Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate summer dinner that’s quick, crowd-pleasing, and absolutely packed with flavor, then Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs are about to become your new go-to. These juicy chicken thighs get a mouthwatering boost from a simple marinade and a sweet-tangy barbecue glaze that caramelizes perfectly on the grill. Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout or a casual weeknight meal, this recipe lets you savor smoky, finger-licking goodness in under half an hour (not counting marinating!). Trust me, this is the kind of backyard BBQ magic that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs is just how approachable the ingredient list is. With a handful of pantry basics and your favorite BBQ sauce, every addition plays a starring role in creating that irresistible taste, tender bite, and beautiful color.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (2 pounds): Thighs are naturally juicy, forgiving, and soak up bold flavors—ideal for grilling and staying moist!
- Barbecue sauce (1 cup): Go with your favorite store-bought bottle or homemade batch; this is where the sweet and smoky personality shines.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Gives richness, helps the marinade cling, and encourages gorgeous grill marks.
- Apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon): Brightens the marinade and gently tenderizes the chicken for ultra-tender bites.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Brings depth and warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds a smoky, peppery note—even if you’re using a gas grill!
- Onion powder (½ teaspoon): A subtle hint of sweetness and savory flavor in every mouthful.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential for bringing out all the delicious savory notes.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): A finishing touch that wakes up the flavors and adds gentle heat.
How to Make Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs
Step 1: Mix Up Your Marinade
Start things off by grabbing a big bowl or a trusty zip-top bag. Whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until you have a vibrantly scented marinade. This stage is where your chicken gets a pass to flavor city, so take a second to appreciate the aromas swirling together!
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add your boneless, skinless chicken thighs to the mixture, turning and tossing to coat each piece thoroughly. You want every nook and cranny saturated in that fragrant marinade. Seal or cover and pop the whole thing in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours if you’re planning ahead. The longer the soak, the deeper the flavor.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, aiming for around 400°F. If you’re a fan of extra smoky richness, grill over charcoal or add soaked wood chips to your gas grill—your Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs will take on a whole new dimension of flavor.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken Thighs
Take the chicken out of the marinade and pat each piece dry with paper towels. This step helps you get that caramelized crust and prevents the thighs from steaming instead of searing. Lay the thighs on the hot grill, close the lid, and let them cook for 5-6 minutes per side until beautifully charred and cooked through to a juicy 165°F.
Step 5: Glaze with Barbecue Sauce
During the last few minutes of grilling, brush both sides of the chicken thighs generously with barbecue sauce. The heat works its magic, creating a sticky-sweet glaze and those classic grill marks. Keep a close eye so the sauce caramelizes but doesn’t burn—it’s the difference between good and unforgettable Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs!
Step 6: Rest, Slice, and Serve
Once your chicken is beautifully glazed and cooked through, take it off the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This quick pause lets all the juices redistribute, ensuring every bite is delectable. Slice, arrange on a platter, and serve however you love them most!
How to Serve Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs
Garnishes
Scatter a shower of fresh chopped parsley or green onions over your Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs for a pop of color and herbaceous lift. A few lemon wedges on the side will bring brightness if you love a citrusy zing, and don’t forget an extra drizzle of barbecue sauce for dipping.
Side Dishes
Classic cookout sides are all fair game here. Serve these juicy thighs with grilled corn on the cob, creamy coleslaw, or a chilled summer potato salad. Want to balance out the richness? A big salad with crunchy greens and a tangy vinaigrette pairs beautifully with the smoky-sweet notes of the chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
Pile those Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs high on a rustic wooden platter with charred veggies for a family-style feast. Or, slice them and tuck into warm buns for bold barbecue sliders. You can even chop leftovers for zippy BBQ chicken tacos or top a fresh salad for an instant lunch upgrade!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, stash the cooled Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and full of flavor for up to 4 days, making them perfect for meal prep or next-day sandwiches.
Freezing
To freeze, let the cooked chicken thighs cool completely, then wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep their juiciness and barbecue flavor for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To bring your chicken back to life, warm gently in a 300°F oven covered with foil for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. For a quicker fix, use the microwave in short bursts with a splash of broth or extra barbecue sauce to keep things nice and moist.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken thighs instead?
Absolutely! Just be aware that bone-in thighs will take a bit longer on the grill—plan for 8-10 minutes per side. The flavor will be just as spectacular.
Is it okay to use a different type Main Course
Of course! Sweet, smoky, spicy, or tangy—whatever barbecue sauce you love will work perfectly. Each choice puts your own stamp on these Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
Marinate for at least 30 minutes for a nice punch of flavor, but up to 8 hours is ideal if you want every bite to be deeply seasoned and tender.
Can I cook these without a grill?
Yes! You can sear them in a grill pan or cast iron skillet on the stovetop, or broil in the oven for a charred effect. Keep the same cook times in mind and finish with that luscious barbecue glaze.
Are Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs gluten free?
They can be! Simply double-check the ingredients in your barbecue sauce to ensure it’s gluten free, and you’re all set for a delicious, allergen-friendly main course.
Final Thoughts
It’s honestly hard to beat the crowd-pleasing power of Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs—the smoky-sweet aroma, the juicy meat, and that sticky caramelized glaze make this dish a hit every single time. Whether you’re a grill pro or just firing it up for the first time, give this recipe a try and watch everyone tuck in with big, happy smiles. Here’s to making your next cookout extra special!
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Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes (plus marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs are a summer grilling favorite, featuring juicy marinated chicken thighs slathered in a smoky barbecue sauce. Perfect for a casual backyard cookout or weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Marinade:
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl or zip-top bag, combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add chicken thighs and coat evenly. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat grill to medium-high (about 400°F).
- Grill the Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade, grill for 5–6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Brush with barbecue sauce during the last few minutes.
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra smoky flavor, grill over charcoal or add soaked wood chips to your gas grill.
- Serve with grilled veggies, corn on the cob, or coleslaw for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating)
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
