Print

Flavorful Brown Sugar BBQ Grilled Chicken Thighs Easy Smoky Paprika Rub Recipe

brown sugar BBQ grilled chicken thighs - featured image
Print Recipe

This recipe features juicy bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs coated in a simple yet bold smoky paprika and brown sugar rub, grilled to perfection for a sweet, smoky, and savory flavor that’s perfect for summer cookouts.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until evenly blended.
  2. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and rub to coat evenly.
  3. Sprinkle the rub generously over each chicken thigh, pressing it into the skin and meat. Reserve any leftover rub. Let the chicken rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
  4. Preheat grill to 375-400°F (190-205°C). If using charcoal, let coals burn down to glowing embers.
  5. Place chicken thighs skin-side down on the grill. Cook for 6-8 minutes without moving to crisp the skin and develop grill marks.
  6. Flip and cook for another 6-8 minutes on the other side, total grilling time about 12-16 minutes depending on size.
  7. Check doneness with an instant-read thermometer; internal temperature should be 165°F (74°C). If no thermometer, pierce thickest part and ensure juices run clear.
  8. Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5-10 minutes to redistribute juices.
  9. Serve hot with your favorite sides.

Notes

For best results, preheat the grill properly and avoid flipping the chicken too often to get crispy skin. Use bone-in, skin-on thighs for juiciness. If flare-ups occur, move chicken to cooler part of grill. Optionally baste with olive oil during grilling to keep moist. Oven-baking option: bake at 425°F for 25-30 minutes and finish under broiler to crisp skin.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ chicken, grilled chicken thighs, smoky paprika rub, brown sugar chicken, summer grilling, easy BBQ recipe, backyard barbecue

Find it online: https://gleamgulp.com/flavorful-brown-sugar-bbq-grilled-chicken-thighs-easy-smoky-paprika-rub-recipe/