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Caramelized BBQ Chicken Thighs in the Oven

Caramelized BBQ Chicken Thighs in the Oven

  • Author: Eric
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Enjoy juicy, tender caramelized BBQ chicken thighs baked in the oven with a sweet, smoky glaze that melts in your mouth. This simple yet flavorful recipe delivers moist chicken thighs coated in a rich caramelized BBQ sauce, perfect for easy weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. The oven-friendly method ensures succulent results without the need for a grill.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

BBQ Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste (natural)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (natural)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon natural gelling agent
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (natural)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (natural)
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (natural)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure crisp skin. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder to build a flavorful base.
  2. Make the BBQ Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, and natural gelling agent until the mixture is smooth and well emulsified to form the luscious BBQ glaze.
  3. Coat and Marinate: Brush a generous layer of the BBQ sauce over the chicken thighs. For enhanced flavor, refrigerate and marinate for 30 minutes to 1 hour. If short on time, proceed to cook immediately.
  4. Oven Cooking: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place chicken thighs skin-side up on a lined baking sheet or roasting pan. Bake for 35-40 minutes until cooked through and skin is deeply caramelized and sticky.
  5. Final Glaze and Broil: Five minutes before finishing, brush on an additional layer of BBQ sauce and switch to broil. Broil carefully for 2-3 minutes, watching closely as the sauce bubbles and caramelizes to a perfect charred finish.

Notes

  • Pat chicken dry thoroughly before seasoning for maximum crispness.
  • Apply BBQ sauce evenly to prevent burnt spots and ensure uniform caramelization.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe cooking.
  • Watch carefully during broiling to avoid burning the sugar in the sauce.
  • Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes after cooking to lock in juices.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 550mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: BBQ chicken thighs, caramelized chicken, oven-baked chicken, sweet smoky chicken, easy BBQ recipe

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