Smoky Grilled Chipotle BBQ Chicken Thighs

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

Juicy chicken thighs marinated in smoky chipotle and grilled to perfection with a tangy barbecue glaze. This american-inspired grilling ready in about 40 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, olive oil 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.

★ 4.4 (9 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 6 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 6 bone-in chicken thighs and toss to coat evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill to medium heat (350-375°F). Remove chicken from marinade and place skin-side down on the grill. Cook for 6-7 minutes until skin is crispy and grill marks form.
  3. Step 3: Flip chicken over and cook an additional 6-7 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, in a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 tbsp brown sugar, and 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar. Stir and cook for 5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Brush chicken thighs with the chipotle barbecue sauce and grill for 1-2 more minutes per side, allowing sauce to caramelize. Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoky Grilled Chipotle BBQ Chicken Thighs take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 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 Smoky Grilled Chipotle 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 Smoky Grilled Chipotle 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 Smoky Grilled Chipotle BBQ Chicken Thighs 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 Smoky Grilled Chipotle BBQ Chicken Thighs?

American grilling 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.

What others are saying

Related recipes