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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove moisture.
- 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.
- 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.
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to 400ºF preparing for direct grilling.
- 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.
- Apply BBQ sauce: Spoon about a tablespoon of the prepared BBQ sauce on each chicken thigh and spread evenly.
- 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.
- Rest the chicken: Let the grilled BBQ chicken thighs rest for 5 minutes before serving to lock in juices and maximize flavor.
- 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
