Honey-Glazed BBQ Chicken Thighs with Smoked Paprika

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

Juicy grilled chicken thighs marinated in a honey and smoked paprika glaze, delivering a perfect balance of sweet and smoky flavors. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, honey, smoked paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 6 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup honey, 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 2 tbsp olive oil, and 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar until well combined.
  2. Step 2: Add 6 bone-in chicken thighs to the bowl and toss to coat evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, preferably 3 hours.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Oil the grates lightly to prevent sticking.
  4. Step 4: Place the chicken thighs skin side down on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes until the skin is crispy and charred in spots.
  5. Step 5: Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 6-7 minutes, basting occasionally with reserved marinade, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken is cooked through.
  6. Step 6: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving with extra honey glaze if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Honey-Glazed BBQ Chicken Thighs with Smoked Paprika 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 Honey-Glazed BBQ Chicken Thighs with Smoked Paprika?

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 Honey-Glazed BBQ Chicken Thighs with Smoked Paprika?

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 Honey-Glazed BBQ Chicken Thighs with Smoked Paprika 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 Honey-Glazed BBQ Chicken Thighs with Smoked Paprika?

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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