Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs are juicy, flavorful, and perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend cookouts. Boneless thighs are marinated or seasoned, then grilled until beautifully charred and basted with your favorite barbecue sauce for a sweet, smoky glaze. This recipe is quick, easy, and guaranteed to become a go-to favorite for any BBQ lover.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly juicy and tender thanks to boneless thighs
• Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy nights
• Great charred flavor and sticky BBQ glaze
• Cooks faster than bone-in cuts
• No knife required—easy to eat and serve
• Versatile for sandwiches, wraps, salads, or main courses
• Pairs well with almost any side dish
• Perfect for grilling beginners and pros alike
• Naturally gluten-free (with the right sauce)
• Great for meal prep and leftovers

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Your favorite BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Optional: cayenne pepper or chili powder for heat

directions

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F).
2. Pat chicken thighs dry. In a bowl, toss them with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the thighs on the grill. Cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. During the last 2–3 minutes of cooking, brush both sides generously with BBQ sauce. Let the sauce caramelize slightly but avoid burning.
5. Remove from the grill and rest for 5 minutes before serving. Add more sauce if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 12–15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Marinate in BBQ sauce or a brine overnight for deeper flavor
• Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or hot sauce to the BBQ sauce
• Use a dry rub for extra smoky flavor before grilling
• Finish with a honey or maple glaze for added sweetness
• Slice and serve in tacos, sandwiches, or on top of salads
• Try different sauces—spicy, mustard-based, or vinegar-style

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave, a covered skillet, or the oven at 300°F until warmed through. You can also freeze grilled chicken thighs for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken thighs?

Yes, but they’ll take longer to cook—about 20–25 minutes total. Adjust grill time accordingly.

How do I keep chicken thighs from sticking to the grill?

Oil the grill grates well and don’t move the chicken too soon—let it release naturally once seared.

What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?

Any kind you like! Sweet, smoky, spicy, or tangy—all work well depending on your flavor preferences.

Do I need to marinate the chicken first?

Not required, but you can marinate for a few hours or overnight for extra flavor.

What temperature should grilled chicken thighs reach?

165°F is the safe internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer for best results.

Can I make this recipe indoors?

Yes—use a grill pan or skillet on the stovetop, or bake in the oven and finish under the broiler with sauce.

How can I make this spicier?

Add cayenne, chili powder, or hot sauce to your rub or BBQ sauce.

What sides go well with BBQ chicken thighs?

Try coleslaw, baked beans, mac and cheese, corn on the cob, potato salad, or grilled veggies.

Can I meal prep with this recipe?

Absolutely—cook a batch and use it throughout the week in bowls, wraps, and sandwiches.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your BBQ sauce is gluten-free. Always check the label.

Conclusion

Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs are a quick, flavorful, and foolproof addition to any grilling menu. Their natural juiciness, bold seasoning, and sweet-smoky glaze make them irresistible—and so versatile for serving. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this simple recipe delivers big-time flavor with minimal effort.

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