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Caramelized BBQ Chicken Thighs in the Oven

These Caramelized BBQ Chicken Thighs in the Oven are juicy, tender, and coated in a sticky, smoky-sweet barbecue glaze. Perfectly baked and caramelized, they’re an easy dinner option that tastes like classic BBQ without needing a grill.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken
  • 2 lbs chicken thighs bone-in, skin-on preferred
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • BBQ Glaze
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ tsp chili powder optional

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a rack on top if available.
  2. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
  3. Rub chicken with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and onion powder.
  4. Place chicken on baking sheet and bake for 25–30 minutes.
  5. While chicken bakes, mix BBQ sauce, honey, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and chili powder in a bowl.
  6. Remove chicken from oven and brush generously with BBQ glaze.
  7. Return to oven and bake for another 15–20 minutes, until fully cooked and caramelized.
  8. Optional: Broil for 2–3 minutes for extra sticky, charred glaze (watch carefully).
  9. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
  • Bone-in thighs give the juiciest results, but boneless can be used (reduce cook time).
  • Use thick BBQ sauce for best caramelization.
  • Don’t skip resting time to keep chicken juicy.
  • Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Great for meal prep and reheats well in the oven.