Grilled Southern Style Barbecue Chicken with Spiced Rub

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled chicken marinated in a smoky, sweet, and spicy Southern-style barbecue rub perfect for a summer cookout. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 25 minutes pairs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, brown sugar, smoked paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 3 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil and 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, mixing to form a thick marinade.
  2. Step 2: Rub the marinade evenly over 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, coating thoroughly. Let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or up to overnight.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill the chicken thighs skin side down for 6-7 minutes until grill marks form and skin crisps.
  4. Step 4: Flip the chicken and continue grilling for another 6-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
  5. Step 5: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving with your favorite barbecue sides.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Southern Style Barbecue Chicken with Spiced Rub take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Grilled Southern Style Barbecue Chicken with Spiced Rub?

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 brown sugar from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Southern Style Barbecue Chicken with Spiced Rub?

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 Grilled Southern Style Barbecue Chicken with Spiced Rub for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Grilled Southern Style Barbecue Chicken with Spiced Rub?

American bbq & smoked 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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