Smoky Hickory Barbecue Chicken Thighs

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-30 · Updated 2026-05-30

How this recipe was made — this recipe was drafted by AislePrompt's AI-assisted pipeline from technique templates and USDA-sourced nutrition data, and published by AislePrompt Editorial — see how AislePrompt recipes are developed and reviewed.

Juicy chicken thighs marinated in a smoky hickory barbecue sauce, grilled to perfection with a caramelized glaze. This American-inspired barbecue recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, pairs bone-in chicken thighs, hickory smoked paprika, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 350 cal/serving

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Ingredients

6 pieces bone-in chicken thighs
2 tsp hickory smoked paprika
3 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup ketchup
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp olive oil

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Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 tsp hickory smoked paprika, 3 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 6 bone-in chicken thighs and 2 tbsp olive oil, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
Step 2: In a small saucepan, mix 1/2 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, and 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce. Simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes until thickened and glossy, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill the marinated chicken thighs for 6-7 minutes per side, basting with the barbecue sauce during the last 3 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the exterior is caramelized with slight char.
Step 4: Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving with remaining barbecue sauce on the side.