Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs {Quick & Easy}

Tender, juicy, and packed with smoky flavor, these Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs are a go-to for busy weeknights and laid-back summer cookouts. Using a simple marinade and your favorite barbecue sauce, this recipe delivers mouthwatering results with minimal prep and cook time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With minimal ingredients and just a few minutes on the grill, dinner is ready in no time.
• Juicy Every Time: Boneless chicken thighs stay moist and tender on the grill, making them perfect for this recipe.
• Versatile: Serve these BBQ chicken thighs with salads, veggies, or pile them onto buns for sandwiches.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy them throughout the week.
• Kid-Approved: Sweet and savory BBQ flavor makes this a family favorite.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• Olive oil
• Smoked paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Kosher salt
• Ground black pepper
• Your favorite barbecue sauce

directions

1. Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Trim any excess fat.
2. Marinate: In a bowl, mix olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss chicken in the mixture until evenly coated. Let marinate for at least 20 minutes (or up to 8 hours in the fridge).
3. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high (about 400–425°F).
4. Grill the Chicken: Place chicken thighs on the grill, smooth side down. Grill for 4–5 minutes on the first side.
5. Flip and Baste: Turn the thighs over, baste with barbecue sauce, and grill for another 3–4 minutes. Flip, baste the other side, and grill for an additional 1–2 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Rest: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to seal in juices.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus optional marinating time)
• Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
• Total Time: About 20–25 minutes (excluding marinating)

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the marinade.
• Honey BBQ: Mix honey into your BBQ sauce for a sweet twist.
• Citrus Zing: Add lime or lemon zest to the marinade for a bright flavor.
• Smoky Flavor: Use a charcoal grill or add wood chips to a gas grill.
• Asian-Inspired: Swap BBQ sauce for teriyaki or hoisin-based glaze.

storage/reheating

• Storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of water or BBQ sauce to keep it moist.

FAQs

How do I know when chicken thighs are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer. Chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Can I use bone-in chicken thighs?

Yes, but they will take longer to cook. Adjust grilling time accordingly.

What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?

Any BBQ sauce you love works. Choose one with your preferred level of sweetness, smokiness, or spice.

Can I make this without a grill?

Yes. Use a grill pan on the stovetop or broil in the oven, flipping halfway through.

Do I need to marinate the chicken?

Marinating enhances flavor, but even 20 minutes helps. Longer marinating yields deeper flavor.

Can I meal prep these?

Absolutely. Make a batch ahead of time and use in salads, wraps, or sandwiches.

How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill?

Make sure the grill is hot and clean, and lightly oil the grates before cooking.

Can I use chicken breasts instead?

Yes, but they may dry out more easily. Adjust cook time and monitor internal temperature closely.

What sides go well with BBQ chicken thighs?

Great sides include coleslaw, corn on the cob, baked beans, grilled vegetables, or potato salad.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be—just make sure your BBQ sauce is labeled gluten-free.

Conclusion

These Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs are the perfect answer to your weeknight dinner or summer BBQ dilemma. They’re fast, full of flavor, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re cooking for the family or a crowd, this recipe is sure to become a repeat favorite.

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