These caramelized BBQ chicken thighs are a treat! They’re juicy, sweet, and have that sticky glaze that makes them hard to resist. Plus, they’re cooked right in the oven!
Cooking these thighs is so simple! Just slather on the BBQ sauce and let the oven do the magic. I often pair them with rice or veggies for a delicious meal, and they always get devoured! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are perfect for this recipe! They stay juicy while cooking. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you could use skinless chicken thighs or breasts, but they’ll be less juicy.
BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, try homemade sauce or switch to a sugar-free version for fewer calories. Just ensure it’s flavorful enough as it greatly impacts the dish.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds sweetness and helps with caramelization. If you don’t have any, you can use honey or maple syrup, but adjust the amount since they’re sweeter. Coconut sugar is another good substitute.
Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika are key here. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika or cayenne pepper can work. You can also use fresh garlic and onions for extra flavor.
What’s the Best Way to Achieve Crispy Skin on the Chicken?
To get that delicious crispy skin, start by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This removes excess moisture, which helps the skin crisp up when searing.
- Heat your skillet to medium-high heat and make sure the oil is hot before adding the chicken.
- Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and avoid moving them around to allow a nice golden-brown crust to form.
- Keep an eye on the chicken to avoid burning, adjusting the heat as needed.
After searing, pouring the BBQ sauce mixture over the chicken while it’s still in the skillet keeps it moist during baking. The final broiling step gives that ultimate caramelization!
Caramelized BBQ Chicken Thighs in the Oven
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your preferred brand)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 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 of prep time and 30-35 minutes of cooking time in the oven. Altogether, you’ll need about 45-50 minutes to make delicious caramelized BBQ chicken thighs that are sure to impress!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure your chicken cooks perfectly as it caramelizes in the oven.
2. Prepare the BBQ Sauce Mixture:
In a small bowl, combine your BBQ sauce and brown sugar. Stir it well until the sugar is completely dissolved. This mixture will add a sweet and tangy glaze to your chicken.
3. Season the Chicken Thighs:
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will help the skin get crispy. Season both sides of the thighs with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure each piece is well coated!
4. Sear the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs, skin-side down. Sear them for about 5-6 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. This step adds flavor and texture!
5. Add the BBQ Sauce:
Carefully flip the chicken thighs over so they’re skin-side up. Pour the BBQ sauce mixture over the top, ensuring that each thigh is well coated with that yummy sauce.
6. Bake in the Oven:
Transfer your skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know the chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer if you have one!
7. Broil for Extra Crispiness:
If you want an extra caramelized finish, switch your oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on the chicken during this time to prevent burning!
8. Rest and Serve:
Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep it juicy. Before serving, sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a fresh touch!
Enjoy your caramelized BBQ chicken thighs with your favorite sides!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs can be used, but reduce the cooking time to about 20-25 minutes to prevent them from drying out. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
What BBQ Sauce Works Best for This Recipe?
Feel free to use your favorite BBQ sauce! Sweet sauces like honey BBQ can amplify the caramelization, while spicy sauces add a kick. If you prefer a homemade option, a blend of ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and spices works beautifully too!
How Do I Store Leftover Chicken Thighs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, ideally covered with foil to retain moisture.
Can I Adjust the Seasonings in This Recipe?
Definitely! You can customize the seasonings to your taste. Add some cayenne for heat or swap smoked paprika for regular paprika if you prefer a milder flavor. Just keep the balance in mind!
