These caramelized BBQ chicken thighs are so tasty and easy to make! The chicken gets a sweet and sticky glaze that makes every bite delicious. Plus, cooking them in the oven means no messy grilling!
I love how simple it is to whip these up. Just coat the chicken in BBQ sauce, pop it in the oven, and let the magic happen. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs are perfect for this recipe. They’re juicy and flavorful. If you need a lower-fat option, skinless thighs can work, but they won’t caramelize as beautifully.
BBQ Sauce: You can use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce or make your own. For a healthier option, try a sugar-free or low-sugar sauce. My tip? A bit of apple cider vinegar can add a tangy kick!
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds sweetness and helps with caramelization. If you want a substitute, coconut sugar or maple syrup can bring a delicious flavor, although the caramelization might be slightly different.
Spices: The blend includes garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. If you don’t have smoked paprika, any paprika works, but it won’t have that smoky flavor. Add a dash of liquid smoke if you like!
Fresh Parsley: This garnishing adds color and freshness. If you don’t have parsley, cilantro or green onions can also brighten up the dish.
How Do I Get the Perfectly Crispy Skin on My Chicken?
Crispy skin is all about technique. Start by patting the chicken thighs dry; this helps them brown better. When you sear them in a hot skillet, keep the skin side down for maximum crispiness. Here are some steps to follow:
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken. This helps the skin to crisp up quickly.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan as it can lower the temperature and steam the chicken. Work in batches if necessary.
- After searing, don’t flip the chicken too soon! Let it get nice and brown before turning it over.
- Finally, the broiler step is key! Keep an eye on it to avoid any burning, but this is where you get extra caramelization.
With this approach, you should have beautifully caramelized, crispy-skinned chicken thighs every time!
Caramelized BBQ Chicken Thighs in the Oven
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 6 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
For the Spice Mixture:
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Cooking:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 10 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to cook. You’ll spend a few minutes mixing spices and searing the chicken, then just let it bake in the oven. It’s a quick and scrumptious meal to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, set your oven to preheat at 400°F (200°C). This way, it’ll be nice and hot when you’re ready to bake the chicken!
2. Prepare the Spice Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This spice blend is going to add great flavor to your chicken!
3. Season the Chicken:
Take your chicken thighs and pat them dry using paper towels. This step helps the skin get crispy. Rub your spice mixture all over the chicken thighs, making sure they are well coated.
4. Sear the Chicken:
In a large ovenproof skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs skin-side down. Sear them for about 5-7 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy. This adds a lovely texture to the chicken!
5. Add the BBQ Sauce:
Carefully flip the chicken thighs over. Now, pour the BBQ sauce evenly over the top of the chicken. Make sure to cover them well to help with that caramelized flavor!
6. Bake the Chicken:
Transfer your skillet into the preheated oven. Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). You want it to be fully cooked but still juicy!
7. Broil for Extra Caramelization:
If you want an extra caramelized touch, switch on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Just keep a close eye on your chicken to avoid burning. It should get beautifully golden!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. After that, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color. Your caramelized BBQ chicken thighs are ready to be served—enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs, but note that cooking time will be shorter. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Just keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t dry out!
What If I Don’t Have BBQ Sauce?
No worries! You can easily make a quick homemade BBQ sauce by mixing 1/2 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce. Feel free to adjust the sweetness to your taste!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave them, but the oven will help maintain the crispiness of the skin.
Can I Cook This on the Grill Instead?
Absolutely! Preheat your grill to medium heat and cook the chicken thighs for about 6-7 minutes per side, brushing with BBQ sauce towards the end to achieve that delicious caramelization. Make sure to check the internal temperature as well!
