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Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs
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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.

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

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

Find it online: https://cherrycooks.com/grilled-bbq-boneless-chicken-thighs/