If you are craving a juicy, flavorful, and downright irresistible meal, this Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs Recipe is exactly what you need. The combination of smoky spices with a rich, tangy barbecue sauce creates a harmony of tastes that will make your taste buds sing. Perfectly grilled to achieve a beautiful char on the outside while staying tender and juicy on the inside, these chicken thighs promise not just dinner but a memorable experience you’ll want to share again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Collecting simple, flavorful ingredients is the secret to pulling off this dish with ease. Each one plays an essential role—bringing color, ensuring tenderness, or layering those vibrant BBQ notes that make this recipe truly pop.
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs: The star of the dish, chosen for their juicy texture and rich flavor compared to chicken breasts.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Helps to coat the chicken evenly and keeps it moist during grilling.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Adds a subtle pungency that complements smoky flavors beautifully.
- 1 tsp onion powder: Brings a sweet yet savory depth to the seasoning mix.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika: Offers a warm smokiness that enhances the grilled taste perfectly.
- 1/2 tsp chili powder: Adds a little gentle heat and complexity without overpowering.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the chicken and spices.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Provides a delicate peppery kick.
- 1 cup BBQ sauce: Your favorite brand or homemade version to glaze and finish the thighs with that signature tangy-sweet goodness.
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley or green onions: Adds a fresh, colorful touch to the final presentation.
How to Make Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Grill
Start by heating your grill to medium-high, about 400°F or 200°C. This temperature is perfect for getting those beautiful grill marks and achieving caramelization on the BBQ sauce later on.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the boneless chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture—this step is crucial for that perfect sear. In a large bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. This seasoning blend forms a flavorful crust that complements the BBQ sauce beautifully.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Place the chicken thighs on the grill and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes per side. Flip them only once to get those nice char marks without drying out the meat. You’ll want to grill until the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C) to ensure they’re safe to eat while remaining juicy.
Step 4: Glaze with BBQ Sauce
During the last 2 to 3 minutes on each side, brush the chicken generously with BBQ sauce. This step is what elevates the dish—a glossy caramelized coating forms, locking in moisture and enhancing each bite with sweet and smoky flavor.
Step 5: Rest and Garnish
After removing the chicken from the grill, let it rest for about 5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, keeping every bite tender. Sprinkle with chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh, vibrant finish before serving.
How to Serve Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or thinly sliced green onions not only add a pop of color but also a light fresh note that balances the deep smoky richness of the chicken. A wedge of lemon on the side can offer an optional bright acidity for those who love an extra zing.
Side Dishes
Pair this dish with classic summer sides such as creamy coleslaw, grilled corn on the cob, or even a simple cucumber salad. For something heartier, roasted sweet potatoes or baked beans complement the smoky BBQ flavors beautifully and round out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting, consider serving this Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs Recipe on a large wooden platter surrounded by colorful grilled vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini. Alternatively, slice the thighs and serve atop a bed of fluffy rice or inside warm tortillas for a mouthwatering BBQ chicken taco feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover grilled chicken thighs keep very well and can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes them a fantastic option for quick lunches or easy dinners throughout the week.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap the cooked chicken tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will stay delicious for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce to keep the chicken moist. Avoid overcooking to maintain that tender texture you originally loved.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken thighs for this Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs Recipe?
Absolutely! Bone-in thighs will take a bit longer to cook—usually about 7-8 minutes per side—but they offer extra flavor and juiciness. Just make sure to grill them over indirect heat once you’ve got that initial sear to avoid burning.
What if I don’t have a grill? Can I make this recipe indoors?
Yes, you can. Use a grill pan or broil the chicken in the oven. Just keep an eye on it to avoid burning the BBQ sauce since it’s sugar-based and can caramelize quickly under high heat.
Is there a non-spicy version of this recipe?
Definitely. Simply omit the chili powder or reduce it to a pinch. The smoked paprika provides plenty of smoky warmth without intense heat.
Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce or do I need homemade?
Either works perfectly. Choose a BBQ sauce you love—whether sweet, tangy, or smoky—as it’s a major flavor component. Homemade sauce lets you customize sweetness and spice if you prefer full control.
How do I ensure the chicken stays juicy and doesn’t dry out?
Drying the chicken before seasoning, cooking it over medium-high heat but not too long, and basting it with BBQ sauce during the last few minutes helps lock in moisture and keep those thighs tender and juicy.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs Recipe has quickly become a favorite crowd-pleaser for good reason. It’s straightforward, packed with flavor, and perfectly juicy every time. I can’t wait for you to fire up your grill, gather your loved ones, and enjoy every smoky, caramelized bite of this dish. Happy grilling!
Print
Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs Recipe
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
Succulent and flavorful grilled BBQ boneless chicken thighs marinated with a blend of aromatic spices and finished with a caramelized BBQ sauce glaze. Perfect for a quick and delicious summer meal that’s juicy, smoky, and irresistibly tasty.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
BBQ Sauce and Garnish
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley or green onions
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, aiming for about 400°F (200°C) to ensure perfect cooking temperature for the chicken thighs.
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the boneless, skinless chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Place them in a large bowl and toss with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper until the thighs are evenly coated with the spice mixture.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs on the preheated grill. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes on one side until nicely charred, then flip and grill for another 5 to 6 minutes on the other side. Continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Apply BBQ Sauce: During the last 2 to 3 minutes of grilling on each side, generously brush the chicken thighs with your BBQ sauce. Allow the sauce to caramelize and develop a sticky, flavorful glaze without burning.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the grilled chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired, and serve hot with extra BBQ sauce on the side.
Notes
- Ensure the grill is properly preheated to prevent sticking.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Adjust chili powder to suit your preferred spice level.
- Resting the chicken after grilling helps keep it juicy and tender.
- You can substitute chicken thighs with breasts if preferred, but cooking times may vary.
