Get ready to fire up your grill and elevate your BBQ game with these mouth-watering 18 Smoky BBQ Chicken Thigh Recipes! Whether you’re a grilling enthusiast or just looking for new inspiration, we’ve got you covered. From classic combos like Honey Garlic and Brown Sugar to international twists like Korean Gochujang and Thai Sweet Chili, our recipes showcase the versatility of chicken thighs when it comes to smoky, sticky BBQ goodness.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at each recipe, highlighting the unique flavor profiles and techniques that make them stand out. So, grab your apron, preheat those grates, and let’s dive into the world of smoky, finger-lickin’ good BBQ chicken thighs!
Honey Garlic BBQ Chicken Thighs
Elevate your chicken game with this mouth-watering recipe that combines the sweetness of honey, the pungency of garlic, and the tanginess of BBQ sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, garlic, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
3. Place chicken thighs in a shallow baking dish and brush the honey-garlic mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
4. Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly caramelized.
6. Remove from oven and brush with remaining BBQ sauce.
7. Return to oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the BBQ sauce is bubbly and caramelized.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Spicy Sriracha BBQ Chicken Thighs
Spicy Sriracha BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe
Get ready to level up your BBQ game with this mouth-watering recipe that combines the spiciness of sriracha with the richness of sweet and tangy BBQ sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup sriracha sauce
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or oven to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together sriracha sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Place chicken thighs in a shallow dish and brush the spicy BBQ glaze all over them.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Grill or bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
6. Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Sticky Bourbon BBQ Chicken Thighs
Satisfy your cravings with these tender and flavorful chicken thighs smothered in a sticky bourbon BBQ sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey (adjust to taste)
– 1/2 cup ketchup
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together bourbon, ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Add chicken thighs to the marinade, making sure they’re coated evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
4. Remove chicken from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place chicken thighs on it. Drizzle with a little olive oil.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through, flipping halfway.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Maple Mustard BBQ Chicken Thighs
Sweet and tangy, these Maple Mustard BBQ Chicken Thighs are a delicious twist on traditional barbecue fare. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a backyard gathering.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or oven to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Place chicken thighs in a shallow dish and brush with the maple-mustard mixture, making sure they’re fully coated.
4. Grill or bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
5. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Smoked Paprika BBQ Chicken Thighs
Elevate your backyard BBQ game with this flavorful and aromatic dish featuring smoked paprika, a sweet and tangy glaze, and fall-off-the-bone tender chicken thighs.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 tbsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill or smoker to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together smoked paprika, brown sugar, and salt.
3. Rub the spice blend all over the chicken thighs, making sure to coat them evenly.
4. Grill the chicken thighs for 5-7 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
5. During the last 2 minutes of grilling, brush the chicken with BBQ sauce and smoked paprika mixture.
6. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pineapple Teriyaki BBQ Chicken Thighs
Elevate your BBQ game with this unique twist on classic chicken thighs, featuring a tangy pineapple teriyaki glaze. Perfect for a summer gathering or quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, honey, soy sauce, and brown sugar until smooth.
3. Add garlic and pineapple to the glaze mixture; stir to combine.
4. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
5. Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Brush the pineapple teriyaki glaze on the chicken during the last minute of grilling.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Serve hot and enjoy!
Chipotle Lime BBQ Chicken Thighs
Elevate your barbecue game with this zesty and flavorful recipe that combines the smoky heat of chipotle peppers, the brightness of lime juice, and the richness of BBQ sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/4 cup chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or oven to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together chipotle peppers, lime juice, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Place chicken thighs in a large bowl and pour the marinade over them. Toss to coat evenly.
4. Grill or bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
5. Brush with BBQ sauce during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Brown Sugar BBQ Chicken Thighs
Moist and flavorful chicken thighs smothered in a sweet and tangy brown sugar BBQ sauce, perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend gathering.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup ketchup
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Place chicken thighs in a large baking dish and brush the BBQ sauce mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through, flipping halfway.
5. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Korean Gochujang BBQ Chicken Thighs
Elevate your chicken game with this flavorful and spicy recipe that combines the richness of gochujang with the smokiness of Korean-style BBQ. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/4 cup gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 tbsp rice vinegar
– 1 tsp garlic, minced
– 1 tsp ginger, grated
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger.
3. Add chicken thighs to the marinade and toss to coat. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
4. Remove chicken from the marinade and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through, flipping halfway through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Garlic Herb BBQ Chicken Thighs
Elevate your backyard barbecue game with these aromatic and juicy garlic herb BBQ chicken thighs. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a summer gathering or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together garlic, olive oil, rosemary, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken thighs.
4. Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. During the last minute of grilling, brush with BBQ sauce.
6. Let chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Enjoy your delicious Garlic Herb BBQ Chicken Thighs!
Jerk Spiced BBQ Chicken Thighs
Elevate your backyard BBQ game with this flavorful recipe that combines the boldness of jerk seasoning with the sweetness of BBQ sauce. Perfect for a summer cookout or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 tbsp jerk seasoning
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp brown sugar
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together jerk seasoning, smoked paprika, and brown sugar.
3. Season the chicken thighs with the spice mixture, making sure they’re evenly coated.
4. Brush the chicken with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
5. Grill or bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
6. During the last 5 minutes of cooking, brush the BBQ sauce over the chicken thighs.
7. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Apple Cider BBQ Chicken Thighs
Elevate your weeknight dinner with the perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors. This recipe combines juicy chicken thighs with a rich apple cider BBQ sauce for an unforgettable meal.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup apple cider BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/4 cup apple cider
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together apple cider BBQ sauce, apple cider, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Add chicken thighs to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the sauce.
4. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper and arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until cooked through, flipping halfway through.
6. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Peach Bourbon BBQ Chicken Thighs
Peachy keen BBQ chicken gets a sophisticated twist with the addition of bourbon! This sweet and tangy recipe is perfect for a summer cookout or dinner party.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup peach preserves
– 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh peaches, sliced (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together peach preserves, bourbon whiskey, BBQ sauce, and honey until smooth.
3. Season chicken thighs with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. During the last minute of grilling, brush the peach-bourbon glaze all over the chicken.
6. Serve hot, garnished with sliced peaches if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Balsamic Glazed BBQ Chicken Thighs
Elevate your barbecue game with this sweet and tangy twist on classic chicken thighs. This recipe combines the richness of balsamic glaze with the smokiness of BBQ sauce for a truly unforgettable flavor experience.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup balsamic glaze (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic glaze and BBQ sauce.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until browned.
4. Remove chicken from skillet and brush with the balsamic-BBQ mixture.
5. Return chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
6. Garnish with minced garlic and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Smoky Molasses BBQ Chicken Thighs
Smoky Molasses BBQ Chicken Thighs: A sweet and smoky twist on classic barbecue chicken!
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup molasses
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together molasses, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder.
3. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides.
4. Brush the smoky molasses mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken thighs.
5. Grill chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes
Lemon Pepper BBQ Chicken Thighs
Elevate your BBQ game with this refreshing take on a classic favorite, featuring the zesty combination of lemon and pepper. Perfect for a summer cookout or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/4 cup lemon pepper seasoning
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together lemon pepper seasoning, olive oil, honey, and vinegar.
3. Place chicken thighs in a shallow dish and brush the lemon-pepper mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
4. Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Brush with BBQ sauce during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Thai Sweet Chili BBQ Chicken Thighs
Elevate your BBQ game with this sweet and spicy twist on classic chicken thighs. This Thai-inspired recipe combines the bold flavors of chili peppers, fish sauce, and brown sugar for a dish that’s both familiar and exotic.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/4 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
– 2 tablespoons fish sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Cooking spray or oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together chili sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Add chicken thighs to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Remove chicken from marinade and shake off excess.
5. Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Brush with additional chili sauce during the last minute of cooking.
Cooking Time: 12-16 minutes
Rosemary Garlic BBQ Chicken Thighs
Elevate your barbecue game with this flavorful recipe that combines the earthy notes of rosemary and pungency of garlic with tender chicken thighs. Perfect for a summer cookout or weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or oven to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic, and rosemary.
3. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken thighs.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Grill or bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
6. During the last 5 minutes, brush with BBQ sauce and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Get ready to fire up your grill with these 18 mouthwatering smoky BBQ chicken thigh recipes! From classic honey garlic to spicy sriracha and sticky bourbon, each recipe is packed with flavor. Discover unique twists like Korean gochujang, Thai sweet chili, and peach bourbon that will elevate your grilling game. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just looking for inspiration, these recipes are sure to please even the most discerning palates. Fire up your grill and get ready to savor the smoky goodness!
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