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Mouthwatering BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 59 reviews
  • Author: Hailey
  • Total Time: 52 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Savor the rich, smoky flavors of these mouthwatering BBQ chicken thighs, marinated with a zesty spice blend and glazed with a homemade tangy barbecue sauce. Grilled to perfection, this easy recipe delivers juicy, tender chicken with a beautiful caramelized finish, perfect for summer cookouts or any meal craving that backyard BBQ taste.

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 Spice Rub

  • 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. 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, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Whisk ingredients together. Increase heat to medium, bring to a simmer, then reduce to medium-low and cook for about 5 minutes until sugar dissolves and sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat. Reserve extra sauce; use about ¼ to ⅓ cup for glazing chicken.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove moisture. In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, chipotle powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, and kosher salt to create the spice rub.
  3. Marinate the Chicken: Sprinkle the spice rub evenly over the chicken thighs, massaging it in well to ensure thorough coverage. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  4. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to 400ºF, preparing it for direct grilling over medium-high heat.
  5. Grill the Chicken: Place chicken thighs on the grill over direct heat and cook for 4-5 minutes. Flip and continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and juicy.
  6. Glaze with BBQ Sauce: Spoon about a tablespoon of the prepared barbecue sauce onto each chicken thigh and spread evenly. Close the grill and allow the sauce to caramelize for 1 minute. Flip the thighs and repeat glazing and caramelizing on the other side.
  7. Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Serve warm with additional BBQ sauce if desired.

Notes

  • Marinating the chicken longer than 30 minutes enhances flavor and tenderness.
  • Boneless thighs ensure quicker, even cooking on the grill.
  • Use a meat thermometer to verify the internal temperature reaches 165ºF for safe consumption.
  • Leftover BBQ sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
  • For added smoky flavor, consider adding wood chips to the grill if available.
  • Prep Time: 40 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

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

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