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–+ servings
Brown Sugar Smoked Chicken Thighs on the grillBrown Sugar Smoked Chicken Thighs are incredibly delicious and easy to prepare in your own back yard. A quick brine keeps this chicken moist and juicy and the brown sugar and garlic rub adds amazing flavor to the smoked chicken. 
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5 from 1 vote

Brown Sugar Smoked Chicken Thighs

Brown Sugar Smoked Chicken Thighs are incredibly delicious and easy to prepare in your own back yard. A quick brine keeps this chicken moist and juicy and the brown sugar and garlic rub adds amazing flavor to the smoked chicken. 
Prep Time1 hour
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time1 hour 30 minutes
Course: Chicken
Cuisine: American
Keyword: grilled chicken, hickory smoked chicken, Smoked chicken, smoked paprika chicken
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 369kcal
Author: Milisa

Ingredients

  • 6 chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

brine

  • 4 quarts warm water
  • ½ cup kosher salt
  • 2 fresh garlic cloves
  • ½ fresh lemon sliced
  • 1 tablespoon peppercorns

brown sugar rub

  • 4 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons granulated garlic
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper

Instructions

  • Mix brine in a large bowl by combining warm water and salt until salt is dissolved. Add garlic, peppercorns and lemon.
  • Place chicken in brine, cover and refrigerated 30 minutes to 1 hour.
  • Remove chicken from brine and pat dry with paper towels. Place on a clean baking sheet.
  • Combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar and Worcestershire sauce. Brush over chicken.
  • Make the brown sugar rub by combining brown sugar, garlic, smoked paprika, salt and pepper.
  • Sprinkle rub all over chicken and press into chicken.
  • Prepare your grill with hickory, oak or pecan wood with an off set fire to about 300°.
  • Place chicken over indirect heat and cook with grill lid closed.
  • Cook for 15 minutes and check with digital thermometer. Continue to cook until chicken reaches 165° internal temperature.
  • Remove from grill and allow to rest 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Can be frozen in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
To reheat, remove from bone and heat with 2- 3 tablespoons water or chicken broth in a skillet over medium heat for about 8- 10 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 369kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 16g | Cholesterol: 166mg | Sodium: 1318mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 8g