Description
Enjoy juicy, tender chicken thighs coated in a rich, smoky-sweet caramelized BBQ glaze baked to perfection in the oven. This easy-to-make recipe delivers flavorful, crispy skin and a sticky finish ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings, all with minimal ingredients and fuss-free baking.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
BBQ Glaze
- 2 tbsp tomato paste (natural)
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Pinch of natural gelling agent (optional)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder (natural)
- 1 tsp onion powder (natural)
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to help the skin crisp up during baking. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Let the seasoned chicken rest while you prepare the BBQ glaze.
- Make the BBQ Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together tomato paste (natural), brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, and a pinch of natural gelling agent if a thicker sauce is desired. Mix until smooth and balanced in flavor.
- Coat and Marinate: Brush the BBQ glaze generously on each chicken thigh, covering both the skin side and underside. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors. For best results, cover and refrigerate for a few hours before baking.
- Bake the Chicken: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the glazed chicken thighs skin-side up on a lined baking tray. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is caramelized and crisp.
- Broil for Extra Caramelization: For a stickier, caramelized crust, switch the oven to broil for the last 3-5 minutes of cooking. Watch carefully to prevent burning. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Dry the chicken well to achieve perfect crispness of the skin.
- Use room temperature chicken by letting the thighs sit out for 15 minutes before cooking.
- Do not overcrowd the baking tray to ensure even heat circulation and caramelization.
- Adjust the sweetness of the glaze by balancing brown sugar and apple cider vinegar to your taste.
- Allow the chicken to rest after baking to lock in juices.
- Add a natural gelling agent if you prefer a thicker, stickier glaze.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: BBQ chicken, caramelized chicken thighs, oven-baked chicken, smoky sweet glaze, easy dinner
