Ingredients
6–8 pieces (about 3–4 lbs) chicken thighs or drumsticks (bone-in, skin-on)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon brown sugar (lightly packed)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1½ cups your favorite BBQ sauce
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (optional, for basting sauce)
Instructions
1. 1. Pat chicken pieces thoroughly dry with paper towels. Trim excess skin or fat if desired.
2. 2. In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper.
3. 3. Drizzle olive oil over chicken, coating evenly. Generously sprinkle spice rub all over chicken, massaging into every crevice.
4. 4. Set up grill for two-zone cooking: hotter side for searing, cooler side for indirect cooking. Aim for 375-400°F (190-200°C). Clean and oil grates.
5. 5. Place chicken skin-side down on hotter side. Sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and slightly crispy.
6. 6. Move chicken to cooler indirect heat side. Close lid. Cook for 30-45 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. 7. While chicken cooks, whisk BBQ sauce with optional apple cider vinegar in a bowl for basting.
8. 8. In the last 10-15 minutes of cooking, baste chicken generously with BBQ sauce, flipping every 3-5 minutes until a sticky, caramelized glaze forms.
9. 9. Once chicken reaches 165°F, remove from grill. Tent loosely with foil and rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra juiciness, marinate chicken in olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and some spice rub for 30 minutes to 4 hours before grilling. Use an instant-read thermometer for best results. Do not baste too early to prevent sauce from burning. Two-zone grilling is key to juicy meat and crispy skin without burning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus optional marinating time if desired)
- Cook Time: 35-50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling (two-zone)
- Cuisine: American BBQ
- Diet: Gluten-Free (if sauce is GF)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg