Grilled Sweet and Smoky BBQ Chicken Thighs with Homemade Mustard Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled chicken thighs glazed with a smoky-sweet BBQ sauce paired with a tangy homemade mustard dipping sauce. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 56 minutes blends bone-in chicken thighs, olive oil, smoked paprika into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 40 min Cook: 16 min Serves 4 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Rub this mixture evenly over 8 bone-in chicken thighs. Let marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature.
  2. Step 2: Preheat a grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and grill for 6-8 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
  3. Step 3: Flip the chicken thighs and continue grilling for another 6-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, whisk together 1/2 cup yellow mustard, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Chill until ready to serve.
  5. Step 5: Serve the grilled chicken thighs hot, accompanied by the tangy homemade mustard sauce for dipping or drizzling.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Sweet and Smoky BBQ Chicken Thighs with Homemade Mustard Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 56 minutes (40 min prep + 16 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Grilled Sweet and Smoky BBQ Chicken Thighs with Homemade Mustard Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Sweet and Smoky BBQ Chicken Thighs with Homemade Mustard Sauce?

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 Sweet and Smoky BBQ Chicken Thighs with Homemade Mustard Sauce 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 Sweet and Smoky BBQ Chicken Thighs with Homemade Mustard Sauce?

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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