Caramelized BBQ Chicken Thighs in the Oven: A Sticky, Sweet, and Irresistible Dish
Who says you need a grill to enjoy sticky, caramelized BBQ chicken? These oven-baked BBQ chicken thighs are juicy, flavorful, and coated in a delicious glaze. Perfect for a hassle-free weeknight dinner or meal prep!
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp avocado oil (or olive oil)
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp dried mustard
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for serving)
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken (1 hour – overnight)
- In a large bowl or sealable container, combine chicken thighs with avocado oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and dried mustard.
- Toss until evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight for deeper flavor).
2. Bake the Chicken (30 minutes total)
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Toss marinated chicken with ¼ cup BBQ sauce (reserve the rest for brushing).
- Arrange thighs on the baking sheet, leaving space between them.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then flip.
- Brush with more BBQ sauce and bake for another 10 minutes.
3. Broil for Caramelization (5-6 minutes)
- Increase heat to broil (500°F/260°C).
- Flip chicken once more and brush generously with remaining BBQ sauce.
- Broil for 5-6 minutes until edges are crispy and sauce is caramelized (watch closely to prevent burning).
4. Serve & Enjoy!
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions.
- Serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side.
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Recommended Equipment
- Rimmed baking sheet
- Kitchen tongs
- Pastry brush
- Measuring cups & spoons
Notes
✔ Marinate for maximum flavor – Letting the chicken sit in the seasoning blend for at least an hour ensures deep flavor.
✔ Line your baking sheet – Use parchment paper, foil, or a silicone mat for easy cleanup.
✔ Watch the broiler – The BBQ sauce can burn quickly under high heat, so keep an eye on it!
✔ Use your favorite BBQ sauce – Choose a store-bought or homemade sauce that fits your dietary needs (sugar-free for Whole30/Paleo).
Nutrition
- Calories: 350 kcal per serving
- Sugar: 15g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g