Print

Caramelized BBQ Chicken Thighs in the Oven

Caramelized BBQ Chicken Thighs in the Oven
Print Recipe

You don’t need a grill to make incredible barbecue chicken. These Caramelized BBQ Chicken Thighs in the Oven are sticky, lightly charred, and incredibly juicy thanks to boneless skinless chicken thighs baked at a high temperature and finished under the broiler. Coated in a simple spice blend and your favorite BBQ sauce, this recipe is easy, family-friendly, and perfect for weeknight dinners. It’s naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, with Whole30 / paleo options depending on the BBQ sauce you choose.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • ½ teaspoon dried mustard

  • 1 cup BBQ sauce, plus more for serving

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

Add the chicken thighs to a large bowl or sealable container. Add avocado oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and dried mustard. Toss well to fully coat.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight. (You can skip marinating in a rush, but the flavor improves with time.)

2. Preheat and Sauce

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, foil, or a silicone baking mat.
Toss the marinated chicken with ¼ cup of BBQ sauce, reserving the rest for brushing.

3. Bake

Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer on the baking sheet, leaving excess sauce behind.
Bake for 15 minutes, remove from the oven, and flip the chicken. Brush generously with reserved BBQ sauce and return to the oven for 10 more minutes.

4. Broil for Caramelization

Remove the chicken and switch the oven to broil. Flip the thighs again and brush with more BBQ sauce for a glossy finish.
Broil for 5–6 minutes, watching closely, until edges are caramelized and slightly charred.

5. Serve

Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve with extra BBQ sauce.

Notes

  • Watch closely while broiling: Broilers vary and can burn quickly.

  • Use smoked paprika: It adds grill-like flavor without a grill.

  • Choose the right BBQ sauce: For Whole30 or paleo, use a compliant sauce with no added sugar.

  • Don’t overcrowd the pan: Space helps the chicken caramelize instead of steam.

  • Juiciest results: Chicken thighs are forgiving, but don’t overcook past 165°F internal temperature.

Find it online: https://biteseason.com/caramelized-bbq-chicken-thighs-in-the-oven/