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BBQ Grilled Chicken Thighs

One of the favourite recipes for cooking chicken on the barbecue or pizza oven is BBQ Grilled Chicken Thighs. This recipe is popular because it combines the rich flavour of chicken thighs with a smoky, tangy barbecue sauce that caramelizes beautifully.

Top Tip: If you are cooking on a pizza oven, use a cast iron Tuscan Grill to prevent any liquid from getting onto the oven floor.

Ingredients

• 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 cup of your favourite barbecue sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for a bit of heat)

Method

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   • Rinse the chicken thighs under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
   • In a small bowl, mix the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and chili powder (if using).
2. Season the Chicken:
   • Rub the chicken thighs with olive oil to help the seasoning adhere.
   • Evenly sprinkle the seasoning mix over both sides of the chicken thighs, ensuring they are well-coated.
3. Preheat:
   • Heat your grill or pizza oven to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F).
   • If using a charcoal grill, set it up for indirect grilling. Use a Tuscan grill if cooking on a pizza oven.
4. Grill the Chicken:
   • Place the chicken thighs skin-side down on the grill grates over direct heat.
   • Grill for about 5-7 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and has nice grill marks. Be sure to watch closely to prevent burning.
   • Flip the chicken thighs and move them to the indirect heat side of the grill.
   • Continue grilling for another 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (use a meat thermometer for accuracy).
5. Baste with BBQ Sauce:
   • During the last 10 minutes of grilling, start basting the chicken thighs with your favourite barbecue sauce.
   • Baste one side, grill for 5 minutes, then flip and baste the other side.
   • Repeat the process a couple of times to build up a nice, sticky glaze.
6. Rest and Serve:
   • Once the chicken thighs reach an internal temperature of 165°F and are beautifully glazed, remove them from the grill.
   • Let them rest for about 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
   • Serve with additional barbecue sauce on the side and your favourite sides like coleslaw, potato salad, or grilled vegetables.

Tips for Success

• Avoid Flare-Ups: Watch for flare-ups from the chicken fat dripping onto the coals or burners. If flare-ups occur, move the chicken to a cooler part of the grill / pizza oven.
• Consistent Heat: Maintain a consistent cooking temperature to ensure even cooking.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: To avoid overcooking or undercooking, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
• Marinating Option: For even more flavour, you can marinate the chicken thighs in the seasoning mix and olive oil for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.

This BBQ Grilled Chicken Thighs recipe is a crowd-pleaser at cookouts and family gatherings, offering juicy, flavourful chicken with that classic barbecue taste.

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