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Flavorful Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe Easy Smoky Chipotle Glaze

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Juicy, tender grilled chicken thighs glazed with a smoky, spicy, and sweet chipotle BBQ sauce, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual outdoor gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 3 lbs / 1.4 kg)
  • 2 chipotle peppers in adobo, minced
  • 2 tablespoons honey (raw recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste (kosher salt recommended)
  • Juice of half a lime (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to help the skin crisp up. Season all sides generously with salt and pepper. Let rest at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together minced chipotle peppers, honey, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, olive oil, and a pinch of salt until smooth and glossy. Add a teaspoon of water if glaze is too thick.
  3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F / 200°C). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
  4. Place chicken thighs skin-side down on the grill. Grill for 6-7 minutes without moving to crisp and char the skin.
  5. Flip the thighs and grill the other side for 5 minutes.
  6. Brush a generous layer of chipotle glaze on the cooked side, flip again, and brush the other side. Continue grilling for another 5-7 minutes, basting every 2 minutes to build a sticky, caramelized coating. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  7. Remove chicken from grill and let rest on a plate for 5-10 minutes to lock in juices.
  8. Just before serving, squeeze fresh lime juice over the chicken for a bright contrast.

Notes

Dry the chicken skin before grilling for crispiness. Let chicken come to room temperature before cooking to reduce flare-ups. Apply glaze in thin layers to avoid burning. Rest chicken after grilling to keep it juicy. If glaze burns, move chicken to indirect heat.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken thighs, BBQ chicken, chipotle glaze, smoky chicken, easy BBQ recipe, summer grilling, smoky chipotle, backyard barbecue

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