Go Back
This dish is a celebration of flavor, with a profile that is tangy, sweet, and irresistibly sticky. The tanginess often comes from ingredients like vinegar or citrus, while the sweetness is achieved through the use of honey or brown sugar. Combined, these elements create a glaze that clings to the chicken, giving it that signature sticky finish that BBQ lovers crave.

Sticky BBQ Chicken Thighs with Coleslaw

Is there anything more enticing than the smell of BBQ chicken sizzling on the grill? This Tangy Sweet Sticky BBQ Chicken Thighs recipe offers a perfect blend of flavors with its mouthwatering glaze that’s both sweet and tangy. Perfect for summer cookouts and family gatherings, you'll learn how to marinate chicken thighs to lock in moisture and flavor, along with essential cooking tips for achieving juicy, sticky perfection. Plus, discover a refreshing coleslaw to complement your feast. Ideal for impressing guests and making memories around the table!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

For the Sticky BBQ Chicken Thighs:

4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

1 cup BBQ sauce (choose your favorite brand or make your own)

2 tablespoons honey

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for an extra kick)

For the Coleslaw:

2 cups green cabbage, finely shredded

1 cup purple cabbage, finely shredded

1 cup carrots, grated

½ cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon granulated sugar

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Chicken Marinade: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, honey, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper until smooth and well combined.

    Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large zip-lock bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure that each piece is generously coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish tightly, then refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes. For the best flavor, marinate for up to 2 hours.

      Preheat the Grill or Oven: Preheat your grill to medium heat or your oven to 400°F (200°C), depending on your preferred cooking method.

        Cook the Chicken:

          - For Grilling: Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade and place them skin-side down on the hot grill. Cook for 6-7 minutes until the skin is crispy, then flip the chicken and brush on some of the reserved marinade. Continue grilling for an additional 6-7 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked, with an internal temperature reaching 165°F (75°C).

            - For Baking: Arrange the marinated chicken thighs skin-side up in a baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until cooked through, basting with some of the marinade halfway through.

              Prepare the Coleslaw: While the chicken is cooking, prepare the coleslaw. In a large mixing bowl, combine the green cabbage, purple cabbage, and grated carrots. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss thoroughly until everything is well coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

                Serve: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill or oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes to retain its juices. Serve the sticky BBQ chicken thighs on a platter alongside a generous mound of coleslaw. For a touch of freshness, sprinkle the coleslaw with chopped parsley just before serving.

                  Enjoy this irresistibly sticky and flavorful dish that's perfect for family dinners or festive gatherings!

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 4-6