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Sticky Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs

Juicy bone-in chicken thighs grilled over two heat zones and glazed with sticky, caramelized BBQ sauce — the cookout favorite that never dries out.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

For the chicken
  • 8 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs about 3 lbs
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
For the glaze
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce your favorite
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp honey

Method
 

  1. Set up the grill for two-zone cooking: pile the coals on one side, or leave one burner off on a gas grill. Aim for about 400°F on the hot side.
  2. Pat the chicken thighs completely dry, then rub with olive oil. Mix the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper and season the thighs all over.
  3. Stir together the BBQ sauce, vinegar, and honey in a small bowl and set aside.
  4. Place the thighs skin-side up on the cooler side of the grill. Cover and cook for 20 to 25 minutes, until they reach about 160°F internally.
  5. Move the thighs to the hot side, skin-side down. Grill 2 to 3 minutes until the skin crisps and chars, watching closely so it doesn't burn.
  6. Brush generously with the sauce, flip, and brush again. Grill 2 to 3 more minutes per side until the glaze is sticky and the chicken reaches 175°F. Rest 5 minutes before serving.