Sweet & Smoky BBQ Chicken Thighs — The Last Cookout of Summer

Sweet & Smoky BBQ Chicken Thighs — The Last Cookout of Summer

Before the grill gets put away for the season, make these. Sweet & Smoky BBQ Chicken Thighs are the send-off summer deserves — juicy, caramelized, and layered with the kind of deep, complex BBQ flavor that makes everyone linger at the table a little longer. A dry rub of Sweet & Smoky BBQ Spice Blend goes on first, then a generous glaze of Wisconsin 26 Sweet & Smokey BBQ Sauce finishes them off with a sticky, glossy coat that’s pure end-of-summer perfection.

Brown sugar, ginger, star anise, and cinnamon in the spice blend. Hickory smoke, sweet molasses, and a subtle blend of spices in the sauce. Together they’re everything a great BBQ chicken should be.

Ingredients

Instructions

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels — this is key for getting a good sear and crispy skin. Drizzle with olive oil and season generously with salt. Rub the Sweet & Smoky BBQ Spice Blend all over each piece, pressing it into the skin. For best results, let the seasoned chicken rest at room temperature for 30 minutes, or refrigerate uncovered for up to 24 hours for deeper flavor penetration.

Step 2: Grill (or Oven)

Grill method: Preheat grill to medium heat (375–400°F). Place chicken thighs skin-side down over direct heat for 5–6 minutes until the skin is golden and releases easily. Flip and move to indirect heat. Cover and cook for 20–25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Oven method: Preheat oven to 425°F. Place chicken skin-side up on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Roast for 35–40 minutes until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 3: Glaze with BBQ Sauce

In the last 5–7 minutes of cooking, brush the chicken generously with Wisconsin 26 Sweet & Smokey BBQ Sauce. Let it caramelize and set — watch for that gorgeous sticky glaze to form. Brush on a second coat if you want extra sauciness. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes.

Step 4: Serve

Plate the chicken thighs and serve with extra Sweet & Smokey BBQ Sauce on the side for dipping. Pair with corn on the cob, coleslaw, and a cold drink for the ultimate last cookout of summer.

The Perfect End-of-Summer Spread

Round out the plate with grilled corn brushed with butter, a simple creamy coleslaw, and warm cornbread. Set everything out family-style and let people help themselves. This is the meal that makes summer go out on a high note.

Tips & Variations

  • Boneless thighs — reduce grill time to 6–8 minutes per side; oven time to 25–30 minutes.
  • Drumsticks or wings — the spice blend and sauce work beautifully on any chicken cut. Adjust cook time accordingly.
  • Slow cooker — rub the chicken with the spice blend, place in a slow cooker, pour ½ cup BBQ sauce over the top, and cook on low for 6–8 hours. Finish under the broiler for 3–5 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
  • Pork ribs — this spice blend and sauce combo is equally incredible on baby back ribs. Rub generously, wrap in foil, and bake low and slow at 275°F for 3 hours before finishing on the grill with the sauce.

Featured Wisconsin 26 Products

Serves

4–6 people

Total Time

45 minutes (plus optional 30 min rest)

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