Description
Juicy grilled chicken thighs coated in a smoky dry rub and finished with a creamy, tangy Alabama-style white barbecue sauce, perfect for a flavorful main dish with a Southern American twist.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 kg boneless or bone-in chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, optional
For the White BBQ Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat Dry the Chicken: Carefully pat the chicken thighs dry using paper towels to ensure the dry rub adheres properly.
- Prepare the Dry Rub: In a bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using to create the smoky, flavorful spice blend.
- Coat Chicken with Oil and Rub: Rub the chicken thighs evenly with olive oil, then thoroughly coat each piece with the prepared dry rub, ensuring every surface is covered for maximum flavor.
- Marinate: Place the rubbed chicken thighs in the refrigerator and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Make White BBQ Sauce: Whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and salt and black pepper to taste; refrigerate this creamy, tangy sauce until ready to serve.
- Preheat Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the chicken to perfection.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken thighs on the grill and cook for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, adjusting time depending on thickness.
- Check Doneness: Continue grilling until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 74°C (165°F), ensuring it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Apply White BBQ Sauce: Just before serving, brush or drizzle the white barbecue sauce over the grilled chicken to add creamy tanginess.
- Serve: Serve the chicken hot with extra white barbecue sauce on the side for dipping or additional flavor.
Notes
- Keep some white barbecue sauce separate for serving to avoid contamination from raw chicken.
- Bone-in chicken thighs may require a longer grilling time to cook through completely.
- Adjust cayenne pepper amounts to reduce the heat if a milder flavor is preferred.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course, BBQ
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American, Southern
