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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Thoroughly blot chicken thighs with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring optimal seasoning adherence and crisp exterior during grilling.
- 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.
- Prepare outdoor grill by heating to medium-high temperature, creating ideal conditions for consistent cooking and beautiful caramelization.
- Lightly lubricate grill grates with cooking spray or oil to prevent chicken from sticking and facilitate easy turning.
- Carefully position marinated chicken thighs on preheated grill, arranging them to achieve uniform heat distribution and attractive grill marks.
- Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, monitoring internal temperature until it reaches a safe 165°F, indicating complete doneness.
- Generously brush both sides with tangy barbecue sauce, creating a glossy, caramelized exterior that enhances flavor and visual appeal.
- Continue grilling sauced chicken for an additional 1-2 minutes per side, allowing sauce to transform into a sticky, rich glaze.
- Remove chicken from grill and transfer to a clean serving platter, letting it rest for 5 minutes to redistribute internal juices and maintain moisture.
- 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