Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that bursts with smoky, tangy, and perfectly seasoned flavors, this Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, juicy chicken thighs grilled to perfection, infused with a vibrant blend of spices, and slathered in rich barbecue sauce that caramelizes beautifully over the heat. It’s a recipe that’s simple enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough for weekend gatherings. Once you try this recipe, it will quickly become your go-to for grilling season or any time you want that unbeatable BBQ taste at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple ingredients make a remarkable difference in this dish. Each component adds something unique, whether it’s the brightness from fresh lemon juice or the smoky depth from paprika and chili powder. Together, they create the perfect flavor profile that complements the rich chicken thighs and luscious barbecue sauce.

• 4 pounds of bone-in chicken thighs: Choose bone-in for maximum juiciness and flavor during grilling.
• Juice of 1 lemon: Adds bright acidity that helps tenderize the chicken and enhances its natural flavor.
• 3 tablespoons olive oil: Helps the spices stick and promotes a crispy, golden skin when grilled.
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt: Seasoning is key for depth and to bring out all the other flavors.
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard: A subtle tang that pairs perfectly with the smoky spices.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Essential savory note that complements the chicken beautifully.
• 1 teaspoon paprika: Brings a lovely smokiness and rich red color.
• ½ teaspoon chili powder: Adds a gentle kick without overpowering the other spices.
• ½ teaspoon onion powder: Layers in more aromatic flavor complexity.
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme: Offers a hint of herbal freshness.
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano: Deepens the savory profile with Mediterranean flair.
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper: Provides mild heat and enhances all the seasonings.
• ¾ cup barbecue sauce: The star finishing touch, adding sticky, smoky, and sweet glaze.

How to Make Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Patting the chicken thighs dry is a crucial first step. It helps the seasonings stick better and ensures you get that irresistible crispy skin once grilled. Placing the thighs in a large baking dish sets the stage for marination and easy handling later on.

Step 2: Add Lemon Juice

Squeezing fresh lemon juice over both sides of the chicken not only adds zing but also tenderizes the meat just enough. Letting it sit for 5 minutes allows the juice to penetrate and awaken the flavors.

Step 3: Coat with Olive Oil

Drizzling and rubbing olive oil over the chicken creates a protective layer that seals in moisture and promotes an even, golden char on the grill. It also helps the spice blend adhere perfectly.

Step 4: Mix the Spice Blend

Combining the kosher salt, ground mustard, garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, and black pepper into one bowl ensures the spices are evenly distributed. This magic mix is what elevates the chicken to mouthwatering heights.

Step 5: Season the Chicken

Rubbing this fragrant spice blend all over the chicken thighs coats every inch with flavor. Covering and refrigerating the chicken for 2 hours allows those spices to soak in and develop complexity.

Step 6: Preheat the Grill

Heating one side of the grill to high and leaving the other side off creates a perfect two-zone setup. This technique lets you get a nice sear and then gently finish cooking the chicken without burning.

Step 7: Sear the Chicken

Placing the chicken skin side up on the hot side for 4 minutes with the lid closed starts the cooking process with a beautiful sear. Flipping for another 4 minutes lets the other side develop color and flavor.

Step 8: Move to Indirect Heat

Switching the chicken to the cooler side of the grill slows down cooking, ensuring the thighs stay juicy while reaching an internal temp of 160 degrees F — just shy of fully done but perfect for the next step.

Step 9: Apply Barbecue Sauce

Brushing the chicken with barbecue sauce and flipping repeatedly builds layers of sticky, smoky, and sweet coating that caramelizes on the surface without burning, infusing incredible flavor with each turn.

Step 10: Finish Cooking Over High Heat

Returning the chicken to the hot side of the grill cooks it just long enough to reach the safe internal temperature of 165 degrees F. This final step locks in juiciness while giving you that crave-worthy BBQ glaze.

How to Serve Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe

Garnishes

Brighten your Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe with fresh garnishes like freshly chopped cilantro or parsley for a pop of color and herbaceous contrast. A wedge of lemon on the side also adds a fresh zing that complements the smoky sauce perfectly.

Side Dishes

Pair these chicken thighs with classic BBQ sides like creamy coleslaw, grilled corn on the cob, or buttery baked potatoes. Lighter options such as a vibrant green salad or roasted vegetables balance the richness of the meat beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, shred the grilled thighs and pile them into soft buns for sliders. Alternatively, dice the meat and toss it in a BBQ chicken salad or even use it as a topping for homemade flatbreads. This Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe is versatile enough to wow in many forms!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover grilled chicken thighs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keeping the sauce-coated chicken chilled maintains flavor while making reheating easy and convenient for a quick meal.

Freezing

This dish freezes well for up to 2 months. Wrap each thigh tightly in foil or place in freezer-safe bags, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Freezing lets you enjoy your Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe anytime without sacrificing taste.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken gently in the oven at 325 degrees F, covered with foil to retain moisture, or warm it on the grill over medium heat. Avoid high heat to keep the meat juicy and prevent the barbecue sauce from burning.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead?

Absolutely! Boneless thighs will cook faster, so reduce your cooking time accordingly. Just be careful not to overcook so they stay juicy and tender, and adjust your internal temperature goal to 165 degrees F.

What type of barbecue sauce works best?

Use your favorite barbecue sauce, whether it’s sweet, smoky, tangy, or spicy. Homemade sauces add a personal touch, but store-bought varieties work wonderfully too. Just pick one that matches your flavor preference.

Do I need to marinate the chicken overnight?

While marinating for 2 hours as in this recipe works great, you can marinate overnight for even deeper flavor. Just be sure not to exceed 24 hours, or the lemon juice can start to break down the meat too much and alter texture.

How can I tell when the chicken is done?

Using an instant-read thermometer is the most reliable method. The chicken is safe to eat at 165 degrees F internal temperature. The recipe suggests cooking to 160 degrees on indirect heat then finishing on direct heat for perfect doneness.

Can I make this recipe on a gas grill or charcoal grill?

Yes! Both types of grills work well. Just follow the two-zone heat setup described. Charcoal will add a deeper smoky flavor, while gas grills provide consistent temperature control for ease.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about biting into perfectly grilled chicken thighs glazed with sticky barbecue sauce, kissed by just the right amount of smoke and spice. This Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe is a shining star for anyone who loves bold flavors and simple preparation. Whether for a casual weeknight dinner or your next backyard party, you’re going to love making it and sharing it with those you care about.

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