If you love finger-licking good chicken with a perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors, you’re going to adore this Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs Recipe. It’s a quick, fuss-free dish that transforms simple boneless chicken thighs into a juicy, caramelized delight with every bite. The marinade’s blend of spices and that luscious BBQ sauce glaze create an irresistible crust while keeping the meat tender and bursting with flavor. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a weekend cookout, this recipe is sure to become your new go-to for scrumptious grilled chicken.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—just a handful of pantry staples come together to create layers of flavor, texture, and color that make every bite a joy. Each ingredient plays a key role, from adding smoky depth to balancing the spice and sweetness.
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Choose well-trimmed pieces for even cooking and juiciness.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Helps the spices stick and keeps the chicken moist on the grill.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Adds a warm, savory foundation that complements the BBQ sauce.
- 1 tsp onion powder: Enhances the umami flavor without overpowering the dish.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika: Gives that signature smoky, slightly sweet flavor and beautiful color.
- 1/2 tsp chili powder: Brings just the right amount of gentle heat to wake up the palate.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the natural flavors.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and depth.
- 1 cup BBQ sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade version to personalize the sweetness and tanginess.
- Optional garnish – chopped parsley or green onions: For a fresh, vibrant pop of color and mild herbal notes.
How to Make Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your grill to a medium-high temperature, ideally around 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the chicken cooks quickly with a nice sear, locking in the juices while creating those gorgeous grill marks.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels—this step is key to getting a good char. In a large bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil and all the spices until each piece is thoroughly coated. This seasoning blend brings a smoky warmth and mild heat that enhances the natural richness of the thighs.
Step 3: Grill to Perfection
Place the chicken thighs on the hot grill and cook for 5 to 6 minutes on one side without moving them, allowing a crust to form. Flip once and grill for the same amount of time until the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C). This ensures tender, fully cooked meat with a seductive crispness on the outside.
Step 4: Glaze with BBQ Sauce
During the last 2 to 3 minutes of grilling on each side, generously brush the chicken thighs with BBQ sauce. This critical step caramelizes the sauce, creating a sticky, flavorful coating that’s irresistible and full of character.
Step 5: Rest and Garnish
Once off the grill, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This resting time helps redistribute the juices inside, resulting in moist, tender pieces. Sprinkle with chopped parsley or green onions if you like, adding a fresh burst of color and flavor just before serving.
How to Serve Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes like chopped parsley or thinly sliced green onions doesn’t just make the dish look inviting, it also introduces a lovely herbal brightness that balances the richness of the BBQ sauce. You can even squeeze a bit of fresh lemon or lime juice on top for a zesty twist.
Side Dishes
This Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs Recipe pairs beautifully with classic sides such as creamy coleslaw, buttery corn on the cob, or a crisp garden salad. For a heartier meal, serve alongside grilled vegetables, roasted sweet potatoes, or fluffy rice to soak up every bit of the delicious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to mix things up? Turn these chicken thighs into sliders with soft buns and pickles, or slice them over a bed of fresh greens for a satisfying BBQ chicken salad. You could also chop the grilled thighs and toss them into tacos with avocado and salsa for a fun, casual dinner that’s bursting with flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making for a perfect lunch or dinner the next day that’s just as satisfying.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well! Just pop any extra cooked chicken thighs into a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 2 months to enjoy later, making meal prep a breeze.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm your chicken thighs in the oven at 325°F (165°C) until heated through, or use a microwave on medium power to keep them juicy. If needed, add a splash of water or a brush of BBQ sauce to keep the meat moist and tasty.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken thighs instead of boneless?
Absolutely! Just adjust the grilling time to ensure they cook through—typically 7 to 8 minutes per side—and watch the internal temperature carefully for safety and tenderness.
What type of BBQ sauce works best for this recipe?
Any BBQ sauce you love will do, but thicker sauces tend to caramelize beautifully on the grill, creating a stickier and more flavorful crust. Feel free to experiment with sweet, spicy, or smoky varieties.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken overnight?
Not at all! This recipe uses dry seasonings tossed directly with olive oil, so it works perfectly even with a short prep time. However, if you have the time, marinating for a few hours can deepen the flavors.
Can I cook this indoors instead of on a grill?
Yes, you can achieve great results using a grill pan or broiler. Just make sure the pan is hot enough for searing and watch closely to prevent burning the BBQ sauce glaze.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer and check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This guarantees safety while keeping the chicken juicy and tender.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll find yourself craving again and again. It’s straightforward, quick, and bursting with flavor thanks to that smoky spice blend and irresistible BBQ glaze. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting friends around the grill, it’s guaranteed to steal the show. So fire up your grill, gather these simple ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a meal that tastes like sunshine and good times!
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
This recipe for Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs features tender, juicy chicken thighs seasoned with a smoky blend of spices and grilled to perfection. Finished with a rich, caramelized BBQ sauce glaze, it’s a simple yet flavorful dish ideal for quick weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 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 around 400°F (200°C) to achieve the perfect sear and even cooking.
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to help the seasoning stick better. In a large bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs on the grill and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side. Flip once carefully to develop nice grill marks and ensure the chicken cooks evenly. Use a meat thermometer to verify 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, brush the chicken thighs generously with BBQ sauce. This allows the sauce to caramelize and create a smoky, sticky glaze.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired, and serve hot with extra BBQ sauce on the side.
Notes
- For best results, use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- You can substitute BBQ sauce with your favorite homemade or store-bought variety for different flavor profiles.
- To add smoky flavor, consider using a charcoal grill or wood chips if using a gas grill.
- Chicken thighs can be marinated with the seasoning and oil mixture up to 2 hours before grilling for enhanced flavor.
- Serve with sides like coleslaw, grilled vegetables, or corn on the cob for a complete meal.
