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Caramelized Chicken Thighs for the Easiest Oven BBQ Dinner

This oven BBQ chicken recipe is a great reminder that you do not need a grill to get sticky, smoky, caramelized chicken at home. It is easy enough for weeknights, flexible enough for meal prep, and flavorful enough to carry a full summer-style dinner spread
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Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 4 serving
Course: dinner
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried mustard
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce plus extra for serving if desired

Method
 

  1. Season the chicken.
  2. Add the chicken thighs to a large sealable container with avocado oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and dried mustard. Toss well to coat.
  3. Marinate.
  4. Refrigerate the seasoned chicken for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for deeper flavor. The source notes that skipping the marinating step can work in a rush, but the flavor improves with time.
  5. Prep for baking.
  6. Heat the oven to 425°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, foil, or a silicone mat. The source strongly recommends lining the pan to prevent sugary sauce from sticking.
  7. Add the first layer of sauce.
  8. Toss the chicken with 1/4 cup of the BBQ sauce, reserving the rest for brushing later. Arrange the pieces on the baking sheet, leaving any extra sauce behind.
  9. Bake and flip.
  10. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the pan, flip the thighs, and brush with more sauce. Return the pan to the oven for another 10 minutes.
  11. Broil for the finish.
  12. Switch the oven to broil, flip the chicken again, brush with more sauce, and broil for 5 to 6 minutes until the edges are crisp and the chicken is fully cooked. The source warns to watch parchment closely under the broiler because oven broil intensity can vary.
  13. Serve.
  14. Serve hot with extra BBQ sauce on the side if you like.

Notes

A large rimmed aluminum sheet pan is the preferred pan in the source because it holds the juices well and distributes heat evenly.
Do not skip lining the pan. The sauce caramelizes heavily, and the source says parchment paper, foil, or a silicone mat makes cleanup much easier.
If you use parchment while broiling, keep a close eye on it. The source repeats this warning because broilers vary and parchment can scorch.
For a paleo or Whole30 version, the only change the source calls for is using a compatible BBQ sauce.