Grilled Southern-Style BBQ Chicken Thighs

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken thighs marinated in a smoky, tangy barbecue sauce grilled to perfection with a caramelized crust. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 30 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, smoked paprika, garlic powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp hot sauce, 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the barbecue marinade.
  2. Step 2: Rub 2 tbsp olive oil evenly over 6 bone-in chicken thighs, then coat them thoroughly with the barbecue marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld.
  3. Step 3: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, approximately 400°F. Place the marinated chicken thighs skin-side down and grill for 6-7 minutes until the skin is caramelized and crisp.
  4. Step 4: Flip the chicken thighs and grill for an additional 6-7 minutes, basting occasionally with reserved marinade, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
  5. Step 5: Remove from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute, resulting in tender, smoky chicken.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Southern-Style BBQ Chicken Thighs take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 BBQ Chicken Thighs?

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 Grilled Southern-Style BBQ Chicken Thighs?

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 BBQ Chicken Thighs 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 BBQ Chicken Thighs?

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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