introduction
Warm, sticky, and oven-friendly — this recipe for Caramelized BBQ Chicken Thighs in the Oven delivers charred-sweet flavor without firing up the grill. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a family that loves bold BBQ flavors.
If you want another quick chicken dinner idea to rotate into your weeknight lineup, try this Chicken Caesar Wraps — the ultimate 20-minute meal for a fast, satisfying option.
Why You’ll Love This Caramelized BBQ Chicken Thighs in the Oven
- Deep, caramelized BBQ flavor from a quick sauce brush and broil — no grill required.
- Fast cooking at 425°F means dinner on the table in under 45 minutes.
- Juicy boneless thighs stay tender and forgiving—great for novice cooks.
- Easily doubles for meal prep or a week of lunches.
- Family-friendly and pairs well with simple sides kids and adults both enjoy.
Ingredients Needed :
Protein
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
Oil & Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Spices
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried mustard
Sauce
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions :
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large sealable container, combine chicken thighs, avocado oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and dried mustard. Toss to coat and marinate in the refrigerator for at least one hour or overnight.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare and Bake: Toss marinated chicken thighs with 1/4 cup BBQ sauce. Place on the baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes.
- Flip and Sauce: Flip each thigh, brush with reserved sauce, and bake for another 10 minutes.
- Broil: Increase oven heat to broil. Flip chicken again, brush with more BBQ sauce, and broil for 5–6 minutes until crispy and cooked through.
- Serve: Enjoy your caramelized BBQ chicken thighs with extra BBQ sauce as desired.
Serving Suggestions Caramelized BBQ Chicken Thighs in the Oven
- Serve over a bed of buttery mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash for a cozy plate.
- Toss with shredded cabbage and a little extra sauce for a quick BBQ chicken slaw.
- Slice and pile into tortillas with pickled onions and cilantro for tacos. For a low-carb oven-style pairing, consider a warm veggie-forward side like the chicken spinach mushroom low-carb oven dish.
- Add a crisp green salad and cornbread to round out a family-friendly meal.
Tips for Success Caramelized BBQ Chicken Thighs in the Oven
- Pat the thighs dry before marinating so the seasoning adheres and the exterior caramelizes better.
- Don’t skip the broil step — high heat at the end creates that coveted sticky char.
- Use an instant-read thermometer; thighs are done at 165°F and will stay juicy when you pull them at the correct temp.
- If your BBQ sauce is very sweet, thin a little with apple cider vinegar to avoid burning under the broiler.
- Make extra for wraps: these thighs shred quickly and pair perfectly with ranch and greens — try a simple chicken wrap like the 5-minute crispy chicken ranch wrap magic for a fast lunch idea.
variation (if any)
- Spicy: Add 1/2 teaspoon cayenne or swap smoked paprika for chipotle powder.
- Tangy: Stir 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar and 1 teaspoon Dijon into the BBQ sauce.
- Herb-forward: Add 1 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano to the marinade for a Mediterranean twist.
FAQs (minimum three FAQ)
Q: Can I use bone-in chicken thighs?
A: Yes — increase initial baking to 20–25 minutes before flipping and broiling, and check for an internal temp of 165°F.
Q: How long can leftovers be stored?
A: Store cooled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a 350°F oven to keep the exterior from getting soggy.
Q: Can I make this ahead for a party?
A: Partially — you can marinate and par-bake the thighs, then finish under the broiler right before serving for that fresh caramelized finish.
Q: What if I don’t have avocado oil?
A: Any neutral oil (canola, vegetable, or light olive oil) works fine — just use the same amount.
Q: Is there a gluten-free option?
A: Most BBQ sauces are gluten-free, but always check the label. Use a certified gluten-free sauce to ensure the recipe remains gluten-free.
Ingredients
Protein
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
Oil & Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Spices
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried mustard
Sauce
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large sealable container, combine chicken thighs, avocado oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and dried mustard. Toss to coat and marinate in the refrigerator for at least one hour or overnight.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Baking
- Toss marinated chicken thighs with 1/4 cup BBQ sauce. Place on the baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes.
- Flip each thigh, brush with reserved sauce, and bake for another 10 minutes.
- Increase oven heat to broil. Flip chicken again, brush with more BBQ sauce, and broil for 5–6 minutes until crispy and cooked through.
Serving
- Enjoy your caramelized BBQ chicken thighs with extra BBQ sauce as desired.
