Go Back

Sticky BBQ Chicken Thighs with Apple Cabbage Slaw

Tender, juicy chicken thighs glazed with caramelized BBQ sauce, served with fresh apple cabbage slaw for the perfect summer meal.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, BBQ
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

BBQ Chicken Thighs
  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
Apple Cabbage Slaw
  • 3 cups green cabbage thinly shredded
  • 1 cup purple cabbage thinly shredded
  • 1 large apple julienned
  • 0.25 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 0.25 tsp celery seed
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • fresh thyme for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Grill or oven
  • Mixing bowls
  • Basting brush
  • Meat thermometer
  • Tongs

Method
 

  1. Pat chicken thighs dry and place in a large bowl.
  2. Combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt to create dry rub.
  3. Drizzle olive oil over chicken and sprinkle spice mixture over all sides, rubbing in evenly.
  4. Mix BBQ sauce, honey, and apple cider vinegar in a bowl. Set aside half for basting.
  5. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (375°F-400°F) and oil the grates.
  6. Grill chicken over direct heat for 5-6 minutes per side until grill marks form.
  7. Move chicken to indirect heat and brush with BBQ glaze. Continue glazing and flipping every 2-3 minutes for 10 minutes.
  8. Cook until internal temperature reaches 175°F-180°F. Remove and let rest.
  9. For the slaw, combine shredded cabbages and julienned apple in a bowl.
  10. Whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, celery seed, salt, and pepper.
  11. Pour dressing over cabbage mixture and toss until evenly coated. Let sit 5-10 minutes.
  12. Serve glazed BBQ chicken hot with apple cabbage slaw on the side. Garnish with fresh thyme if desired.

Notes

Chicken can be cooked in oven at 400°F for 25 minutes, then broiled with BBQ sauce for 2-3 minutes until caramelized. Store chicken and slaw separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days.