Description
This recipe for Caramelized BBQ Chicken Thighs features boneless skinless chicken marinated in a flavorful blend of spices and avocado oil, then baked and broiled in the oven with a rich BBQ sauce glaze. The result is tender, juicy chicken with a beautifully caramelized, crispy exterior perfect for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
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
- Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken thighs to a large sealable container, then add 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. Seal the container and refrigerate for at least one hour or up to overnight to allow the flavors to meld. While marinating improves flavor, you can skip this step if short on time.
- Bake the chicken thighs: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, aluminum foil, or a silicone baking mat. Toss the marinated chicken thighs with 1/4 cup of the BBQ sauce, reserving the remaining sauce for later. Spread the chicken thighs out on the lined sheet, leaving excess sauce behind. Bake for 15 minutes to start cooking and slightly caramelize.
- Flip and glaze: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and flip each chicken thigh. Brush each piece generously with the reserved BBQ sauce to build layers of flavor and moisture. Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Broil to caramelize: Remove the chicken again and increase the oven temperature to broil. Flip the thighs once more and brush with the remaining BBQ sauce thoroughly to create a thick glaze. Broil for 5 to 6 minutes until the edges become crispy and caramelized. Keep a close eye on the chicken during broiling to prevent burning, especially if using parchment paper.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the caramelized BBQ chicken thighs hot with extra BBQ sauce on the side if desired. Enjoy the juicy, flavorful, and perfectly caramelized chicken!
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for at least an hour improves flavor but is optional.
- Broiling requires attention as it can quickly burn food, particularly if using parchment paper.
- Use a high-quality BBQ sauce for the best taste and caramelization.
- The cooking times may vary slightly depending on the size and thickness of the chicken thighs.
- For crispier skin, you can leave the skin on the thighs instead of using boneless skinless.
