Sweet Bbq Chicken Thighs
Juicy, flavorful, and irresistibly sticky, Sweet BBQ Chicken Thighs are the ultimate crowd-pleaser for summer cookouts or cozy family dinners. Featuring tender bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs that are grilled or oven-baked to perfection, this recipe shines with a homemade barbecue sauce that balances the sweet richness of brown sugar with tangy apple cider vinegar and smoky paprika. The sauce caramelizes beautifully as it cooks, creating a glossy, finger-licking finish that’s sure to impress. With just 15 minutes of prep time and simple pantry ingredients, this dish is quick, accessible, and packed with bold, smoky-sweet flavor. Serve it with classic BBQ sides like creamy coleslaw, buttery cornbread, or charred vegetables for a meal that’s bound to become a household favorite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 pieces Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 cup Brown sugar
- 1 cup Ketchup
- 0.25 cup Apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
Instructions
Preheat the grill to medium heat (about 350-400°F). If using an oven, preheat to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat.
Brush both sides of the chicken thighs with olive oil to prevent sticking and place them on the preheated grill or prepared baking sheet.
Cook the chicken thighs for about 5 minutes on each side to develop a nice sear. If using the oven, bake for 25 minutes.
Generously brush each chicken thigh with the prepared BBQ sauce. Continue grilling for another 5-7 minutes on each side, basting with sauce frequently, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the sauce is caramelized.
Remove the chicken from the grill or oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serve the sweet BBQ chicken thighs warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, alongside your favorite sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or grilled vegetables.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
771 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 37.0 g | 47% | |
| Saturated Fat | 9.2 g | 46% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 160 mg | 53% | |
| Sodium | 992 mg | 43% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 76.5 g | 28% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.4 g | 1% | |
| Total Sugars | 70.8 g | ||
| Protein | 36.3 g | 73% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 100 mg | 8% | |
| Iron | 3.9 mg | 22% | |
| Potassium | 649 mg | 14% | |
*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.
