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Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

This easy Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs recipe delivers juicy, tender chicken thighs bursting with smoky, tangy barbecue flavor. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or backyard gatherings, it combines simple ingredients and minimal prep for a crowd-pleasing meal full of balanced smoky, sweet, and savory notes.

  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless chicken thighs

Marinade & Seasoning

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

BBQ Sauce

  • ½ to ¾ cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the boneless chicken thighs dry with paper towels to help the marinade stick better and prevent steaming on the grill. Lightly drizzle olive oil and rub it evenly over each piece to lock moisture and aid caramelization.
  2. Season the Thighs: Sprinkle garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper evenly on both sides of the chicken. Adjust the amounts to your taste or add any additional spices based on your preferred variation.
  3. Preheat the Grill: Light your grill to medium-high heat, about 375 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, to ensure a beautiful char and crispy edges without drying out the meat.
  4. Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs on the grill surface. Cook for approximately 4-5 minutes per side, turning once for even cooking, until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit and juices run clear.
  5. Apply the BBQ Sauce: During the final 2 minutes of grilling, brush generous coats of BBQ sauce onto the chicken. Let it caramelize and thicken slightly without burning to create a sticky, flavorful crust.
  6. Rest and Serve: Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil. Allow it to rest for about 5 minutes to help retain juiciness before slicing or serving directly.

Notes

  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked without overcooking.
  • Let the chicken rest after grilling to lock in flavor and moisture.
  • Lightly coat chicken with oil to prevent sticking and encourage a crisp, caramelized crust.
  • Maintain medium-high grill heat to achieve a good char while avoiding flare-ups.
  • Brush BBQ sauce on during the last minutes to prevent burning.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (about 4 ounces cooked chicken)
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg

Keywords: grilled chicken, BBQ chicken thighs, boneless chicken recipe, easy BBQ recipe, backyard grilling, summer barbecue