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, divided

1 teaspoon garlic powder, divided

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika, divided

2 pounds boneless chicken thighs

¼ teaspoon chipotle powder

¼ teaspoon chili powder

Instructions

Step 1: Make the BBQ sauce. In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, onion powder, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika. Whisk to combine.

Step 2: Increase heat to medium and bring 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.

Step 3: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove moisture.

Step 4: In a small bowl, mix remaining garlic powder, chipotle powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt.

Step 5: Sprinkle spice mix evenly over chicken thighs and massage it in well. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or longer if possible.

Step 6: Preheat grill to 400ºF.

Step 7: Place chicken thighs on the grill over direct heat and cook for 4-5 minutes. Flip and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165ºF.

Step 8: Brush about a tablespoon of BBQ sauce onto each chicken thigh, spreading it evenly.

Step 9: Close the grill and let the sauce caramelize for 1 minute. Flip the chicken, brush with more sauce, and caramelize the other side for another minute. Remove the chicken from the grill.

Step 10: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy with additional BBQ sauce if desired.

Tips & Variations

For extra smoky flavor, add a few wood chips to your grill while cooking.

If you prefer spicier chicken, increase the chipotle powder to ½ teaspoon.

You can bake the thighs in a 425ºF oven for 20-25 minutes if a grill is not available.

The BBQ sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken thighs instead?

Yes, bone-in thighs work well but may require a longer cooking time. Grill until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF, which usually takes about 6-7 minutes per side.

Is it necessary to marinate the chicken?

Marinating helps the spices penetrate the meat and enhances flavor, but if you’re short on time, seasoning just before grilling will still yield tasty results.