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BBQ Grilled Chicken Thighs Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 13 reviews
  • Author: Sue
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Delicious BBQ Grilled Chicken Thighs seasoned with a smoky blend of spices and finished with caramelized BBQ sauce for a crispy, flavorful meal perfect for any outdoor gathering.

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 1 lb. bone-in chicken thighs

Spice Mix

  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon chipotle powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Sauce

  • 1/4 - 1/3 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite kind)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Begin by taking out the chicken thighs and pat each one with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This helps the seasoning adhere better and promotes crispier skin.
  2. Mix the Spices: In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, chipotle powder, chili powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir well to blend all the flavors evenly.
  3. Season the Chicken: Pour the spice mixture over the chicken thighs. Massage the thighs thoroughly to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the spices for maximum flavor.
  4. Marinate: Let the chicken sit with the spices for at least 30 minutes at room temperature. Allowing it to rest longer will deepen the flavor and help the juices develop.
  5. Preheat the Grill: While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to 400ºF. Arrange coals or burners to create direct and indirect heat zones on the grill for controlled cooking.
  6. Sear the Chicken Skin: Place the chicken thighs skin side down over direct heat. Grill for 4-5 minutes to crisp up the skin without burning it.
  7. Flip and Cook: Flip the chicken thighs and cook for another 4-5 minutes over direct heat, ensuring even cooking on the other side.
  8. Move to Indirect Heat: Flip the chicken one last time so the skin is facing up, and transfer the thighs to indirect heat to finish cooking gently.
  9. Add BBQ Sauce: Spoon about a tablespoon of BBQ sauce onto each thigh and spread it evenly. This will add a sweet and tangy glaze to the chicken.
  10. Caramelize the Sauce: Close the grill lid and let the chicken cook for 2-3 minutes over indirect heat to caramelize the BBQ sauce without burning it.
  11. Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Serve warm with extra BBQ sauce if desired.

Notes

  • For best results, marinate the chicken thighs for an hour or more to intensify the flavors.
  • Maintain grill temperature around 400ºF for optimal cooking and crisping.
  • If you don’t have a grill, this recipe can be adapted to a grill pan on the stovetop, though results may vary slightly.
  • Bone-in, skin-on thighs provide more flavor and juiciness compared to boneless varieties.
  • Use your preferred BBQ sauce type—spicy, sweet, or smoky—to customize the dish.

Find it online: https://suerecipe.com/bbq-grilled-chicken-thighs-recipe/