean-up easier. Place the marinated chicken thighs on the baking sheet, skin side up, ensuring they have a little space between them.
5. Bake the Chicken:
Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
6. Broil for Caramelization:
If you want that beautiful caramelized finish, switch your oven to broil. Cook the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes, but watch it closely, as it can burn quickly!
7. Let it Rest:
Once the chicken is done, take it out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the chicken juicy. Then, slice it up if you desire.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley over your caramelized BBQ chicken thighs for a pop of color and flavor. Serve them up with your favorite sides, and enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs! Just reduce the baking time slightly, checking for doneness around 20-25 minutes. The internal temperature should still reach 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
What If I Don’t Have BBQ Sauce?
No worries! You can create a quick substitute by mixing ketchup, vinegar, honey, and some spices like smoked paprika and garlic powder. This combo will yield a tasty alternative that works well in this recipe!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave for a few minutes, or reheating in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Can I Grill These Chicken Thighs Instead?
Absolutely! If you’d prefer grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the marinated chicken thighs for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until they reach the safe internal temperature. Brush with extra BBQ sauce during the last few minutes for added flavor!
