BBQ Chicken Thighs with Brown Sugar Rub

BBQ Chicken Thighs with Brown Sugar Rub are the perfect blend of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors. Juicy chicken thighs are coated in a flavorful brown sugar spice rub that caramelizes beautifully on the grill or in the oven, creating a sticky, slightly crispy exterior while keeping the meat tender and moist inside.

Chicken thighs are especially well-suited for barbecue because they stay juicy and flavorful even at higher temperatures. Whether you’re cooking for a summer cookout, a family dinner, or meal prepping for the week, these BBQ chicken thighs deliver big flavor with minimal effort and guaranteed crowd-pleasing results.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s reliable, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. The brown sugar rub creates a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, and the chicken thighs come out juicy every single time. It’s a no-fuss recipe that tastes like it took hours of careful preparation.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

• Juicy, tender chicken with caramelized crust
• Sweet and smoky barbecue flavor
• Easy to make on grill or in oven
• Budget-friendly and family-friendly
• Perfect for gatherings and meal prep

Recipe Overview

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American / BBQ
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35–45 minutes
Total Time: 50–60 minutes
Servings: 4–5
Calories (approx.): 390 calories per servingIngredients

• 1 kg (2.2 lb) bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Brown Sugar Rub

• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked preferred)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon chili powder or cayenne (optional)

Optional for Serving

• BBQ sauce
• Fresh parsley or green onions

Cooking Directions

1. Preheat grill or oven.
2. Pat chicken thighs dry and coat with oil.
3. Mix brown sugar rub ingredients.
4. Rub seasoning generously over chicken.
5. Grill or bake until fully cooked and caramelized.
6. Rest before serving.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Preheat Cooking Surface
Preheat grill to medium heat (180–190°C / 350–375°F) or oven to 200°C (400°F).

Step 2: Prepare Chicken
Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and brush lightly with olive oil.

Step 3: Make the Rub
In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and chili powder.

Step 4: Season Chicken
Rub the spice mixture generously over all sides of the chicken thighs.

Step 5: Cook the Chicken

• Grill: Place thighs skin-side down and grill for 6–8 minutes per side.
• Oven: Bake on a lined tray for 35–45 minutes, turning once if desired.

Step 6: Optional BBQ Sauce
Brush with BBQ sauce during the last 5 minutes for extra glaze.

Step 7: Rest and Serve
Rest chicken for 5 minutes before serving to lock in juices.

How to Serve

Serve BBQ chicken thighs hot with classic sides like coleslaw, corn on the cob, baked beans, or potato salad. They also pair well with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad.

Recipe Tips

• Pat chicken dry for better caramelization
• Watch closely to prevent sugar from burning
• Use indirect heat on the grill for thicker thighs
• Let chicken rest before serving
• Use a meat thermometer (75°C / 165°F internal temp)

Variations

Spicy BBQ Thighs
Add extra cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes.

Honey BBQ Thighs
Replace half the brown sugar with honey.

Oven-Broiled Finish
Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for crispy skin.

Boneless Thigh Version
Reduce cooking time by 8–10 minutes.

Air Fryer Method
Cook at 190°C (375°F) for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway.

Freezing and Storage

Storage:

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days

Freezing:

• Freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months
• Thaw overnight and reheat gently

Special Equipment Needed

• Grill or oven
• Baking tray or grill grates
• Mixing bowl
• Tongs
• Meat thermometer

Conclusion

BBQ Chicken Thighs with Brown Sugar Rub are a true barbecue classic—juicy, flavorful, and irresistibly caramelized. With a simple spice blend and flexible cooking methods, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for weeknight dinners, weekend grilling, or feeding a crowd, it’s a dish you’ll come back to again and again.