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–+ servings
Baked chicken thighs coated in a reddish-brown sauce, garnished with chopped herbs, with one piece being lifted by a wooden spatula from a white baking dish.
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Brown Sugar BBQ Chicken

A sticky, sweet, and savory brown sugar BBQ chicken that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. The sauce bakes into a glossy glaze that clings to every bite.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time55 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 386kcal
Author: Wendy

Equipment

  • 9x13 baking dish
  • Mixing Bowl
  • whisk
  • aluminum foil
  • measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

  • 2.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce your favorite brand
  • 0.5 cup brown sugar packed
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt optional, depending on BBQ sauce

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F and lightly grease a 9x13 baking dish.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt until smooth.
  • Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
  • Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken, turning each piece to coat well.
  • Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and baste the chicken with the sauce from the pan.
  • Bake uncovered for 10 to 20 more minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is thick and bubbling.
  • For extra caramelization, baste the chicken again and broil for 2 to 3 minutes, watching closely so the sugar doesn't burn.
  • Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then spoon the extra pan sauce over the top before serving.

Notes

Substitutions and Variations 
  • Regular paprika plus a few drops of liquid smoke instead of smoked paprika: keeps the smoky BBQ note.
  • Spicy brown sugar BBQ chicken: stir in cayenne, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce with the sauce ingredients.
  • Pineapple brown sugar BBQ chicken: add pineapple chunks and a splash of juice to the baking dish for a sweeter, tropical twist.
  • Sheet-pan version with vegetables: add bell peppers, red onion, or baby potatoes around the chicken for a one-dish meal.
  • Grill or air fryer version: finish the sauced chicken on the grill or in the air fryer for extra char or crispier skin.
  • Extra-saucy version: double the sauce so there's plenty left to spoon over rice or roasted vegetables.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Serving | Calories: 386kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 38g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 180mg | Sodium: 1125mg | Potassium: 632mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 34g | Vitamin A: 237IU | Vitamin C: 0.4mg | Calcium: 54mg | Iron: 2mg