Unleash a bold explosion of smoky and savory flavors with "The Jailor’s Special Chicken and BBQ Sauce." This crowd-pleasing recipe highlights tender, bone-in chicken thighs brushed with a rich, homemade barbecue sauce that’s brimming with the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky notes. Seasoned to perfection with a blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder, the chicken is first grilled or baked to juicy, crispy-skinned perfection, then finished with a caramelized coat of glossy BBQ sauce enhanced by ingredients like ketchup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and a hint of liquid smoke. Ready in just about an hour, this hearty dish is perfect for summer cookouts or weeknight dinners, and pairs effortlessly with roasted veggies, fresh salads, or buttery cornbread. Whether you grill it to perfection outdoors or roast it to golden glory in the oven, this recipe delivers irresistible flavor with every bite.
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Step 1: Preheat your grill to medium heat or preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season them generously with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Step 3: Drizzle olive oil over the chicken, ensuring the thighs are evenly coated.
Step 4: Place the chicken thighs skin-side down on the preheated grill, or arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper if roasting. Grill or bake for about 25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the skin is crisp and the chicken is nearly cooked through.
Step 5: While the chicken is cooking, prepare the BBQ sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, honey, Dijon mustard, liquid smoke (if using), minced garlic, and water.
Step 6: Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring occasionally, and let it cook for 10-12 minutes until thickened and glossy. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 7: Once the chicken thighs are nearly cooked, brush a generous layer of BBQ sauce over each piece. If grilling, continue grilling the chicken for another 10 minutes, flipping and basting as needed. If baking, return the chicken to the oven and cook for 10 more minutes until the sauce is caramelized.
Step 8: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 9: Remove the chicken from the grill or oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Step 10: Serve the chicken hot, with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping. Pair with a salad, roasted veggies, or your favorite side dish.
Serving size | (1692.5g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 3514.5 |
Total Fat 237.8g | 0% |
Saturated Fat 63.2g | 0% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g | |
Cholesterol 972mg | 0% |
Sodium 7599.3mg | 0% |
Total Carbohydrate 124.2g | 0% |
Dietary Fiber 2.0g | 0% |
Total Sugars 98.2g | |
Protein 217.4g | 0% |
Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
Calcium 232.6mg | 0% |
Iron 14.4mg | 0% |
Potassium 3159.6mg | 0% |
Source of Calories