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Featured image of juicy Caramelized BBQ Chicken Thighs, ready to eat.

Easy Caramelized BBQ Chicken Thighs

These Caramelized BBQ Chicken Thighs are incredibly simple to make, delivering maximum flavor with minimum effort. The chicken thighs are coated in a sweet, tangy, and smoky caramelized BBQ sauce, making them a guaranteed family favorite. They are perfect for any occasion and can be easily reheated for leftovers.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 6-8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce hickory or sweet baby ray's recommended
  • 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika for sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder for sauce

Equipment

  • Medium bowl
  • small saucepan
  • whisk
  • Oven-safe skillet (cast iron recommended)
  • paper towels
  • Measuring spoons
  • Measuring cups
  • spatula
  • Meat Thermometer

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
  4. Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are evenly coated.
  5. In a small saucepan, whisk together the BBQ sauce, honey (or maple syrup), apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
  6. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally.
  7. Heat an oven-safe skillet (cast iron is ideal!) over medium-high heat.
  8. Sear the chicken thighs for 2-3 minutes per side, until nicely browned. Don't overcrowd the pan; you may need to do this in batches.
  9. Pour the caramelized BBQ sauce over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are evenly coated.
  10. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is thick and bubbly. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
  11. During the last 5 minutes of cooking, you can broil the chicken for extra caramelization, but watch it closely to prevent burning.
  12. Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
  13. Garnish with chopped green onions or fresh parsley, if desired.
  14. Serve immediately.

Notes

Don't skip the searing step for maximum flavor. Use a good quality BBQ sauce. Adjust the sweetness to your liking by modifying the honey/maple syrup amount. Don't overcrowd the pan when searing. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through. Let the chicken rest before serving. For extra saucy chicken, reserve some of the BBQ sauce and brush it over the chicken during the last few minutes of baking. Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days and reheated in the microwave, skillet, or oven. Spicy BBQ Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the BBQ sauce for a spicy kick. Honey Garlic BBQ Chicken: Add 2 cloves of minced garlic to the BBQ sauce for a delicious honey garlic flavor. Pineapple BBQ Chicken: Add 1/2 cup of crushed pineapple to the BBQ sauce for a tropical twist. Slow Cooker Caramelized BBQ Chicken: Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. Shred the chicken and serve on buns for BBQ chicken sandwiches.