### **Perfect BBQ Chicken Thighs** **Juicy, crispy, and packed with smoky-sweet flavor—every time.** #### **Ingredients** - **4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs** - **2 tbsp neutral oil** (vegetable, canola, or avocado) - **1 tbsp kosher salt** (for dry brine) - **1 tbsp BBQ dry rub** (see below, or use your favorite) - **½ cup BBQ sauce** (store-bought or homemade) #### **BBQ Dry Rub (Optional—Make Your Own!)** - 1 tbsp brown sugar - 1 tbsp paprika - 1 tsp garlic powder - 1 tsp onion powder - 1 tsp black pepper - ½ tsp cayenne (optional, for heat) --- ### **Step 1: Dry Brine (For Maximum Juiciness)** 1. **Pat thighs dry** with paper towels. 2. **Sprinkle evenly** with kosher salt (about 1 tsp per thigh). 3. **Refrigerate uncovered** for at least **30 min (or up to 24 hrs)**—this seasons the meat deeply and helps crisp the skin. ### **Step 2: Prep the Grill (Two-Zone Heat)** 1. **Preheat your Weber gas grill** to **medium-high (400–450°F)**. 2. **Turn off one burner** (or set to low) to create an **indirect heat zone** (~300–350°F). 3. **Keep the other burner(s) on high** for direct searing. *(Optional: Add wood chips in a smoker box for extra smokiness!)* ### **Step 3: Season & Sear** 1. **Coat thighs lightly in oil** (helps with browning). 2. **Apply BBQ dry rub** evenly on both sides. 3. **Sear skin-side down over direct heat** for **2–3 mins** (don’t move them—let them get crispy!). 4. **Flip and sear the other side** for **1–2 mins**. ### **Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection** 1. **Move thighs to indirect heat**, skin-side up. 2. **Close the lid** and cook for **20–25 mins**, until internal temp hits **175–185°F** (thighs stay juicy even at higher temps). ### **Step 5: Glaze & Finish** 1. **Brush with BBQ sauce** in the last **5–10 mins** (prevents burning). 2. **Optional:** Move back to direct heat for **30 sec per side** to caramelize the sauce. ### **Step 6: Rest & Serve** - **Let thighs rest 5–10 mins** (keeps them juicy). - **Serve with extra sauce** and your favorite sides! --- ### **Pro Tips for the Best BBQ Thighs** ✅ **Crispiest skin?** Dry brine + high initial sear. ✅ **No flare-ups?** Trim excess fat and keep a spray bottle handy. ✅ **Extra smoky?** Use a smoker box with hickory or apple wood. **Enjoy your foolproof, restaurant-quality BBQ chicken thighs!** 🍗🔥 --- Great question! **Paprika can be either smoked or sweet**—it depends on the variety you buy. Here’s the breakdown to help you choose the best one for your BBQ chicken thighs: ### **1. Sweet Paprika (Most Common)** - **Flavor:** Mild, slightly sweet, and fruity (made from dried red bell peppers or mild chili peppers). - **Best for:** General BBQ rubs where you want color and gentle pepper flavor without smokiness. ### **2. Smoked Paprika (Aka "Pimentón")** - **Flavor:** Deep, rich smokiness (made from peppers dried over wood fires). - **Types:** - **Dulce (Sweet Smoked):** Mild heat, sweet smoke (great for BBQ). - **Picante (Hot Smoked):** Spicier kick (use less if sensitive to heat). - **Best for:** Adding a campfire-like smokiness, especially on gas grills (no wood chips needed!). ### **3. Hot Paprika** - **Flavor:** Spicy and pungent (made from hotter chili varieties). - **Best for:** If you want heat without smoke. --- ### **Which One for Your BBQ Chicken?** - **Classic Sweet BBQ Rub?** Use **sweet paprika** + a bit of cayenne for heat. - **Smoky Depth (Gas Grill Hack)?** Use **smoked paprika (dulce)**—it mimics wood-fired flavor! - **Bold & Spicy?** Mix **hot smoked paprika (picante)** with brown sugar for balance. **Pro Tip:** If your BBQ sauce is already smoky, stick with sweet paprika to avoid overkill.