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BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe

Juicy BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe

Smoky, sticky, and perfectly tender, this juicy BBQ chicken thighs recipe is exactly what you reach for when the grill is fired up and you want bold flavor without complicated steps. It’s reliable, satisfying, and ideal for casual dinners or weekend cookouts.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 28 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 Serving
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the BBQ Rub
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
For the BBQ Glaze
  • ¾ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Method
 

  1. Pat chicken thighs dry, coat with olive oil, and season evenly with the prepared spice mix so the flavor adheres properly.
  2. Preheat the grill to medium heat and oil the grates to prevent sticking during cooking.
  3. Place chicken skin-side down and cook undisturbed for 10–12 minutes to develop a crispy exterior.
  4. Flip and cook for another 10–12 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. Brush BBQ glaze over the chicken and cook for an additional 3–5 minutes to caramelize.
  6. Remove from the grill and rest for 5 minutes before serving to retain juices.

Notes

  • Pressing seasoning firmly into the chicken ensures deeper flavor instead of just surface seasoning.
  • Managing grill heat with a two-zone setup helps prevent burning while cooking thoroughly.
  • Waiting to flip until the chicken releases naturally avoids tearing the skin and losing texture.
  • Applying glaze at the end prevents sugar from burning and keeps the flavor balanced.
  • Resting the meat allows juices to settle, resulting in a more tender bite.