Brown Sugar Bbq Chicken
Indulge in the sweet and smoky flavors of Brown Sugar BBQ Chicken, a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for grilling season or an easy weeknight dinner. This recipe features juicy chicken thighs, either bone-in or boneless, coated in a rich, homemade barbecue sauce made from brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and a blend of smoky spices like paprika and garlic powder. Whether grilled to perfection for that charred, caramelized finish or baked in the oven for tender, saucy bites, this versatile recipe delivers bold, irresistible flavor. Perfectly balanced with a hint of heat from optional cayenne pepper, it’s ready in under an hour and pairs beautifully with classic sides like coleslaw or cornbread. Impress your family or guests with this easy-to-make, finger-licking BBQ favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 pieces chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on or boneless, skinless)
- 0.5 cups brown sugar
- 0.5 cups ketchup
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoons cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 teaspoons salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 375°F) or preheat your oven to 400°F if baking.
Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Set aside.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth to create the BBQ sauce.
Heat the olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the prepared BBQ sauce and simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
If grilling: Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Place the chicken on the grill, skin-side down if using bone-in chicken, and cook for 4-5 minutes per side to achieve grill marks. Begin brushing the chicken with the prepared BBQ sauce, turning frequently and basting generously every few minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (about 25-30 minutes total).
If baking: Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer on a lined baking sheet or in a greased baking dish. Brush the chicken generously with the BBQ sauce. Bake for 30-35 minutes, basting with additional sauce halfway through cooking, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Serve hot with any remaining BBQ sauce on the side and your favorite sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or roasted vegetables.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
961 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 54.3 g | 70% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.7 g | 68% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 338 mg | 113% | |
| Sodium | 964 mg | 42% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 39.3 g | 14% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.4 g | 2% | |
| Total Sugars | 35.8 g | ||
| Protein | 73.3 g | 147% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.6 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 83 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 4.4 mg | 25% | |
| Potassium | 1015 mg | 22% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
