Easy Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs Recipe

Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

If you’re craving a dish that brings juicy, smoky, and sweet flavors together effortlessly, then your search ends here with this easy Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs recipe. Perfectly tender and packed with flavor, these boneless chicken thighs are a quick fix for busy weeknights and an absolute crowd-pleaser at weekend cookouts. With a simple marinade and a beautiful caramelized glaze, this recipe promises mouthwatering results every time you fire up the grill.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy Preparation: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for any skill level.
  • Juicy, Tender Meat: Boneless chicken thighs stay moist and succulent when grilled, unlike leaner cuts.
  • Flavorful BBQ Glaze: A wonderful balance of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors that satisfy all BBQ lovers.
  • Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether a busy weeknight dinner or weekend barbecue, this recipe fits perfectly.
  • Minimal Cleanup: Using boneless chicken thighs means no bones to fuss with, keeping mealtime hassle-free.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple but essential ingredients that blend beautifully to create that perfect balance of smoky sweetness, tender texture, and rich color. Each component plays its part, from the tangy BBQ sauce to the subtle seasoning that enhances natural flavors.

  • Boneless Chicken Thighs: Choose skin-on for extra flavor or skinless for quicker cooking and a leaner option.
  • BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite bottled variety or homemade sauce for that sticky, flavorful glaze.
  • Olive Oil: Helps lock in moisture and prevents sticking on the grill.
  • Garlic Powder: Adds a warm, aromatic kick to elevate the chicken’s taste.
  • Smoked Paprika: Gives the dish a subtle smoky note and vibrant red color.
  • Salt and Black Pepper: Basic seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the chicken.
  • Honey or Brown Sugar: A hint of sweetness that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
  • Lemon Juice (optional): A splash of acidity to brighten the overall flavor.

Variations for Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

One of the best parts about this recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on your preferences or the ingredients you have on hand. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!

  • Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or chipotle powder to the rub for a smoky heat.
  • Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano for an aromatic twist.
  • Asian-Inspired: Swap the BBQ sauce for a soy-ginger glaze with sesame oil and garlic.
  • Smokeless Version: Use a grill pan indoors and finish under a broiler to caramelize the sauce.
  • Gluten-Free: Ensure the BBQ sauce is gluten-free and pair with a gluten-free dry rub mix.
Easy Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs Recipe

How to Make Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by patting the boneless chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure the marinade sticks well. Trim any excess fat if you prefer leaner pieces, though leaving some fat enhances flavor.

Step 2: Season and Marinate

In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, honey, and a splash of lemon juice. Coat the chicken thighs thoroughly in the marinade, cover, and let it rest for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the fridge for deeper flavor.

Step 3: Preheat the Grill

Heat your grill to medium-high heat, making sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking. This temperature is perfect for achieving a caramelized, slightly charred exterior without drying out the thighs.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken

Place the marinated boneless chicken thighs directly over the heat. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, brushing generously with BBQ sauce during the last few minutes to build a sticky glaze. The chicken is ready when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Allow the grilled chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This step locks in juices and ensures every bite is tender and flavorful.

Pro Tips for Making Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

  • Use a Meat Thermometer: To avoid undercooking or overcooking, check the internal temp for perfect doneness.
  • Don’t Skip the Rest: Resting the chicken after grilling keeps it juicy and tender.
  • Apply BBQ Sauce at the End: Too much sauce early on can burn due to sugars, so brush it on in the final minutes of grilling.
  • Oil the Grill Grates: Prevent sticking by lightly greasing the grill before cooking.
  • Marinate for Flavor: Even 30 minutes of marinating can make a noticeable difference in taste.

How to Serve Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley add a vibrant pop of color and freshness. A squeeze of lime or lemon can brighten the smoky richness, while sliced green onions bring a mild crunch.

Side Dishes

Pair your grilled BBQ boneless chicken thighs with classic sides like coleslaw, grilled corn on the cob, baked beans, or a crisp garden salad. For a lighter touch, roasted vegetables or quinoa salad complement beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn this recipe into versatile meals by serving the chicken sliced over rice bowls, tucked inside warm tortillas for tacos, or chopped up as a flavorful protein addition on pizzas or flatbreads.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover grilled BBQ boneless chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This makes for convenient lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.

Freezing

For longer storage, wrap the cooled chicken thighs tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen grilled chicken stays best for up to 3 months without loss of flavor.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) covered with foil to preserve moisture or warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to keep the chicken juicy.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken thighs instead of boneless?

Absolutely, but bone-in thighs may require longer grilling time to ensure they’re cooked through and juicy.

Do I need to marinate the chicken overnight?

While overnight marinating enhances flavor, even 30 minutes to 2 hours will yield delicious results.

What if I don’t have a grill?

You can use a grill pan or bake the chicken in the oven, finishing under the broiler to caramelize the BBQ sauce.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be! Just make sure to use a gluten-free BBQ sauce and check all seasonings for gluten ingredients.

How do I prevent the BBQ sauce from burning?

Apply the BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of grilling to avoid burning due to the sugars in the sauce.

Final Thoughts

If you want a simple, delicious meal that’s sure to impress, try these grilled BBQ boneless chicken thighs. They’re juicy, packed with flavor, and come together quickly, making them a perfect addition to your grilling rotation. Fire up that grill and enjoy the irresistible taste of this classic crowd-pleaser tonight!

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Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

Juicy, smoky, and sweet grilled BBQ boneless chicken thighs that are tender, flavorful, and perfect for quick weeknight dinners or weekend cookouts. This easy recipe features a simple marinade and a sticky, caramelized BBQ glaze that guarantees mouthwatering results every time.

  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes (including marinating)
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless chicken thighs (skin-on or skinless)
  • 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (bottled or homemade)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the boneless chicken thighs dry with paper towels to help the marinade adhere better. Trim any excess fat if desired, although leaving some fat enhances the flavor.
  2. Season and Marinate: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, honey or brown sugar, and a splash of lemon juice if using. Thoroughly coat the chicken thighs in this marinade, cover the bowl, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
  3. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high temperature. Ensure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent the chicken from sticking. This temperature helps achieve a caramelized and slightly charred exterior without drying out the meat.
  4. Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated boneless chicken thighs directly over the heat. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side, brushing generously with BBQ sauce during the last few minutes to develop a sticky, flavorful glaze. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  5. Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. This resting period locks in the juices, ensuring tender and flavorful bites every time.

Notes

  • Use a meat thermometer to check doneness and avoid overcooking.
  • Resting the chicken after grilling helps keep it moist and tender.
  • Brush BBQ sauce on during the last minutes of grilling to avoid burning.
  • Lightly oil grill grates before cooking to prevent sticking.
  • Marinate for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor, but up to 2 hours if possible.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (about 4 oz chicken)
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg

Keywords: grilled chicken, BBQ chicken thighs, boneless chicken, easy chicken recipe, summer barbecue, smoky chicken, quick dinner

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