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Caramelized BBQ Chicken Thighs

Caramelized BBQ chicken thighs with crispy skin and smoky, rich sauce. Grilled dark meat gets grill marks and a sticky caramelized coating for an easy, bold main dish.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 410
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

chicken thighs
  • 8 chicken thighs bone-in and skin-on
seasoning
  • 0.5 tsp salt to taste
  • 0.5 tsp pepper to taste
oil
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
bbq sauce glaze
  • 1.5 cup BBQ sauce
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

Equipment

  • 1 grill

Method
 

Season and mix
  1. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then drizzle with olive oil to coat the skin.
  2. Mix the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika until the sugar is dissolved.
Grill to crisp and caramelize
  1. Preheat the grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grates.
  2. Grill the chicken skin-side down for 8-10 minutes, until the skin looks deeply golden and releases easily from the grates.
  3. Flip and grill for another 8-10 minutes, until the second side has grill marks and the chicken is partway cooked.
  4. Brush generously with BBQ sauce and grill for 5 minutes per side, basting frequently so the sauce thickens and turns glossy.
  5. Continue grilling until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the sauce is caramelized, with dark, sticky spots on the skin.

Notes

For the crispiest skin, keep the grill lid closed between flips and avoid moving the thighs during the first 8-10 minutes. Refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container for up to 4 days; freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months. For a lighter option, use a lower-sugar BBQ sauce and reduce the brown sugar to 1 tbsp.