Description
Succulent, smoky chicken thighs coated in a sweet and sticky caramelized BBQ sauce, baked to golden perfection. This American classic combines rich flavors with juicy, fall-off-the-bone meat. Ready in 55 minutes.
Ingredients
4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on) (about 1.5 lbs)
1/2 cup ketchup
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon paprika
3 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: skinless thighs or chicken breasts
Optional: tomato paste for thicker sauce
Instructions
1. Remove chicken from refrigerator and pat dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and half the paprika.
2. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
3. In a small bowl, whisk ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, thyme, garlic, and remaining paprika until smooth.
4. Place chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Pour half the sauce over the chicken and spread evenly. Reserve remaining sauce for basting.
6. Roast for 30 minutes. Baste with remaining sauce, return to oven, and bake 10-15 minutes until deeply caramelized and golden.
Notes
Use skinless thighs for leaner option
Substitute chicken breasts for quicker cooking
Replace apple cider vinegar with white vinegar or lemon juice
Use fresh thyme for brighter flavor
Thicken sauce with tomato paste for extra body
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 40
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 125mg