Description
Juicy, smoky, and sticky grilled chicken thighs that are forgiving for beginners and perfect for summer cookouts. This recipe uses bone-in, skin-on thighs with a dry rub and BBQ glaze for maximum flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup wood chips or chunks (hickory, apple, or cherry)
Instructions
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
- In a small bowl, mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and brown sugar to create the dry rub.
- Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and rub it in. Sprinkle the dry rub over both sides, pressing it into the meat and under the skin if possible.
- Place seasoned chicken in a zip-top bag or covered dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours.
- Prepare the grill for indirect heat. For charcoal, pile coals on one side. For gas, preheat high then turn off one or two burners. Add wood chips in a smoker box or foil packet.
- Place chicken skin-side up on the cool side of the grill. Cover and cook for 20-25 minutes.
- Flip chicken skin-side down and continue cooking for another 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Brush chicken with BBQ sauce during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Flip and brush the other side, allowing it to char for 1-2 minutes per side.
- Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use indirect heat to prevent burning the sauce and drying out the chicken. Do not add BBQ sauce too early as the sugar burns easily. Soak wood chips for 30 minutes if using charcoal or gas grill. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 thighs per person
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 15
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 35
Keywords: BBQ chicken, grilled chicken thighs, Labor Day recipe, smoky chicken, summer grilling, easy BBQ, juicy chicken