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barbeque chicken thighs

Barbecue Chicken Thighs

Juicy, smoky, and slathered in your favorite BBQ sauce, these barbecue chicken thighs are grilled or oven-baked to sticky, caramelized perfection. A summer staple made easy.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 480
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 –6 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ¾ cup barbecue sauce your favorite brand or homemade
  • Optional garnish: chopped parsley or green onion

Method
 

  1. Preheat Grill or Oven:
  2. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F) or oven to 425°F if baking.
  3. Season Chicken:
  4. Pat chicken thighs dry. Rub with olive oil, then season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
  5. Grill Method:
  6. Place chicken thighs skin-side down on the grill.
  7. Grill for 5–6 minutes, then flip and cook another 5–6 minutes.
  8. Baste with barbecue sauce and continue cooking, flipping and basting occasionally, until chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F) and sauce is sticky—about 20–25 minutes total.
  9. Oven Method:
  10. Place seasoned chicken on a foil-lined baking sheet.
  11. Bake for 25 minutes, then brush with barbecue sauce.
  12. Return to oven and bake another 10–15 minutes, broiling for the last 2–3 minutes if desired to caramelize the sauce.
  13. Rest and Serve:
  14. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes. Serve hot with extra BBQ sauce on the side.

Notes

  • Boneless thighs: Reduce cook time by 10–12 minutes.
  • Sauce tip: Brush BBQ sauce during the last 10–15 minutes of cooking to prevent burning.
  • Flavor boost: Add a dash of apple cider vinegar or hot sauce to your BBQ sauce.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain moisture.