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caramelized-bbq-chicken-thighs----quick--juicy-and-tender_feature

Caramelized BBQ Chicken Thighs - Quick Juicy Oven-Baked Dinner

These caramelized BBQ chicken thighs are a perfect weeknight dinner with a sticky sweet glaze and juicy, tender meat that falls off the bone. The recipe uses a simple sheet pan and oven to deliver restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds)
  • 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
  2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Rub this mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken thighs.
  3. Place the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side up on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes to start the cooking process and render some of the fat.
  4. While the chicken bakes, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar.
  5. After 20 minutes, remove the chicken from the oven and brush generously with the BBQ glaze. Return to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the glaze is bubbly and caramelized.
  6. For extra caramelization, you can broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry before seasoning is crucial for crispy skin. Bone-in, skin-on thighs stay juicier; for boneless thighs, reduce cooking time by 5-7 minutes. The glaze can be customized with chili powder for heat or honey for extra sweetness.