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Budget-Friendly Backyard BBQ Menu with Juicy Chicken Thighs

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A simple, wallet-friendly backyard BBQ menu featuring juicy grilled chicken thighs paired with easy sides like grilled corn and classic coleslaw. Perfect for casual gatherings and quick preparation.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 lbs / 900 g)
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 4 ears fresh corn on the cob
  • 4 tbsp butter, softened
  • 1 tsp chili powder (optional)
  • Salt to taste
  • 4 cups shredded green cabbage (about 300 g)
  • 1 cup grated carrots (about 100 g)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise (120 ml) (or Greek yogurt for lighter option)
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp honey
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk until well blended.
  2. Add chicken thighs to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
  3. While the chicken marinates, shred cabbage and grate carrots. In a separate bowl, mix mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Combine the veggies with the dressing and toss well. Chill until serving.
  4. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 200°C). If using charcoal, wait until coals are covered with gray ash.
  5. Place chicken thighs skin-side down on the grill. Cook undisturbed for 6-7 minutes until skin is crisp and charred.
  6. Flip chicken and cook for another 6-8 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Move chicken away from direct flames if flare-ups occur.
  7. Spread softened butter over each ear of corn and sprinkle with chili powder and salt.
  8. Place corn on the grill, turning every 2-3 minutes until kernels are slightly charred and tender, about 10-12 minutes.
  9. Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours for best flavor. Avoid flipping chicken multiple times to get crispy skin. Use bone-in thighs for juicier meat. Rest chicken 5 minutes before serving to lock in juices. Store leftovers separately and reheat chicken gently in oven.

Nutrition

Keywords: backyard BBQ, chicken thighs, grilled chicken, budget-friendly, easy recipes, summer grilling, coleslaw, grilled corn

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/budget-friendly-backyard-bbq-menu-with-juicy-chicken-thighs-easy-recipes/