BBQ Grilled Chicken Thighs Recipe

Get ready to fire up your grill, because these BBQ Grilled Chicken Thighs are the ultimate crowd-pleaser! Juicy, smoky, bursting with sweet and spicy flavor—this recipe brings all the best of backyard barbecue directly to your plate. Whether you’re a seasoned grill-master or a weeknight griller, you’ll love how easy and delectable these chicken thighs turn out, every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about these BBQ Grilled Chicken Thighs? The ingredient list is short and sweet! Each item here works together to deliver smoky richness, a subtle kick, and that irresistible sticky-finger BBQ experience. Don’t skip any of these—they all play a starring role in making your chicken shine.

• Bone-in Chicken Thighs: The dark meat stays deliciously juicy on the grill and the skin crisps up to golden perfection.
• Garlic Powder: A savory boost that melts right into the chicken for irresistible depth.
• Chipotle Powder: Adds a smoky, gentle heat that makes the chicken pop without overwhelming it.
• Chili Powder: For earthy, peppery notes and a hint of color.
• Paprika: Provides a beautiful reddish hue and sweet, mild smokiness.
• Ground Black Pepper: Balances the spices with its robust bite.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all those bold flavors.
• BBQ Sauce (your favorite!): For brushing at the end—sweet, tangy, spicy, or smoky, use the one you love the most.

Variations

The beautiful thing about BBQ Grilled Chicken Thighs is how wonderfully adaptable they are. You can tweak the seasoning, swap out the sauce, or even change up the protein depending on what you have on hand or what you’re craving.

• Boneless Thighs: Prefer boneless chicken? Swap them in for a quicker cook time and an easy-to-eat option.
• Honey BBQ Sauce: Add honey to your favorite sauce for a sticky, finger-lickin’ finish with extra sweetness and shine.
• Spicy Kick: Dial up the chipotle or add cayenne for extra heat if you love a little fire.
• Different Proteins: Try this method with drumsticks, wings, or even pork chops—just adjust cook times as needed.

How to Make BBQ Grilled Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Prep and Pat Dry

Start by taking your chicken thighs out of the fridge and giving each one a gentle pat with a paper towel. This step isn’t just about tidiness—it helps the skin get super crispy by removing excess moisture, and ensures the spice rub actually sticks!

Step 2: Make Your Flavorful Spice Rub

In a small bowl, mix together your garlic powder, chipotle powder, chili powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir until everything’s evenly blended—this will be your magical mix that gives the chicken its signature flavor.

Step 3: Season and Massage

Place your chicken thighs on a plate or tray, and generously sprinkle the spice mixture over every piece. Then use your hands to really massage those flavors in. Make sure every nook and cranny is coated so you get boldly seasoned bites all the way through.

Step 4: Marinate for Maximum Flavor

Let your seasoned chicken thighs rest for at least 30 minutes. This downtime lets the spices mingle with the meat and makes each bite extra juicy. If you’ve got more time, let them marinate even longer—you won’t regret it!

Step 5: Fire Up the Grill

During the last part of marinating, preheat your grill to 400°F. Make sure you have both indirect and direct heat zones ready—this gives you full control, so you can crisp up the skin without burning the chicken.

Step 6: Sear and Sizzle

Once the grill is ready, place your chicken thighs skin-side down over direct heat. Let them cook for 4–5 minutes—this is the secret to gorgeously crispy, golden-brown skin with hints of smoky char.

Step 7: Saucing and Finishing

After sizzling over direct heat, move the chicken thighs to indirect heat. Brush with your favorite BBQ sauce, then close the lid and cook until they’re fully cooked (juices run clear and the internal temp is 175°F to 185°F). Brush again with BBQ sauce and give them a final minute or two to caramelize.

How to Serve BBQ Grilled Chicken Thighs

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives gives your BBQ Grilled Chicken Thighs a fresh color pop, while a quick grating of lemon zest or a squeeze of lime brightens every bite. For extra Southern charm, toss on a few thinly sliced scallions or a quick scatter of toasted sesame seeds.

Side Dishes

Pair your BBQ Grilled Chicken Thighs with all the classic BBQ sides—think creamy coleslaw, smoky grilled corn, buttery cornbread, or a chilled pasta salad bursting with veggies. Potato salad and baked beans are always a hit, but honestly, nearly any summer side works!

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to wow guests, try slicing the chicken and piling it onto a platter for family-style serving, tucking the pieces into warm slider buns, or wrapping in tortillas with slaw for a build-your-own taco night. This chicken also makes a sensational topping for loaded BBQ salads or grilled veggie bowls.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftover BBQ Grilled Chicken Thighs to room temperature, then store them in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 3-4 days, perfect for quick lunches or a no-fuss dinner reboot.

Freezing

These chicken thighs freeze incredibly well! Wrap tightly or use freezer bags, label with the date, and stash them in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to enjoy again.

Reheating

To reheat, cover loosely with foil and warm in a 325°F oven or air fryer until heated through and re-crisped. You can also reheat in the microwave (just watch the skin), or toss them back on a low grill for that “just grilled” magic!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope these BBQ Grilled Chicken Thighs become a go-to for your cookouts and cozy family dinners alike! There’s nothing like the sizzle of the grill, that sweet-and-smoky aroma, and the thrill of everyone reaching for seconds. Give these a try—you’ll love how easy, flexible, and downright delicious they are. Happy grilling, friends!

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