CARAMELIZED BBQ CHICKEN THIGHS IRRESISTIBLE

Imagine sinking your teeth into a juicy chicken thigh, the skin glistening with a sweet and smoky glaze, each bite bursting with caramelized BBQ flavor. These Caramelized BBQ Chicken Thighs are not only incredibly delicious but also surprisingly simple to make, promising a weeknight dinner that tastes like a weekend feast. Let’s get cooking and create some unforgettable BBQ magic!

The Star Players: Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

For the Caramelized BBQ Sauce:

• 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving crispy skin!
3. In a large bowl, toss the chicken thighs with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika, ensuring they are evenly coated.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken (The Secret to Flavor!)

1. Heat an oven-safe skillet (cast iron is ideal) over medium-high heat.
2. Carefully place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot skillet. Don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary.
3. Sear the chicken for 5-7 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Resist the urge to move them around! You want that beautiful sear.
4. Flip the chicken thighs and sear for another 2-3 minutes on the other side.

Step 3: Craft the Caramelized BBQ Sauce

1. While the chicken is searing, whisk together the BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a small bowl.

Step 4: Bake and Baste to Perfection

1. Remove the skillet from the heat.
2. Pour the caramelized BBQ sauce evenly over the chicken thighs.
3. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. During the last 10 minutes of baking, baste the chicken thighs with the sauce every 3-4 minutes to create that gorgeous caramelized crust.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

1. Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in even more tender and flavorful chicken.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions, if desired.

Troubleshooting Tips for BBQ Chicken Glory

Crispy Skin Conundrums

Getting truly crispy skin can be tricky. Here are a few secrets:

• Dry, Dry, Dry: As mentioned before, patting the chicken thighs completely dry is essential. Moisture is the enemy of crispy skin.
• High Heat: Don’t be afraid to use medium-high heat when searing. Just keep a close eye to prevent burning.
• Patience is a Virtue: Resist the urge to move the chicken around while searing. Let it sit undisturbed to develop a proper crust.

Sauce Sensations

Adjust the sauce to your liking!

• Sweetness Overload? Reduce the amount of honey.
• Craving More Heat? Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Tangy Temptation? Increase the amount of apple cider vinegar.

Side Dish Sensations: Completing the Meal

These Caramelized BBQ Chicken Thighs pair perfectly with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Classic coleslaw
• Creamy macaroni and cheese
• Grilled corn on the cob
• Roasted vegetables (broccoli, carrots, Brussels sprouts)
• Fluffy mashed potatoes

Beyond the Thigh: Other Delicious BBQ Chicken Adventures

Once you’ve mastered these Caramelized BBQ Chicken Thighs, why not explore other BBQ chicken recipes? The possibilities are endless!

• Craving something sweet and tangy? Try Pineapple Bbq Chicken.
• Want a quick and easy weeknight meal? Instant Pot Bbq Chicken is your answer.
• Looking for a delicious twist on comfort food? Give Shredded Bbq Chicken Mac And Cheese a try.
• For a fun and flavorful party appetizer, you can’t go wrong with Sticky Pineapple-teriyaki Chicken Wings.
• Spice up your taco night with Chicken Street Tacos.
• If you love BBQ and a healthy meal check out this Bbq Chicken Sweet Potato.
• And what about a flavorful pasta like this Honey Bbq Chicken Penne?

Also, you can use the same BBQ sauce for other meals like a Garlic Butter Honey Bbq Beef Tacos.

Perfecting Your BBQ Game: Expert Tips and Tricks

Here are some extra tips to elevate your Caramelized BBQ Chicken Thighs to the next level:

• Marinate for Maximum Flavor: For even more intense flavor, marinate the chicken thighs in the BBQ sauce for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight, before cooking.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: A meat thermometer is your best friend when it comes to ensuring the chicken is cooked through. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone.
• Broil for Extra Caramelization: If you want even more caramelization, broil the chicken for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
• Get Creative with the BBQ Sauce: Experiment with different BBQ sauce flavors! Try a smoky chipotle BBQ sauce, a tangy Carolina BBQ sauce, or a sweet and fruity BBQ sauce.

Storage and Reheating: BBQ Chicken for Days

Leftover Caramelized BBQ Chicken Thighs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or in the microwave. You can also shred the leftover chicken and use it in sandwiches, salads, or tacos.

So, there you have it – the ultimate guide to making incredibly delicious Caramelized BBQ Chicken Thighs. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be whipping up restaurant-quality BBQ chicken in no time. Enjoy!

Caramelized BBQ Chicken Thighs

Amelia Chen-Morrison

These Caramelized BBQ Chicken Thighs are incredibly delicious and surprisingly simple to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner that tastes like a weekend feast. The chicken thighs are seared and then baked in a sweet and smoky caramelized BBQ sauce, creating a juicy and flavorful dish.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Large bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Oven-safe skillet (cast iron recommended)
• Paper towels
• Small bowl
• Meat thermometer
• Spatula or tongs

Ingredients

  

• 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 cup BBQ sauce store-bought or homemade
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
• In a large bowl, toss the chicken thighs with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika, ensuring they are evenly coated.
• Heat an oven-safe skillet (cast iron is ideal) over medium-high heat.
• Carefully place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot skillet. Don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary.
• Sear the chicken for 5-7 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Resist the urge to move them around.
• Flip the chicken thighs and sear for another 2-3 minutes on the other side.
• While the chicken is searing, whisk together the BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a small bowl.
• Remove the skillet from the heat.
• Pour the caramelized BBQ sauce evenly over the chicken thighs.
• Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• During the last 10 minutes of baking, baste the chicken thighs with the sauce every 3-4 minutes to create that gorgeous caramelized crust.
• Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions, if desired.

Notes

For even more intense flavor, marinate the chicken thighs in the BBQ sauce for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight, before cooking. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through. Broil for extra caramelization for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking, keeping a close eye to prevent burning. Leftover chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days and reheated. Adjust the sauce to your liking; reduce honey for less sweetness, add more red pepper flakes for more heat, or increase apple cider vinegar for a tangier flavor.