Wicked Chicken Bbq New England Style
Experience the bold, smoky flavors of New England with this Wicked Chicken BBQ recipe, a delicious twist on classic grilled chicken. Juicy bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are seasoned with a mouthwatering rub of paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper, then perfectly grilled to golden perfection. But the real star here is the homemade New England-style BBQ sauce—a tangy, sweet, and savory blend of ketchup, pure maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and just a touch of cayenne for spice. Infused with local flair, this sauce coats the chicken in layers of irresistible flavor as it caramelizes on the grill. Perfect for summer cookouts or cozy autumn gatherings, this versatile dish pairs wonderfully with classics like coleslaw and cornbread. Whether you're a BBQ enthusiast or a New England foodie, this recipe brings authentic flavor and unforgettable charm to the table.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 6 pieces Chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
- 2 teaspoons Kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 cup Ketchup
- 0.25 cup Apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons Brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 0.25 teaspoon Ground cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons Water
Instructions
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F) or prepare a charcoal grill with even, hot coals.
In a small bowl, combine kosher salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and rub the spice mixture generously over each piece. Drizzle with olive oil and set aside.
To prepare the New England-style BBQ sauce, combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, ground cayenne pepper, and water in a medium saucepan. Stir together over medium heat until the mixture begins to bubble. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and set aside.
Place the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side down on the preheated grill. Cook for 7-8 minutes, until the skin is golden brown and slightly crisp. Flip the chicken and cook the other side for an additional 7-8 minutes.
Reduce the grill heat to low or move the chicken to a cooler part of the grill. Brush the chicken generously with the prepared BBQ sauce on both sides. Continue cooking for another 15-20 minutes, flipping every 5 minutes and applying more sauce, until the internal temperature of each thigh reaches 165°F.
Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. Serve hot, with extra BBQ sauce on the side if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
516 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 33.3 g | 43% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.1 g | 41% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 122 mg | 41% | |
| Sodium | 790 mg | 34% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 27.0 g | 10% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.5 g | 2% | |
| Total Sugars | 21.5 g | ||
| Protein | 27.6 g | 55% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 41 mg | 3% | |
| Iron | 2.1 mg | 12% | |
| Potassium | 391 mg | 8% | |
*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.
