1-First, marinate the chicken thighs in the spice and oil mixture for at least 4 hours or overnight to lock in flavor. Bring them to room temperature about 30 minutes before cooking. This prep takes roughly 10 minutes of active time, making it perfect for busy schedules.

2-Grilling Method For grilling, heat your grill to medium-high. Place the chicken on the grill, then lower the heat to medium and close the lid until grill marks appear. Baste with barbecue sauce towards the end and finish over indirect heat until the internal temperature hits 175-190°F for dark meat or 165°F for white meat. Let it rest before serving with extra sauce for the best results.

3-Oven Baking Method To bake, trim excess fat from the chicken and coat it with the spice and oil mixture. Marinate as above, then preheat your oven to 400°F. Toss the chicken with half the barbecue sauce, arrange it on a foil-lined baking sheet without crowding, and bake for 20-25 minutes until it reaches the same internal temperatures. Finish by adding the remaining sauce and broiling for 2-3 minutes to caramelize it, but keep an eye on it to avoid burning. The dish offers moderate calories and protein, with sugars from the brown sugar and barbecue sauce. For more ideas on pairing this with desserts, try our guide to easy apple crisp recipes that complement savory meals.