Easy Grilled Chicken Thighs in Sweet Bbq Sauce

Fire up your grill for these Easy Grilled Chicken Thighs in Sweet BBQ Sauce—a foolproof recipe that turns juicy, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs into smoky, caramelized perfection. Seasoned with a simple yet flavorful spice blend of paprika, garlic, and onion powders, and finished with a luscious homemade BBQ sauce bursting with notes of honey, brown sugar, and a hint of apple cider vinegar, this dish strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory. Ready in just 35 minutes, this recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or summer cookouts, pairing beautifully with grilled veggies, coleslaw, or a crisp green salad. Impress your guests with tender, mouthwatering chicken thighs that deliver bold flavors with every bite!

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 pieces chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup ketchup
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Step 2

In a small bowl, mix kosher salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and olive oil to create a seasoning paste.

Step 3

Rub the seasoning paste evenly over the chicken thighs, ensuring they’re well-coated. Let them marinate for 10 minutes while you prepare the grill.

Step 4

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (around 375–400°F / 190–204°C). Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.

Step 5

Place the chicken thighs skin-side down on the grill. Cook for 6–7 minutes per side, flipping once, until the internal temperature reads 165°F (74°C) on a meat thermometer.

Step 6

While the chicken is grilling, prepare the sweet BBQ sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, mustard powder, and hot sauce (if using). Stir and simmer gently for 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 7

Brush the BBQ sauce generously over the chicken during the last 3–4 minutes of grilling. Flip and brush both sides to caramelize the sauce slightly without burning.

Step 8

Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Step 9

Serve the chicken thighs hot with extra BBQ sauce on the side. Pair with grilled vegetables, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1575.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3017.9

Total Fat 187.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 53.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 972mg	0%
Sodium 2909.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 129.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 3.3g	0%
Total Sugars 105.2g
Protein 218.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 222.5mg	0%
Iron 14.3mg	0%
Potassium 2620.0mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 54.8%

Protein: 28.4%

Carbs: 16.8%