Name: BBQ Chicken Thighs with Sticky Homemade Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs; 1 cup ketchup; ¼ cup brown sugar; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper

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Hey y'all! If you love finger-lickin' good barbecue, these BBQ Chicken Thighs with Sticky Homemade Sauce are about to become your new go-to! Tender, juicy chicken thighs coated in a sweet, tangy, and smoky homemade BBQ sauce make this dish a crowd-pleaser—ideal for backyard cookouts, game days, or a comforting weeknight dinner. Let's get cooking!

Why You'll Love This BBQ Chicken Thighs with Sticky Homemade Sauce Recipe

Super juicy and tender thanks to the dark chicken meat.
Sticky homemade BBQ sauce is perfectly sweet, smoky, and tangy.

Great for grilling season but easy to make indoors too.
Perfect for meal prepping—leftovers taste even better!
No fancy ingredients—just pantry staples and loads of flavor.

BBQ Chicken Thighs with Sticky Homemade Sauce Ingredients

8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2.5 lbs)
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Sticky Homemade BBQ Sauce:
1 cup ketchup

⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon chili powder
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

How to Make BBQ Chicken Thighs with Sticky Homemade Sauce

Step 1: Prep the Chicken Thighs

Pat the chicken thighs dry using paper towels. Drizzle with olive oil and season evenly with salt and black pepper. Set aside while you prepare the sauce.

Step 2: Make the Sticky Homemade BBQ Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and cayenne pepper. Stir to mix. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. Remove from heat and set aside ⅓ cup for serving.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken Thighs

Preheat your grill to medium-high (about 400°F/200°C). Oil the grates. Place the chicken thighs, skin side down, on the grill. Cook uncovered for 6-7 minutes until the skin is crisp and golden. Flip the thighs and brush generously with the homemade BBQ sauce. Grill for another 6-8 minutes, brushing again with more sauce and flipping once more if needed. Chicken is done when juices run clear and internal temperature reaches 175°F/80°C (see safe cooking temps).

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Let the chicken thighs rest for 5 minutes, then brush with reserved sauce. Serve hot and enjoy that finger-licking sticky goodness!

Notes for Perfect BBQ Chicken Thighs with Sticky Homemade Sauce

Marinate the chicken in half the sauce overnight for even deeper flavor.
For oven baking, roast chicken at 400°F/200°C on a lined baking sheet for 35-40 minutes, basting twice with sauce (see oven BBQ technique).

Prefer boneless thighs? Reduce grilling time by 3-4 minutes per side.

BBQ Chicken Thighs with Sticky Homemade Sauce Variations

Spicy Kick: Add extra cayenne or diced chipotle peppers in adobo.
Honey-Garlic: Swap brown sugar with honey and add 2 minced garlic cloves to sauce.

Asian-Inspired: Mix 1 tablespoon soy sauce and a splash of sesame oil into the BBQ sauce.

Equipment Needed for BBQ Chicken Thighs with Sticky Homemade Sauce

Grill (charcoal or gas) or oven
Basting brush

Mixing bowl
Saucepan
Instant-read thermometer

Tongs

Storage and Leftovers

Store cooled BBQ chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover and bake at 350°F/175°C for 10-12 minutes until warmed through. You can also freeze cooked thighs (sauce and all) for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What to Serve with BBQ Chicken Thighs with Sticky Homemade Sauce

Creamy coleslaw or tangy potato salad

Buttery corn on the cob
Grilled vegetables or baked beans
Warm, fluffy cornbread (try this buttermilk cornbread recipe)

Pro Tips for BBQ Chicken Thighs with Sticky Homemade Sauce

Baste frequently for that signature sticky, caramelized glaze.
Always use a meat thermometer for juicy, perfectly cooked chicken (learn more here).
Let the chicken rest before serving to lock in juices and enhance tenderness.

FAQs about BBQ Chicken Thighs with Sticky Homemade Sauce

Can I use boneless, skinless thighs for this recipe?: Absolutely! Just reduce the cooking time by a few minutes per side, and keep an eye on the internal temperature.
How do I prevent the sauce from burning on the grill?: Apply sauce during the last half of grilling, and use indirect heat if the sauce starts to char too quickly.
Can I make the BBQ sauce ahead of time?: Yes! Store homemade BBQ sauce in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 1 week for quick, flavorful meals anytime.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

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BBQ Chicken Thighs with Sticky Homemade Sauce