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Caramelized BBQ Chicken Thighs in the Oven

Oven-Baked Caramelized BBQ Chicken Thighs

The Crispy Chef
Juicy, sticky, and packed with flavor, these oven-baked caramelized BBQ chicken thighs are crispy on the outside, tender inside, and layered with smoky-sweet sauce. No grill required — just your oven and a few simple ingredients.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, BBQ
Servings 6 thighs
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • rimmed baking sheet
  • wire cooling rack (optional)
  • Meat thermometer
  • Basting brush

Ingredients
  

  • 6-8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (Kansas City-style preferred)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional, for extra caramelization)
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce (optional flavor booster)
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (optional, to balance sweetness)

Instructions
 

  • Pat chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and optional brown sugar. Let rest at room temperature 20–30 minutes while oven preheats to 375°F.
  • Arrange thighs skin-side up on a rimmed baking sheet. Use a wire rack if available for better airflow. Bake for 25–30 minutes without sauce.
  • Brush on a thin layer of BBQ sauce. Return to oven for 10 minutes. Repeat this process 2–3 times, baking 8–10 minutes between each sauce layer.
  • Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Chicken should reach 165°F minimum; 170–175°F gives juicier results with more fat rendered.
  • Optional: After final sauce coat, broil 2–3 minutes for charred caramelized spots. Watch closely to prevent burning.
  • Serve hot with creamy coleslaw, roasted vegetables, mac and cheese, or cornbread.

Notes

For best results, pat chicken dry before seasoning. Start baking thighs without sauce to allow the skin to render fat and crisp up, then build flavor with multiple layers of BBQ sauce. A broiler finish adds charred spots for extra caramelization. Use Kansas City-style sauces for best stickiness, and don’t overcrowd your pan. Store leftovers up to 4 days in the fridge or freeze up to 3 months. Reheat low and slow in the oven to preserve texture.

Nutrition

Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 24gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 110mgSodium: 520mgSugar: 9g
Keyword bbq chicken thighs, caramelized bbq chicken, easy chicken dinner, oven baked bbq chicken
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