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Caramelized BBQ Chicken Thighs in the Oven

Delicious barbecue chicken made without a grill using boneless skinless chicken thighs, simple seasonings, and your favorite BBQ sauce. Sticky, lightly charred, and perfect for weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 6 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 385
Ingredients Equipment 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 more for serving, use Whole30 compatible sauce for paleo/Whole30 option

Equipment

  • Large rimmed baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or aluminum foil
  • Large sealable container
  • Basting Brush

Method
 

  1. Add chicken to large sealable container with avocado oil, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and dried mustard. Toss to thoroughly coat and transfer to refrigerator to marinate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for best flavor.
  2. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, aluminum foil, or silicone mat.
  3. Toss chicken thighs with 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce, reserving the rest to brush on later. Transfer thighs to lined baking sheet, leaving any excess sauce behind.
  4. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove from oven and flip each piece.
  5. Brush each thigh with reserved BBQ sauce and return to oven to bake for another 10 minutes.
  6. Remove from oven and increase heat to broil. Flip chicken once more and brush with BBQ sauce again to thoroughly coat for a nice glaze.
  7. Broil for 5-6 minutes, watching closely, until edges are crispy and chicken is cooked through to 165 degrees F internal temperature.
  8. Serve immediately with extra BBQ sauce if desired.

Notes

For Whole30/paleo: Use Whole30 compatible BBQ sauce. The pan gets pretty saucy and forms caramelized bits under high heat. Always line your baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easier cleanup. If using parchment paper, watch closely during broiling to prevent burning. You can place chicken on a baking rack over the sheet pan, but it's not necessary. Can marinate overnight for better flavor. Watch closely during broiling as temps vary by oven.
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