Ingredients
6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
2 tablespoons smoked paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup high-quality BBQ sauce
Cooking oil for the grill grates
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, creating a two-zone setup with direct and indirect heating areas.
Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, salt, and pepper to create the dry rub.
Step 3: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and apply the dry rub generously to all sides of the meat.
Step 4: Clean the grill grates and lightly oil them to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Place the chicken skin-side down over direct heat and sear for 5-6 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden.
Step 6: Flip the chicken and move it to the indirect heat side of the grill.
Step 7: Close the lid and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Step 8: Brush the BBQ sauce onto the chicken during the last 5 minutes of cooking, allowing it to caramelize slightly.
Step 9: Remove from the grill and let the meat rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For the best results, use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches exactly 165 degrees without drying out.
- Prep Time: PT20M
- Cook Time: PT25M
- Category: Main Dish
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 thigh
- Calories: 345
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: cookout recipes, grilled chicken, BBQ thighs, summer grilling, backyard BBQ

