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bbq chicken thighs on a white plate with extra sauce on the side.
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4.82 from 11 votes

Grilled Chicken Thighs with BBQ Sauce

Grilled Chicken Thighs with BBQ sauce are a summertime essential. They are easy, economical, and perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a weekend get-together.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Keyword: grilled chicken thighs
Servings: 4
Calories: 205kcal
Author: Andrea Mut

Ingredients

Quick BBQ Sauce (makes 1 cup)

  • ½ cup cider vinegar
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or less if you want less spicy
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  • Rub the chicken thighs with olive oil and 1-2 teaspoons on both sides of spice rub on both sides to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate until you are ready to grill or up to overnight.

To make the BBQ sauce

  • In a medium saucepan, bring all sauce ingredients to a boil, stirring or whisking until smooth. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, or until slightly reduced and thickened. Stir often to prevent sticking and burning. Set aside. Makes 1 cup.
  • Preheat barbecue to 400° F (205°C). Oil grill and place chicken skin side down. Close the lid and cook for 10 minutes, checking halfway through to make sure it isn’t getting too dark. If it is, turn the heat down.
  • Flip the thighs and brush the tops with BBQ sauce. Cook another 10 minutes, checking after 5 minutes. Adjust heat as necessary. Flip and brush skin side with BBQ sauce. Cook for another 5 minutes or until internal temperature reaches a minimum of 170° F (77° C) and up to 180° F (82°C). If you like them extra saucy, brush more on and cook for 1 more minute on each side.
  • Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving with extra BBQ sauce on the side.

Video

Notes

STORAGE - Keep in the refrigerator, wrapped tightly or in an airtight container, for up to 4 days. BBQ sauce will keep in a sealed container, in the fridge for 2 weeks.
QUICK SPICE RUB - If you don't have time to make this BBQ Spice Rub use this quick rub instead:
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder

Nutrition

Serving: 1thigh | Calories: 205kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 135mg | Sodium: 413mg | Potassium: 342mg | Sugar: 6g