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Caramelized BBQ Chicken Thighs: Quick Juicy Sheet Pan Dinner

These caramelized BBQ chicken thighs are the ultimate weeknight dinner solution—juicy, tender, and packed with flavor. The secret is a simple sheet pan method that creates the perfect sticky-sweet glaze while keeping the chicken incredibly moist in just 40 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 420
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1 cup high-quality barbecue sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
  2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels—this helps achieve that beautiful caramelization.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
  4. Place the chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side up. Brush half of the barbecue sauce mixture generously over the chicken, making sure to coat each piece thoroughly.
  5. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove from oven and brush with the remaining sauce.
  6. Return to oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the sauce is beautifully caramelized and sticky.
  7. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

For best caramelization, don't overcrowd the baking sheet. Quality of barbecue sauce makes a huge difference - choose one with good sugar content. Marinate chicken for 30 minutes before baking for deeper flavor penetration.