Description
These Caramelized BBQ Chicken Thighs in the Oven feature tender, juicy bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs coated in a naturally sweet and smoky barbecue glaze. The rich tomato paste, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce create an irresistible caramelized coating. Simple to prepare and perfect for any occasion, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of flavors with an easy method that yields crispy skin and succulent meat.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (natural)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (natural)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (natural)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
BBQ Glaze
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste (natural)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (natural)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (natural)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin. Season both sides evenly with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Make the BBQ Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together tomato paste, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, and smoked paprika until smooth to create the caramelizing barbecue sauce.
- Toss Chicken with the Glaze: Place the seasoned chicken thighs in a large bowl or dish. Pour the BBQ glaze over them and coat each piece thoroughly using hands or a spoon. For best flavor, marinate for at least 30 minutes or prepare immediately if short on time.
- Bake in the Oven: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking tray with foil. Arrange chicken thighs skin side up on the tray. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, basting with reserved glaze halfway through baking to build layers of caramelization.
- Broil for Extra Caramelization: Switch oven to broil. Cook the chicken for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning until the skin is darkened and sticky with caramelized glaze.
Notes
- Dry the chicken well before seasoning for the crispiest skin.
- Line the baking pan with foil for easy cleanup and to prevent burning.
- Reserve extra glaze before marinating for basting midway through cooking.
- Do not skip broiling for the perfect caramelized crust.
- Allow chicken to come to room temperature for 15 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: BBQ chicken thighs, caramelized chicken, oven baked BBQ chicken, smoky chicken thighs, easy chicken recipe, dinner, comfort food, plant-based sauce