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Flavorful Honey Brown Sugar Grilled Chicken Thighs

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A simple and reliable grilled chicken thigh recipe that balances the sweetness of honey and brown sugar with a savory smoky kick, delivering juicy, caramelized, and crispy skin chicken perfect for any grill day.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds / 900g)
  • 1/4 cup (80g) honey
  • 1/3 cup (65g) packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) fresh lemon juice
  • Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
  • Optional: fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade by whisking together honey, brown sugar, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, black pepper, and fresh lemon juice in a medium bowl until smooth and slightly thick but pourable.
  2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin. Add the thighs to the marinade and coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours (1 hour recommended).
  3. Preheat the grill to medium heat (about 350°F / 175°C). If using charcoal, let coals burn down to even heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
  4. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down on the grill. Cook for 6-7 minutes without moving to crisp the skin.
  5. Flip the thighs and grill for another 6-8 minutes, basting occasionally with leftover marinade (discard any marinade that touched raw chicken).
  6. Check for doneness using a meat thermometer; internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If no thermometer, pierce the thickest part and ensure juices run clear.
  7. Transfer the chicken to a clean plate and let rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices.
  8. Serve warm, optionally with grilled corn or a crisp salad.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before marinating for crispy skin. Marinate between 30 minutes to 2 hours to avoid sugar burning. Grill over medium heat and flip only once. Rest chicken 5 minutes after grilling. Watch for flare-ups due to sugary marinade and move chicken if flames get too high. Can be cooked indoors using a grill pan or broiler with less smoky flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken thighs, honey brown sugar chicken, smoky grilled chicken, easy chicken recipe, summer grilling, juicy chicken thighs

Find it online: https://tastypierecipes.com/flavorful-honey-brown-sugar-grilled-chicken-thighs-easy-perfect-recipe-for-juicy-dinner/