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Barbecued Chicken Thighs Recipe

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3.9 from 5 reviews

  • Author: Lea
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 servings

Description

Deliciously smoky and tender barbequed chicken thighs coated with a flavorful homemade spice rub and finished with a caramelized BBQ sauce glaze. Perfectly grilled to achieve crispy skin and juicy, flavorful meat.

Ingredients

Chicken and Marinade

  • 2 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons coarse sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon granulated garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce

Instructions

  1. Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure the skin crisps up nicely during grilling.
  2. Make Spice Rub: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, coarse sea salt, paprika, granulated garlic, and black pepper to create the flavorful spice rub.
  3. Marinate: Coat the chicken thighs evenly with the spice rub, then drizzle with olive oil. Massage the seasoning into the meat so flavors penetrate well. Cover and let marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or up to 12 hours in the refrigerator, bringing to room temp 30 minutes before grilling.
  4. Preheat Grill: Heat your grill to medium heat (375-400 °F / 190-205 °C) and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking and aid in achieving crispy skin.
  5. Grill Chicken: Place chicken thighs skin-side down on the grill. Cook for 6-8 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip the chicken and cook for another 6-8 minutes, checking that the internal temperature reaches 170-175 °F (77-79 °C) for perfect doneness.
  6. Apply BBQ Sauce: During the last 5 minutes of cooking, brush both sides of the chicken with BBQ sauce. Flip once more to allow the sauce to caramelize evenly, adding a smoky sweetness.
  7. Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This resting period locks in the juices, ensuring tender, juicy meat when served.

Notes

  • Ensure the grill grates are well oiled to prevent the skin from sticking.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for food safety and best texture.
  • For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
  • Letting the chicken rest after grilling makes it juicier and more flavorful.
  • If you don’t have a grill, this recipe can also be done under a broiler or on a grill pan on the stovetop.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://recipesbylea.com/barbecued-chicken-thighs-recipe/