Juicy Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs Recipe for Summer

Crispy, juicy bbq boneless chicken thighs always spark excitement at backyard gatherings.

Something magical happens when tender meat meets smoky grill marks.

Marinades work wonders in creating deep, complex flavors that dance across your palate.

Each bite promises a perfect balance between caramelized exterior and succulent interior.

Marinading helps tenderize the meat while infusing rich, bold seasonings that complement the charred edges.

Summer cookouts demand these delectable morsels that bring everyone together around sizzling grates.

Grill masters know the secret to mouthwatering chicken lies in patience and technique.

Get ready to impress with these irresistible bbq chicken thighs that’ll have guests asking for seconds.

Why Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs Are So Flavorful

• Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner: Whip up these delicious grilled BBQ chicken thighs in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy families looking for a hassle-free meal solution.
• Flavor-Packed Grilling Experience: The combination of smoky paprika, garlic powder, and caramelized BBQ sauce creates an explosion of mouthwatering flavors that will impress everyone at the dinner table.
• Foolproof Cooking Method: Even novice grillers can master this recipe with simple instructions and forgiving cooking techniques that ensure juicy, perfectly cooked chicken every single time.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for summer barbecues, casual family dinners, or impromptu weekend gatherings, these chicken thighs are guaranteed to satisfy both kids and adults with their irresistible taste and easy preparation.

Ingredients For Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

• Boneless Chicken Thighs: Tender and flavorful meat that serves as the main protein, perfect for grilling and absorbing marinades. Choose thighs with even thickness for consistent cooking.

• Olive Oil, Garlic Powder, Smoked Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Combination of spices and oil that enhances chicken flavor and helps create a delicious exterior crust. Use fresh, high-quality spices for maximum taste.

• BBQ Sauce: Sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes on the chicken, adding rich flavor and beautiful color. Select a barbecue sauce with balanced sweetness and depth of flavor.

Steps To Make Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Prepare Flavor-Packed Chicken

• Pat chicken thighs completely dry using paper towels
• Gather seasoning ingredients
• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper

Toss chicken thighs with all seasonings in a large mixing bowl. Allow chicken to marinate at room temperature for 15-30 minutes, letting flavors penetrate deeply.

Step 2: Fire Up The Grill

Clean grill grates thoroughly and preheat to medium-high heat. Lightly brush grates with vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Ensure grill surface is evenly heated for perfect cooking.

Step 3: Grill To Perfection

Place seasoned chicken thighs directly on hot grill grates. Cook each side for 5-6 minutes, watching for beautiful golden-brown char marks. Use meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safe consumption.

Step 4: Glaze With Barbecue Goodness

Generously brush both sides of chicken with tangy barbecue sauce. Return to grill and cook additional 1-2 minutes per side, allowing sauce to caramelize and create mouthwatering sticky exterior.

Step 5: Rest And Serve Deliciously

Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness. Plate and serve with extra barbecue sauce on side for dipping.

Tips For Juicy Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

• Maximize Flavor Infusion: Let chicken marinate in the refrigerator for up to 8 hours to allow spices and oils to deeply penetrate the meat, creating a more intense and rich taste profile.
• Control Grill Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exactly 165°F, preventing overcooking while guaranteeing food safety and juicy texture.
• Prevent Sticking Technique: Clean and properly oil grill grates before cooking to help chicken thighs release easily and maintain beautiful grill marks without tearing.
• Sauce Application Strategy: Apply BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of grilling to prevent burning and achieve a perfect caramelized glaze that locks in moisture.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace traditional BBQ sauce with a sugar-free or homemade version to make this recipe keto-friendly and reduce overall carbohydrate content.

How To Store Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

• Refrigerate leftover grilled chicken thighs in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking.
• Store for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, keeping the chicken moist by sealing it tightly with a lid or plastic wrap.
• Reheat gently in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out.
• Avoid freezing BBQ-glazed chicken, as the sauce can separate and change texture when thawed.
• For best quality, consume refrigerated chicken within 3 days and always ensure it's heated to an internal temperature of 165°F before enjoying your delicious leftovers.

Perfect Sides With Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

• Pair with Zesty Coleslaw: Crisp, tangy coleslaw balances the rich, smoky flavor of grilled BBQ chicken thighs. The creamy, cool texture cuts through the meat's intense barbecue glaze, creating a perfect flavor harmony.
• Match with Chilled Craft Beer: A hoppy IPA or smooth amber ale complements the charred, caramelized BBQ sauce. The beer's carbonation and slightly bitter notes refresh the palate between each succulent bite of chicken.
• Serve alongside Grilled Corn Salad: Sweet, charred corn kernels mixed with fresh herbs and a light vinaigrette provide a bright counterpoint to the deep, smoky chicken. The corn's natural sweetness echoes the caramelized BBQ sauce while adding a light, summery touch.
• Pour Crisp White Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio cuts through the chicken's richness, its acidic notes enhancing the BBQ sauce's complexity and offering a refreshing contrast to the grilled meat.

Flavor Swaps For Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

• Spicy Chili Lime Chicken: Swap BBQ sauce with a zesty marinade of lime juice, chili powder, and fresh cilantro for a tangy, fiery kick that'll wake up your taste buds.
• Honey Mustard Herb Thighs: Replace BBQ sauce with a homemade honey mustard glaze, adding fresh thyme and rosemary for an aromatic garden-fresh flavor profile.
• Asian-Inspired Soy Glaze: Brush chicken with a savory mixture of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a touch of honey for an umami-rich experience that transports your meal to Southeast Asian cuisine.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Marinate thighs in olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, and garlic, then finish with a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired celebration of flavors.

FAQs For Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

• Why use boneless chicken thighs for this recipe?

Boneless chicken thighs are more flavorful and juicy compared to chicken breasts. They have a higher fat content, which helps keep the meat tender and prevents it from drying out during grilling.

• Can I use a different type of BBQ sauce?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different BBQ sauce flavors like honey, spicy, or smoky. Choose a sauce that complements your taste preferences and enhances the overall flavor of the chicken.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and prevents undercooking or overcooking. Always check the thickest part of the meat for the most accurate reading.

• What if I don't have a grill?

No worries! You can cook these chicken thighs in a cast-iron skillet or on a grill pan. The key is to get a nice sear and caramelization on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and flavorful.

Grilled Bbq Boneless Chicken Thighs Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling BBQ boneless chicken thighs bring smoky southern charm to backyard dinner tables. Juicy marinated meat with caramelized edges delivers bold flavor that makes summer gatherings unforgettable when you fire up the grill.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 lbs (907 grams) boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Optional: 1 pinch cayenne pepper or chili flakes

Cooking and Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly blot chicken thighs with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring optimal seasoning adherence and crisp exterior during grilling.
2. Create a robust marinade by combining olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Coat chicken thighs evenly, allowing them to absorb flavors for 15-30 minutes at ambient temperature.
3. Prepare outdoor grill by heating to medium-high temperature, creating ideal conditions for consistent cooking and beautiful caramelization.
4. Lightly lubricate grill grates with cooking spray or oil to prevent chicken from sticking and facilitate easy turning.
5. Carefully position marinated chicken thighs on preheated grill, arranging them to achieve uniform heat distribution and attractive grill marks.
6. Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, monitoring internal temperature until it reaches a safe 165°F, indicating complete doneness.
7. Generously brush both sides with tangy barbecue sauce, creating a glossy, caramelized exterior that enhances flavor and visual appeal.
8. Continue grilling sauced chicken for an additional 1-2 minutes per side, allowing sauce to transform into a sticky, rich glaze.
9. Remove chicken from grill and transfer to a clean serving platter, letting it rest for 5 minutes to redistribute internal juices and maintain moisture.
10. Serve immediately with extra barbecue sauce on the side, offering guests the option to enhance their culinary experience.

Notes

• Enhance flavor absorption by scoring the chicken thighs lightly before marinating, allowing seasonings to penetrate deeper into the meat.
• Create a foolproof marinade by using a zip-lock bag, which ensures even coating and minimal cleanup compared to traditional bowls.
• Prevent burning by monitoring grill temperature and moving chicken to indirect heat if sauce starts to caramelize too quickly.
• Adapt recipe for dietary restrictions by using sugar-free BBQ sauce for low-carb diets or replacing chicken with tofu for vegetarian versions.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg