Fire up your grill or oven for this irresistible Zesty BBQ Chicken recipe that's bursting with smoky, tangy, and spicy flavors! Juicy bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are slathered in a bold blend of spices—including paprika, cumin, and cayenne—before being grilled or roasted to perfection. The pièce de résistance is the homemade BBQ sauce, a mouthwatering mix of ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and Dijon mustard, simmered to create a rich, sticky glaze. Perfectly caramelized and tender, this dish is ready in under an hour and makes a show-stopping centerpiece for any backyard barbecue or family dinner. Pair it with grilled veggies, coleslaw, or cornbread for a complete meal that will leave everyone craving seconds!
Preheat your grill or oven to 400°F (200°C). If using a grill, lightly oil the grates.
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and place them in a large bowl.
In a small bowl, mix the olive oil with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir until it forms a thick marinade.
Rub the spice mixture evenly over each chicken thigh, ensuring they are well-coated. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika. Stir and simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the sauce slightly thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.
Place the chicken thighs on the grill, skin-side down, or arrange them on a baking sheet if using an oven. Cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
During the last 5 minutes of cooking, generously brush the chicken with the prepared BBQ sauce. Allow the sauce to caramelize slightly before removing the chicken.
Transfer the chicken to a serving plate and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with additional BBQ sauce on the side, if desired.
Calories |
3295 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 232.8 g | 298% | |
| Saturated Fat | 59.6 g | 298% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 972 mg | 324% | |
| Sodium | 4911 mg | 214% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 92.8 g | 34% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.8 g | 17% | |
| Total Sugars | 62.5 g | ||
| Protein | 219.2 g | 438% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 246 mg | 19% | |
| Iron | 16.2 mg | 90% | |
| Potassium | 2749 mg | 58% | |
*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.