If you’re looking for a simple, crowd-pleasing dish that effortlessly packs in bold flavor with juicy, smoky, and perfectly caramelized bites, let me introduce you to Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs. This recipe embodies everything we love about summer grilling: irresistibly tender chicken with hints of garlic and smoked paprika, slicked in a glossy layer of BBQ sauce that gets just the right char on your grill. Whether you’re hosting a backyard party or just craving an elevated weeknight dinner, you’ll want to bookmark this go-to favorite that turns humble ingredients into something unforgettable!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk ingredients—each one here matters and plays its part, from building up the smoky-savory spice to creating that all-important sticky, saucy finish. Don’t be fooled by how short the list is; these essentials are all you need for the best Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs you’ve ever made.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (2 lbs): Super juicy and perfect for grilling, they soak up all the flavor and stay tender.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps the seasonings stick and ensures a golden, non-stick finish on the grill.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Gives a robust, aromatic backbone that complements the BBQ sauce.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle smokiness and that beautiful color we all crave.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Brings in a mellow sweetness to balance the spice.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors and keeping the dish savory.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A little kick to bring depth without overpowering.
- BBQ sauce (1 1/2 cups): Use your favorite store-bought sauce or go homemade—this is where the signature sticky-sweet exterior comes from.
- Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish): Adds a pop of fresh color and a mild herby bite—totally optional, always welcome.
How to Make Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs
Step 1: Preheat Your Grill
Start by firing up your grill to medium-high heat, aiming for about 400°F. This temperature is just right for cooking the chicken through while getting those signature grill marks without burning the outside. If you don’t have an outdoor grill, a grill pan or your oven broiler does the job perfectly!
Step 2: Prep the Chicken
Pat those boneless thighs dry with paper towels—this simple step helps the seasoning adhere better and encourages the chicken to brown beautifully. Toss them in a large bowl with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good mix so every piece is evenly coated in that aromatic blend.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken Thighs
Lay the seasoned chicken thighs on the hot grill and let them sizzle away for 5 to 6 minutes on each side. Keep an eye out for those gorgeous sear marks! As soon as the internal temperature hits 165°F, you know they’re perfectly cooked and safe to eat, but still juicy.
Step 4: Brush on the BBQ Sauce
In the final 2 to 3 minutes of grilling, the Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs get their star treatment—a generous brushing of BBQ sauce on both sides. Let the sauce caramelize and bubble just a bit, which locks in moisture while delivering that finger-licking glaze.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Remove the chicken from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving. This quick pause keeps every bite juicy and lets the barbecue flavors settle in. Toss on a sprinkle of parsley if you want a restaurant-worthy finish, and don’t forget a side of extra sauce for dipping.
How to Serve Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs
Garnishes
A final flourish of freshly chopped parsley adds a burst of color and a hint of garden-fresh flavor to your Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a quick sprinkle of sliced green onions or a drizzle of tangy ranch for an extra layer of taste.
Side Dishes
Balance the rich, smoky chicken with crispy coleslaw, creamy potato salad, or char-grilled corn on the cob. With Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs in the spotlight, you can keep your sides simple or go all-out with a summer picnic spread—either way, your plate will be irresistible!
Creative Ways to Present
Stack these beauties high on a platter with wedges of grilled lemon, or slice and pile them into buns for incredible sandwiches. Another favorite? Dice the chicken and toss it over a hearty salad or in a wrap for easy, flavor-packed lunches the next day.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your leftover Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs will stay wonderfully moist if kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Slice them beforehand if you want them ready for salads or quick meals.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze your cooled chicken thighs in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed—the flavor holds up beautifully!
Reheating
To keep the chicken juicy, reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat or in the oven at 300°F, adding a splash of water and a brush of extra BBQ sauce if desired. The microwave works in a pinch—just use short bursts to avoid drying out the meat.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! If you’d like to use boneless chicken breasts, just be mindful of the cooking time—breasts cook faster and dry out more easily, so aim for an internal temp of 165°F and pull them off the grill as soon as they’re done.
What type Main Course
The real fun is choosing your favorite BBQ sauce. Sweet, smoky, tangy, or spicy—they all work! If you’re making your own, a hint of honey or brown sugar will help that beautiful caramelization along the grill.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
Use an instant-read thermometer, and look for a temperature of 165°F at the thickest part of the thigh. The juices should run clear, and you’ll see that tempting golden-brown exterior.
Can I marinate the chicken ahead of time?
Yes! For deeper flavor, toss the seasoned chicken (but no BBQ sauce yet) in a zip-top bag and marinate for up to 4 hours in the fridge. This lets all the spices infuse the meat, making your Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs even tastier.
Is it possible to make Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs without a grill?
No grill? No worries. Use a grill pan on the stovetop for great sear marks or broil the chicken in your oven—just keep a close eye and flip halfway to avoid burning your delicious glaze.
Final Thoughts
You truly can’t go wrong with Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs—they’re easy enough for busy nights yet impressive enough for guests. Whether you’re a barbecue pro or just lighting up the grill for the first time this season, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. Give it a try, and you’ll see just how addictively good homemade BBQ chicken can be!
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Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make delicious Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs that are juicy, flavorful, and perfect for a summer cookout. These tender chicken thighs are seasoned with a blend of spices, grilled to perfection, and then glazed with BBQ sauce for a mouthwatering finish.
Ingredients
Chicken Thighs:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
BBQ Sauce:
- 1 1/2 cups BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Garnish:
- Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F).
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry and coat them with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Grill the Chicken: Grill the chicken thighs for 5-6 minutes per side until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F and have grill marks.
- Glaze with BBQ Sauce: Brush each side of the chicken with BBQ sauce during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill, let it rest for 5 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve with extra BBQ sauce.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, marinate the seasoned chicken for up to 4 hours before grilling.
- If a grill is not available, you can also cook the chicken thighs in a grill pan or under a broiler.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
