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Grilled BBQ chicken thighs with caramelized glaze and grill marks

Grilled BBQ Chicken

Juicy and smoky grilled chicken with a perfectly caramelized BBQ glaze every single time. The two-zone grill method is the secret that changes everything.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 lbs bone-in skin-on chicken pieces thighs and drumsticks recommended
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce your favorite brand or homemade
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional for heat

Method
 

  1. Pat chicken completely dry with paper towels. Rub all over with olive oil then season generously with all dry spices. Rest at room temperature 20 minutes.
  2. Set up two-zone grill with one side on high heat and one side completely off. Target 375 to 400 degrees F on the hot side.
  3. Place chicken skin-side up on the indirect heat side. Close lid and cook 20 to 25 minutes flipping once halfway through until internal temperature reaches 155 degrees F.
  4. Move chicken to direct heat. Brush generously with BBQ sauce on all sides. Grill 2 to 3 minutes per side applying a fresh coat of sauce each time you flip until sauce is caramelized and chicken reaches 165 degrees F.
  5. Rest 5 minutes before serving. Serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side.

Nutrition

Calories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 38gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 138mgSodium: 780mgPotassium: 390mgSugar: 11g

Notes

Never apply BBQ sauce until the last 5 to 6 minutes of cooking — the sugars burn quickly over direct heat. Keep the lid closed as much as possible to maintain grill temperature. Oil the grates before cooking to prevent sticking.

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