Mouthwatering BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe

Introduction

These mouthwatering BBQ chicken thighs are packed with smoky, tangy flavors and a hint of spice. Perfectly grilled and glazed with a homemade BBQ sauce, they are sure to be a hit at any cookout or family dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 cup ketchup
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 ½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 pounds boneless chicken thighs
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon chipotle powder
• ¼ teaspoon chili powder
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Make the BBQ sauce by combining ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika in a medium saucepan over low heat. Whisk to combine.
2. Step 2: Increase the heat to medium and bring the sauce to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook until sugar dissolves and sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Reserve about ¼ to ⅓ cup of sauce for the chicken.
3. Step 3: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove moisture.
4. Step 4: In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, chipotle powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, and 2 teaspoons kosher salt.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the spice mixture over the chicken thighs and massage it in well to coat evenly.
6. Step 6: Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes; longer marinating will deepen the flavor.
7. Step 7: Preheat grill to 400ºF (204ºC).
8. Step 8: Grill the chicken over direct heat for 4-5 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF (74ºC).
9. Step 9: Brush about a tablespoon of the reserved BBQ sauce onto each chicken thigh, spreading it evenly.
10. Step 10: Close the grill lid and let the sauce caramelize for 1 minute. Flip the chicken, brush with more sauce, and repeat the caramelizing on the other side.
11. Step 11: Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with additional BBQ sauce if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra smoky flavor, add a handful of soaked wood chips to your grill before cooking.
• Use bone-in chicken thighs for juicier results, adjusting grill time accordingly.
• If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the chipotle powder from the spice rub.
• The BBQ sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to one week.

Storage

Store leftover grilled chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to prevent drying out. The BBQ sauce can also be refrigerated separately and reheated on the stove before using.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake the BBQ chicken thighs instead of grilling?

Yes, you can bake the chicken thighs at 425ºF (220ºC) for 20-25 minutes, brushing with BBQ sauce in the last few minutes of cooking to caramelize it.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The safest way is to use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165ºF (74ºC). The juices should also run clear when pierced.

Mouthwatering BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 128 reviews

• Author: Luna
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

These mouthwatering BBQ chicken thighs are juicy, flavorful, and perfectly caramelized on the grill. Marinated in a blend of smoky spices and coated with a tangy homemade BBQ sauce, they make for a delicious and satisfying meal perfect for any cookout or weeknight dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

BBQ Sauce

• 1 cup ketchup
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 ½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Chicken Thighs and Seasoning

• 2 pounds boneless chicken thighs
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon chipotle powder
• ¼ teaspoon chili powder
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt

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Instructions

1. Make the BBQ sauce: In a medium saucepan set over low heat, combine ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Whisk ingredients together and increase heat to medium. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, until sugar dissolves and sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside. Reserve extra sauce for serving; use about ¼-⅓ cup to glaze the chicken thighs.
2. Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove moisture.
3. Season the chicken: In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, chipotle powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, and kosher salt. Sprinkle this spice blend evenly over the chicken thighs, massaging the spices into the meat for full flavor coverage.
4. Marinate: Let the seasoned chicken sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. Marinate longer if time permits for enhanced taste.
5. Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to 400ºF preparing for direct grilling.
6. Grill the chicken: Place the chicken thighs on the grill over direct heat and cook for 4-5 minutes. Flip the thighs and grill for another 3-4 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked.
7. Apply BBQ sauce: Spoon about a tablespoon of the prepared BBQ sauce on each chicken thigh and spread evenly.
8. Caramelize the sauce: Close the grill lid and let the sauced chicken cook for 1 minute to allow the BBQ sauce to caramelize. Flip the thighs, repeat the saucing and caramelizing process on the opposite side, then remove from the grill.
9. Rest the chicken: Let the grilled BBQ chicken thighs rest for 5 minutes before serving to lock in juices and maximize flavor.
10. Serve: Enjoy the chicken with any additional reserved BBQ sauce for dipping or extra sauciness.

Notes

• Marinating longer than 30 minutes (up to several hours) will enhance the flavor even more.
• Boneless chicken thighs are used for quicker cooking, but bone-in thighs can be substituted with adjusted grill time.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165ºF.
• For a smoky flavor, consider using a charcoal grill or adding wood chips to a gas grill.
• Extra BBQ sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: BBQ chicken thighs, grilled chicken, barbecue sauce, summer grilling, boneless chicken, smoky chicken, easy BBQ recipe