barbecue chicken thighs recipe

barbecue chicken thighs recipe

The Best barbecue chicken thighs recipe

I’ve been making this barbecue chicken thighs recipe for years, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. The combination of sweet and tangy flavors is a perfect match for the smoky flavor of the grill.

My family loves it when I serve it with a side of coleslaw or baked beans. This recipe is great for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion like a holiday gathering.

The best part is that it’s relatively healthy, with lean protein and plenty of veggies to balance out the sauce. I’ve even convinced my picky eaters to try new vegetables when they’re served alongside this tasty chicken dish.

The key to making this recipe work is using high-quality ingredients and taking the time to let the chicken marinate in the sauce before grilling it. It’s worth the extra effort, trust me!

I like to serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad to round out the meal. This recipe has been passed down through generations in my family, and I’m so glad I can share it with you now.

The flavors are deep and rich, with just the right amount of sweetness from the brown sugar in the sauce.

Classic BBQ Chicken Thighs

Classic BBQ Chicken Thighs

4.7 from 1639 votes

Tender chicken thighs smothered in a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce. A crowd-pleaser for any backyard barbecue.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika

For the BBQ Sauce

1 cup ketchup
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375°F.
2If using an oven, preheat to 400°F.
3In a small bowl, mix together ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika to make the BBQ sauce.
4Set aside half of the sauce for basting later.
5Season chicken thighs with salt, black pepper, and paprika on both sides.
6Place the chicken on the grill or in a baking dish.
7Cook for 10 minutes on each side until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
8Brush the reserved BBQ sauce onto the chicken thighs during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
9If using the oven, baste every 5 minutes until the sauce caramelizes and the chicken is cooked through.
10Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
11This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
12Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Grill or oven
Basting brush

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 125mg🧂Sodium: 875mg🌾Total Carbs: 20g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 18g🥩Protein: 27g

📝Notes

Tips: For extra smoky flavor, soak wood chips in water for 30 minutes and add to the grill. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs if preferred.

Watch Video Of How Classic BBQ Chicken Thighs Works

This barbecue chicken thighs recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just need a quick weeknight dinner solution.

The key is to let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before grilling to allow the flavors to meld together.

And don’t forget to store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days – or freeze them for longer-term storage.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About BBQ Chicken Thighs

Q: What type of wood should I use for grilling?

A: For this recipe, you’ll want to use a hardwood like hickory or mesquite for grilling. These woods have a strong, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the chicken.

Q: Can I use boneless chicken breasts instead of thighs?

A: While you can use boneless chicken breasts, keep in mind that they may dry out if cooked for too long. Thighs stay juicy and tender even when cooked at high heat.

Q: Do I need to marinate the chicken overnight?

A: While marinating overnight is ideal, you can still get great results by marinating for at least 30 minutes before grilling.

Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?

A: You can prepare the sauce and marinate the chicken up to a day in advance, but be sure to let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before grilling.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftover chicken?

A: To reheat leftover chicken, place it in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Similar Posts