Char-Grilled Memphis BBQ Chicken with Spiced Baked Beans
Juicy chicken marinated in a smoky Memphis-style barbecue sauce, char-grilled to perfection and paired with richly spiced baked beans for a hearty dinner. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 65 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, olive oil, paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 6 pieces bone-in chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 cups canned baked beans
- 2 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (for beans)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (for beans)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (for beans)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp paprika, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper to create a dry marinade.
- Step 2: Toss 6 bone-in chicken thighs in the marinade, coating evenly; let sit for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours refrigerated.
- Step 3: Preheat a grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill the chicken thighs for 6-7 minutes per side, basting occasionally with 1 cup barbecue sauce, until internal temperature reaches 165°F and edges are slightly charred.
- Step 4: While the chicken grills, combine 2 cups canned baked beans, 2 tbsp yellow mustard, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar in a small saucepan.
- Step 5: Simmer the baked bean mixture over low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld and sauce thickens.
- Step 6: Serve the char-grilled barbecue chicken thighs hot with a generous helping of spiced baked beans on the side.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Char-Grilled Memphis BBQ Chicken with Spiced Baked Beans take to make?
Total time is about 65 minutes (40 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Char-Grilled Memphis BBQ Chicken with Spiced Baked Beans?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Char-Grilled Memphis BBQ Chicken with Spiced Baked Beans?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Char-Grilled Memphis BBQ Chicken with Spiced Baked Beans for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Char-Grilled Memphis BBQ Chicken with Spiced Baked Beans?
American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
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