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zesty BBQ chicken thighs recipe featured
Avatar photoJohnson Maya

Zesty BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe

Juicy bone-in chicken thighs braised in beer with potatoes, then glazed in zesty mustard-BBQ sauce for smoky, tangy perfection. This easy cooker BBQ chicken thighs recipe is a crowd-pleasing American classic that's tender, flavorful, and ready in under 75 minutes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • FOR THE MAIN DISH:
  • 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 lbs)
  • 4 medium potatoes, quartered
  • 1 large onion, sliced into chunks
  • 1 (12 oz) can or bottle beer
  • 1 cup zesty BBQ sauce
  • ¼ cup yellow mustard
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Equipment

  • CanCooker or Dutch oven
  • Tongs
  • Meat thermometer

Method
 

  1. zesty BBQ chicken thighs recipe recipeCard1
  2. Step 1: Pat chicken thighs dry, season with salt and pepper. Layer potatoes and onions in cooker, add chicken skin-up, pour in beer. Cover and cook on low-medium 45 minutes until 165°F.
  3. Step 2: Whisk BBQ sauce and mustard. Uncover, add sauce, stir to coat. Cook uncovered 15 minutes, basting, until 175°F and caramelized.
  4. Step 3: Rest 5-10 minutes tented. Serve hot with saucy veggies.

Nutrition

Calories: 550 | Carbohydrates: 40 | Protein: 35 | Fat: 28 | Fiber: 4 | Sugar: 12

Notes

STORAGE: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently over low heat with a splash of broth to restore moisture. Freeze up to 3 months.
MAKE AHEAD: Prep veggies and sauce up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the fridge. Bring to room temperature 30 minutes before cooking.
SUBSTITUTIONS: For a dairy-free version, no changes needed. Use broth for beer; sugar-free sauce cuts carbs.
PRO TIPS: Dry chicken well for crispy skin; use thermometer to avoid dry meat; broil end for char.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS: Plate family-style with coleslaw and cornbread; top nachos for fusion.
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