BBQ Chicken Thighs
BBQ Chicken Thighs are juicy, flavorful, and glazed with a smoky-sweet barbecue sauce. Grilled or baked to perfection, they’re a classic choice for summer cookouts, weeknight dinners, or game day meals.
Ingredients
- 8 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs (about 2.5 lbs)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 cup barbecue sauce store-bought or homemade
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prep chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Rub with olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
Grill method:
- Preheat grill to medium heat (375–400°F).
- Place thighs skin-side down and grill for 6–7 minutes. Flip and cook for another 6–7 minutes.
- Brush with BBQ sauce, flip again, and continue to grill, basting and flipping every few minutes until internal temperature reaches 175°F (total cook time ~25–30 minutes).
Oven method:
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Place seasoned chicken on a baking sheet lined with foil.
- Bake for 25 minutes. Brush with BBQ sauce and bake another 10 minutes until cooked through and lightly caramelized.
- Rest and serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use boneless, skinless thighs if preferred; reduce cooking time accordingly.
- For a spicy kick, mix hot sauce or cayenne into your BBQ sauce.
- Leftovers are great for sandwiches, salads, or wraps.
- Internal temp should be 175°F for juicy thighs.