Caramelized BBQ Chicken Thighs
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.
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.