Juicy Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs Recipe That Wows

Succulent marinated bbq boneless chicken thighs promise a mouthwatering adventure that skips tough meat and complicated techniques.

Weeknight dinners rarely feel this effortless and delicious.

Tender meat soaks up smoky flavors that dance across your palate with each juicy bite.

Simple ingredients combine to create something extraordinary from basic pantry staples.

Summer cookouts just got an incredible upgrade with this foolproof recipe that impresses without stress.

Marinades work magic, turning ordinary chicken into a knockout main course everyone will request again and again.

You want maximum flavor with minimal effort?

This recipe delivers exactly that delectable promise.

Ways to Rethink Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

• Low-Sodium BBQ Delight: Replace regular BBQ sauce with a homemade low-sodium sauce using tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, and natural sweeteners like stevia to reduce salt intake.
• Gluten-Free Grilled Option: Use gluten-free BBQ sauce and ensure all spices are certified gluten-free for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.
• Spicy Herb Chicken Swap: Substitute BBQ sauce with a spicy herb marinade using fresh rosemary, thyme, hot sauce, and chili flakes for a zesty flavor profile.
• Vegan Protein Alternative: Replace chicken thighs with firm tofu or seitan, marinating in similar spices and grilling with a plant-based BBQ sauce for a meat-free version.

Need Help with BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs? Start Here

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

Yes, you can use bone-in chicken thighs. Just adjust the grilling time slightly, as bone-in thighs might take a few extra minutes to cook through.

• What type of BBQ sauce works best for this recipe?

Any favorite BBQ sauce will work well. Sweet, tangy, or spicy sauces all complement the grilled chicken nicely. Choose your preferred brand or homemade sauce.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest part of the thigh. This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and remains juicy.

• Can I make these chicken thighs in the oven if I don't have a grill?

Absolutely! Bake in a preheated 425°F oven for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through and brushing with BBQ sauce during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs to Impress

• Perfect for busy families, this grilled BBQ chicken takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal solution for quick and delicious dinners.
• Minimal ingredients and easy seasoning create maximum taste with minimal effort, allowing even novice cooks to achieve restaurant-quality results at home.
• Juicy boneless chicken thighs with caramelized BBQ glaze appeal to both kids and adults, guaranteeing a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.
• Simple technique and foolproof instructions make this recipe excellent for outdoor cooking enthusiasts and those wanting to improve their grilling skills without complicated steps.

What to Buy for Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

• Boneless Chicken Thighs: Juicy and flavorful cut of meat that absorbs marinades well, perfect for grilling and quick to cook.

• Olive Oil: Helps distribute spices and prevents chicken from sticking to the grill, adds moisture.
• Garlic Powder: Provides a robust, savory flavor without fresh garlic chunks.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds smoky depth and mild heat to the chicken.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural chicken flavor.

• BBQ Sauce: Adds sweet, tangy glaze that caramelizes on the grill, creates a delicious exterior coating for the chicken.

Grilling Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs Right

Step 1: Prepare Chicken for Marinating

• Pat chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels
• Gather marinade ingredients
• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Coat chicken thighs thoroughly with all marinade ingredients
• Allow chicken to rest at room temperature for 15-30 minutes (or refrigerate for deeper flavor)

Step 2: Fire Up the Grill

• Turn grill to medium-high heat
• Clean grill grates thoroughly
• Lightly brush grates with vegetable oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking

Step 3: Grill Chicken to Perfection

• Place marinated chicken thighs directly on heated grill
• Cook first side for 5-6 minutes
• Flip chicken and cook opposite side for additional 5-6 minutes
• Verify internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit using meat thermometer

Step 4: Glaze with Barbecue Sauce

• Generously brush both sides of chicken with barbecue sauce
• Grill each sauced side for 1-2 minutes to caramelize and create delicious charred edges

Step 5: Rest and Serve Deliciously

• Remove chicken from grill
• Let meat rest for 5 minutes to retain juiciness
• Plate and serve with extra barbecue sauce on side
• Optional: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions

BBQ Boneless Chicken Thigh Tips for Better Results

• Dry Thoroughly: Pat chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels to ensure perfect seasoning adherence and better grill searing.
• Marinate Smartly: Allow chicken to sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes before grilling to help seasonings penetrate and promote even cooking.
• Temperature Matters: Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe, juicy chicken without overcooking.
• Sauce Technique: Apply BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of grilling to prevent burning and create a delicious caramelized glaze.
• Rest and Relax: Let grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to help juices redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness and flavor.

Save and Warm BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs Later

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Warm chicken at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture. Drizzle extra BBQ sauce to refresh flavor and prevent drying.
• Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature and moisture. Add a splash of chicken broth or sauce to keep meat juicy and prevent toughness.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating to maintain texture and taste.

Pairings for Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

• Select a bold, fruity red wine with smoky undertones that complement the grilled BBQ chicken's rich flavors and enhance the smoky paprika notes.
• Create a tangy, crunchy side dish featuring shredded cabbage, carrots, and a vinegar-based dressing to cut through the chicken's richness and provide refreshing contrast.
• Prepare golden, crispy corn fritters that echo the caramelized BBQ glaze and offer a sweet counterpoint to the savory grilled chicken.
• Choose a hoppy IPA or amber ale with light maltiness that stands up to the BBQ sauce's sweetness and complements the chicken's smoky char.

Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling BBQ boneless chicken thighs promise a flavor explosion of smoky, tangy goodness straight from summer’s grill. Bold marinades and perfect char create a mouthwatering experience that delivers pure backyard barbecue magic.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Sauce and Optional Spice:

• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper or chili flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly dab chicken thighs with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring optimal seasoning adherence and grill caramelization.
2. Create a robust marinade by combining olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper in a mixing vessel.
3. Gently coat chicken thighs with prepared seasoning mixture, allowing ingredients to permeate meat fibers for enhanced flavor complexity.
4. Allow marinated chicken to rest at ambient temperature for approximately 20 minutes, permitting spices to infuse and meat to approach uniform temperature.
5. Prepare outdoor grill by heating to medium-high intensity, creating ideal cooking environment with consistent thermal distribution.
6. Lightly lubricate grill grates with cooking oil to prevent potential protein adhesion and facilitate seamless turning.
7. Carefully position seasoned chicken thighs onto preheated grill surface, maintaining deliberate spacing between pieces.
8. Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, monitoring internal temperature progression toward safe 165°F threshold.
9. Generously brush both surfaces with tangy barbecue sauce, creating glossy caramelized exterior during final grilling phase.
10. Continue grilling sauced chicken for additional 1-2 minutes per side, developing rich mahogany-colored glaze.
11. Remove chicken from grill, transferring to clean serving platter and allowing 4-5 minutes resting period to redistribute internal juices.
12. Present grilled chicken with complementary barbecue sauce on side for optional additional flavor enhancement.

Notes

• Enhance flavor by adding a touch of honey or brown sugar to the BBQ sauce for a deeper caramelization and subtle sweetness.
• Opt for bone-in chicken thighs for more moisture and richer taste if preferred over boneless cuts.
• Create a low-carb version by using sugar-free BBQ sauce or making a homemade sugar-free glaze with tomato paste, vinegar, and spices.
• Ensure even cooking by pounding chicken thighs to uniform thickness before marinating, preventing dry or undercooked sections.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg