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Savory Grilled Chicken Thighs Recipe Perfect for Sticky BBQ Lovers

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Juicy grilled chicken thighs with a sticky, smoky, and tangy BBQ glaze that is perfect for summer cookouts and casual dinners. This easy recipe delivers a nostalgic backyard barbecue flavor with a crispy skin and tender meat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup tomato paste
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat dry 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs with paper towels.
  2. Drizzle olive oil (2 tbsp) over the chicken and rub evenly.
  3. Sprinkle garlic powder (1 tsp), smoked paprika (1 tbsp), salt (1 tsp), and black pepper (½ tsp) on both sides and rub in gently.
  4. In a bowl, whisk together tomato paste (¼ cup), honey (3 tbsp), apple cider vinegar (2 tbsp), Worcestershire sauce (1 tbsp), onion powder (1 tsp), and hot sauce (optional, 1 tsp). Set aside.
  5. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F / 190°C) and oil the grates lightly.
  6. Place chicken thighs skin-side down on the grill and cook for 7-9 minutes until skin is crispy and golden.
  7. Turn thighs over and cook for another 7 minutes.
  8. Brush a generous layer of the sticky BBQ glaze on the skin side, flip and brush the other side as well.
  9. Continue grilling, turning and glazing every 2-3 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the glaze is sticky and caramelized.
  10. Remove from grill and let rest covered loosely with foil for 5 minutes.
  11. Serve hot with extra glaze on the side for dipping.

Notes

Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption. Brush glaze in thin layers during the last 5-10 minutes to prevent burning. Let chicken rest after grilling to keep it juicy. For gluten-free, verify Worcestershire sauce or substitute with coconut aminos. If flare-ups occur, move chicken to cooler part of grill.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken thighs, BBQ chicken, sticky BBQ glaze, summer cookout, easy chicken recipe, smoky chicken, backyard barbecue

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