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These Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs are juicy, smoky, and full of sweet, savory, tangy tastes. Finished with your favorite sauce on the grill, they're a go-to summer dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes - no fuss, just great flavor!
As soon as the weather gets warm, I ditch my kitchen and find myself cooking all my meals on the grill. With options like Grilled Pizza, Italian Steaks on the Grill, and even Fresh Grilled Peaches for dessert, I never run out of options. However, this grilled BBQ chicken recipe is one I come back to again and again.
Not only is this dish juicy and flavorful, but it comes together with seven simple ingredients I almost always have on hand. Plus, from start to finish, it's ready to eat in just 30 minutes. I serve it with a side of Baked Mac and Cheese Bites and a quick Italian Celery Salad, and hardly ever have any leftovers.
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Recipe Ingredients and Notes
- Chicken Thighs - I prefer to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs, finding they stay juicier on the grill, but boneless, skinless chicken breasts also work. Or, substitute skin-on, bone-in chicken, and adjust the cooking time as needed.
- Spices - I use garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper to season the chicken and enhance the flavor of the barbecue sauce.
- BBQ Sauce - I like plain barbecue sauce, but any homemade or store-bought variety tastes great.
Want the quick version? Jump to the recipe card below. Or, keep reading for a detailed, step-by-step guide.
How to Make BBQ Grilled Chicken Thighs
Trim and Season the Chicken - Remove any excess fat from the chicken pieces. Then, season them generously on all sides.
Cook - Place the chicken on the grill, directly on the grates. Cook on each side until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F when measured with an instant-read thermometer.
Add the BBQ Sauce - Brush each side of the chicken thighs with BBQ sauce, and continue to grill just until they caramelize on both sides.
Serve - Remove the chicken from the grill, and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. This allows the natural juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken tender and juicy.
Amanda's Secret Tip
The sugars in the barbecue sauce turn from perfectly caramelized to burnt in what feels like seconds. So, keep a close eye on your grill, and remove the thighs as soon as the sauce looks glossy!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Leftover grilled BBQ chicken thighs will stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave, a skillet over medium heat, or on the grill.
To freeze, transfer the thighs to a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight, and reheat as usual.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, to trim and season the thighs as directed in the recipe card below. Then, arrange them in an even layer on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Bake at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes.
Then, brush the chicken with barbecue sauce, and continue to bake for 7 minutes on each side or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the sauce is caramelized. Let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes before serving.
Yes, prep the chicken as usual. Then, cook it on a grill pan over medium heat, flipping halfway through. Work in batches as needed so as not to overcrowd the pan.
Glossary
If you don't recognize a tool or skill I mentioned, you can look it up in my Glossary of Cooking Terms and Definitions for more information!
More Grilled Recipes
If you love this Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe, make sure to add the following recipes to your menu this grilling season!
- Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers - A flavorful protein source that cooks in minutes.
- Grilled St. Louis Ribs - Fall-off-the-bone ribs smothered in a coffee and molasses-infused barbecue sauce.
- Grilled Pork Chops with Alabama White Sauce - A family-favorite meal ready in just over 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Grilled Hot Honey Cheese Curds - Smoky cheese curds pair with sweet, spicy honey for a perfectly poppable side dish, appetizer, or snack.
Recipe
Grilled BBQ Chicken
Video
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- BBQ sauce, for basting
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Trim the chicken thighs, if needed, and season generously on all sides with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 5 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Brush each side with BBQ sauce and continue grilling for an additional 1-2 minutes per side to caramelize the sauce.
- Transfer the chicken to a plate or board and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
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