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Caramelized BBQ Chicken Thighs in the Oven Recipe

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4 from 53 reviews

  • Author: Ezabella
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This recipe features tender, boneless skinless chicken thighs perfectly marinated with a blend of spices and avocado oil, then baked and broiled with sticky BBQ sauce to achieve a caramelized, lightly charred finish. It’s a simple, gluten-free, and paleo-friendly method to enjoy classic barbecue chicken without needing a grill.

Ingredients

Chicken and Marinade

  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried mustard

BBQ Sauce

  • 1 cup BBQ sauce, plus more for serving

Instructions

  1. Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken thighs to a large sealable container along with 2 tablespoons of avocado oil, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon dried mustard. Toss everything thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly. Refrigerate the mixture for at least 1 hour or up to overnight to allow the flavors to develop. For quicker cooking, you may skip marinating but flavor improves with time.
  2. Bake the chicken thighs: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, aluminum foil, or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup. Toss the marinated chicken thighs with 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce, reserving the remaining BBQ sauce for later. Place the coated thighs on the lined baking sheet, leaving any excess marinade behind. Bake for 15 minutes.
  3. Flip and baste: After 15 minutes, remove the chicken from the oven and flip each piece over. Brush each thigh generously with the reserved BBQ sauce and return to the oven. Bake for an additional 10 minutes to ensure thorough cooking and flavor absorption.
  4. Broil for caramelization: Remove the baking sheet and increase the oven setting to broil. Flip the chicken thighs once more, brush them again with BBQ sauce to create a sticky glaze, and broil for 5-6 minutes until the edges become crispy and caramelized. Watch closely to prevent burning, especially if using parchment paper.
  5. Serve and enjoy: Once cooked through and nicely caramelized, remove the chicken thighs from the oven. Serve hot with extra BBQ sauce on the side if desired for dipping or drizzling. Enjoy your delicious oven-baked caramelized BBQ chicken thighs!

Notes

  • Marinating the chicken for at least an hour enhances flavor but is optional if you’re short on time.
  • Adjust the amount of BBQ sauce to your taste or use your favorite brand or homemade sauce.
  • Keep a close eye during the broiling step as broiling temperatures and times can vary by oven to avoid burning.
  • For a paleo/Whole30 option, use compliant BBQ sauce without added sugars or non-compliant ingredients.
  • To make it dairy-free, ensure your BBQ sauce doesn’t contain dairy ingredients.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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