Smoky Hickory Barbecue Chicken Thighs

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

Juicy chicken thighs marinated in a smoky hickory barbecue sauce, grilled to perfection with a caramelized glaze. This american-inspired bbq & smoked 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

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Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving with remaining barbecue sauce on the side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoky Hickory Barbecue Chicken Thighs take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Hickory Barbecue 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 Hickory Barbecue 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 Hickory Barbecue 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 Smoky Hickory Barbecue 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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