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Three perfectly cooked Smoky BBQ Chicken Thighs with caramelized, dark edges resting on a white plate.

Smoky BBQ Chicken Thighs with Caramelized Edges

This recipe delivers tender, smoky chicken thighs with sweet, caramelized edges using simple pan-searing and glazing techniques. It is a quick main course perfect for weeknight meals.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, BBQ
Calories: 430
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce your favorite brand or homemade
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

  • Large skillet or grill pan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Tongs

Method
 

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
  3. Place chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 6–7 minutes until golden brown.
  4. Flip the chicken, reduce heat to medium, and cook another 6–7 minutes.
  5. In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce with brown sugar until well combined.
  6. Brush the BBQ mixture over the chicken and continue cooking, flipping occasionally, until caramelized and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), about 5–6 minutes.
  7. Serve hot with extra BBQ sauce on the side.

Nutrition

Calories: 430kcal

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in BBQ sauce for 1–2 hours before cooking.

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