Description
Juicy, tender chicken thighs slathered in a smoky, slightly sweet glaze that caramelizes perfectly over the grill. This quick and flavorful recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or holiday BBQs.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 lbs / 900g)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (120 ml)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (15 ml)
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to help the skin crisp up.
- Toss the chicken in a large bowl with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (375-400°F / 190-205°C). For charcoal grills, wait until coals are covered with gray ash and spread evenly.
- Place the chicken thighs skin-side down on the grill and cook undisturbed for about 7 minutes until the skin is crisp and golden brown.
- Flip the chicken and cook for another 5 minutes until grill marks form and the chicken starts to smell aromatic.
- Mix BBQ sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and hot sauce in a small bowl to make the smoky glaze.
- Brush a generous layer of the glaze onto the chicken thighs, flip them again, and glaze the other side.
- Continue flipping and basting every 1-2 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the glaze is sticky and caramelized. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy.
Notes
Use skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs for best flavor and juiciness. If using boneless thighs, reduce cooking time by 3-5 minutes. Keep the grill at medium heat to prevent glaze burning and baste frequently for sticky caramelization. Let chicken rest after grilling for juicy results. Can be cooked under broiler or on a grill pan indoors if no grill is available.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 320
- Sodium: 500
- Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Protein: 28
Keywords: BBQ chicken thighs, grilled chicken, smoky glaze, Labor Day recipe, quick dinner, weeknight BBQ, smoky BBQ chicken