Get ready to fire up the grill for the most succulent and flavorful Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs you’ve ever tasted. This recipe is your ticket to a perfect summer meal, delivering that irresistible smoky char and juicy interior every single time. Say goodbye to dry, boring chicken; this is a foolproof method for a quick weeknight dinner or the star of your next backyard barbecue. It’s simple, fast, and packed with classic BBQ flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs Recipe
- Incredibly Juicy: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are naturally more tender and forgiving than breasts, ensuring a moist result.
- Quick & Easy: With no bones to slow things down, these thighs marinate quickly and cook in under 20 minutes.
- Smoky & Flavorful: A simple marinade and a final sear with your favorite BBQ sauce create layers of delicious, smoky-sweet flavor.
- Perfectly Versatile: This chicken is fantastic on its own, sliced over a salad, or stuffed into a sandwich.
The Secret to Juicy Grilled Chicken: Key Ingredients
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. We use a handful of pantry staples to create a quick marinade that tenderizes the meat and builds a foundation of flavor before the BBQ sauce even hits the grill.
For the Chicken Marinade
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: The star of the show. They cook evenly and stay wonderfully tender.
- Olive Oil: Helps to keep the chicken from sticking to the grill and adds moisture.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: A touch of acidity to tenderize the meat.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds a deep, smoky flavor that complements the grill.
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: The essential aromatic base for any great barbecue.
- Salt & Black Pepper: To taste, for enhancing all the other flavors.
For the BBQ Glaze
- Your Favorite BBQ Sauce: The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability. Use your go-to bottle, whether it’s smoky, sweet, or spicy.
How to Make Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps for grilling perfection. The key is to create two heat zones on your grill: one for direct cooking and one for indirect heat to prevent burning the sauce.
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl or resealable bag, combine the chicken thighs, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
Step 2: Preheat Your Grill
Clean your grill grates to prevent sticking. Set up a two-zone fire by banking your charcoal to one side or only turning on the burners on one half of your gas grill. You want a medium-high direct heat zone (about 400-450°F) and a cooler indirect heat zone.
Step 3: Grill the Thighs
Place the marinated chicken thighs on the direct heat side of the grill. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, with the lid closed, until they have beautiful grill marks and are cooked about three-quarters of the way through.
Step 4: Sauce and Char
Move the chicken to the indirect heat side of the grill. Brush a generous layer of your favorite BBQ sauce on one side of the thighs. Close the lid and let it cook for 1-2 minutes to let the sauce set. Flip the chicken, brush the other side with sauce, and cook for another 1-2 minutes. For a final char, move the chicken back to the direct heat side for about 30 seconds per side, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Transfer the chicken to a clean plate and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This is crucial for locking in the juices. Serve warm and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Grilling Perfection
- Don’t Skip the Rest: Letting the chicken rest before slicing allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a much more tender bite.
- Watch for Flare-Ups: Chicken thighs have a higher fat content, which can cause flare-ups. Keep a close eye on them and move them to indirect heat if needed.
- Sauce at the End: Most BBQ sauces contain sugar, which burns easily. Always apply it during the last few minutes of cooking to create a glaze, not a burnt crust.
- Use a Thermometer: The most reliable way to ensure perfectly cooked chicken is by using an instant-read meat thermometer.
What to Serve with BBQ Chicken Thighs
These Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs are a versatile main course. Pair them with classic barbecue sides for a complete and satisfying meal. For a crowd-pleasing cookout, serve them alongside a fresh and zesty Mexican Street Corn Salad. They’re also fantastic with comfort food classics like the creamiest mashed potatoes or some extra crispy onion rings. For an indulgent twist, try serving them with a side of our famous cowboy butter dipping sauce.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can reheat it gently in the microwave, in a skillet over medium-low heat, or in an air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Chicken thighs are naturally juicy due to their higher fat content. To ensure they don’t dry out, avoid overcooking them by using a meat thermometer, and let them rest for 5-10 minutes after grilling to lock in the juices.
On a medium-high grill (400-450°F), boneless, skinless chicken thighs typically take about 12-15 minutes to cook. Grill for 5-7 minutes per side before applying sauce.
Yes, even a short 15-minute marinade makes a big difference. It helps to tenderize the meat and adds a crucial layer of flavor that complements the BBQ sauce.
For safety and best results, grilled boneless chicken thighs should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh to check for doneness.
The best BBQ sauce is subjective and depends on your preference! A classic Kansas City-style sauce offers a great balance of sweet and tangy, while a Carolina-style sauce provides a more vinegar-forward kick. Use your favorite bottled sauce for this recipe.
The Perfect Grilled Chicken Awaits
This Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs recipe is a true summer staple. It’s a reliable, delicious, and easy way to get a fantastic meal on the table with minimal fuss. Give it a try, and you’ll see why it’s our go-to for any grilling occasion. If you loved this recipe, please let us know in the comments and don’t forget to save it to your favorite board on Pinterest!
Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs Recipe
Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs (The Ultimate Juicy Recipe)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken thighs, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until the chicken is evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (400-450°F), setting up a two-zone cooking area with direct and indirect heat.
- Place chicken on the direct heat side of the grill. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, until grill marks appear and chicken is almost cooked through.
- Move chicken to the indirect heat side. Brush with BBQ sauce, close lid, and cook for 1-2 minutes. Flip, sauce the other side, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce is tacky.
- Move chicken back to direct heat for 30 seconds per side for a final char. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to a plate and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Tip 2: Don't sauce the chicken too early! The sugar in BBQ sauce can burn over high heat, so apply it only in the last few minutes of grilling.
