How To Make Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs

 Grilled BBQ chicken thighs are a timeless favorite, perfect for backyard barbecues, weeknight dinners, or special gatherings. Their juicy texture and smoky, caramelized BBQ glaze make them an irresistible dish that’s easy to prepare. With the right techniques and a flavorful marinade, you can create tender, smoky, and perfectly grilled chicken thighs that will impress any crowd.

Why Choose Chicken Thighs?

Chicken thighs are an excellent choice for grilling because they:

Stay Juicy: Unlike chicken breasts, thighs are naturally more flavorful and less prone to drying out.

Cook Evenly: Their slightly higher fat content ensures even cooking and a tender result.

Versatile Flavor: Thighs absorb marinades well, making them the perfect canvas for bold BBQ flavors.

Ingredients for Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs

For the Marinade:

1/3 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup olive oil

2 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice

1 tbsp honey or brown sugar

2 tsp smoked paprika

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1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)

For Grilling:

6–8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or boneless, if preferred)

1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)

Cooking oil spray or a small amount of oil for greasing the grill grates

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade:

In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, olive oil, vinegar, honey, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and chili flakes.

Taste and adjust the balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors as desired.

2. Marinate the Chicken:

Place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or a large bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring every piece is well coated.

Seal the bag or cover the bowl with plastic wrap, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.

3. Preheat the Grill:

Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 350°F–375°F). Lightly grease the grates with oil to prevent sticking.

4. Grill the Chicken:

Remove the chicken from the marinade and let excess liquid drip off.

Place the thighs skin-side down on the grill. Cook for 6–8 minutes on each side, turning occasionally to prevent burning. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; chicken is done at 165°F (75°C).

5. Add the BBQ Sauce:

In the last 5 minutes of grilling, brush a generous layer of BBQ sauce onto each chicken thigh. Flip and repeat on the other side, allowing the sauce to caramelize slightly without burning.

6. Rest and Serve:

Remove the chicken thighs from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender.

Serve hot with extra BBQ sauce on the side.

Tips for Perfect Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs

Control the Heat: Avoid high heat, as it can burn the BBQ sauce before the chicken cooks through. Use medium heat for even cooking.

Use a Thermometer: To avoid overcooking or undercooking, a meat thermometer ensures your chicken is perfectly done.

Let the Skin Crisp: If using skin-on thighs, start with the skin side down for a crispy and flavorful result.

Flip Carefully: Use tongs to gently turn the chicken to avoid tearing the skin or losing any delicious marinade.

Rest Before Serving: Resting ensures juicy chicken and prevents the BBQ sauce from running off too quickly.

Serving Suggestions

Grilled BBQ chicken thighs are incredibly versatile and pair well with various sides. Here are some ideas:

Classic Pairings: Coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread.

Healthy Options: Grilled vegetables, quinoa salad, or a fresh garden salad.

Comfort Food: Creamy mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, or garlic butter rice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bursting with Flavor: The marinade and BBQ glaze create a perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and tangy.

Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, this recipe is perfect for beginners and pros alike.

Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves juicy, tender BBQ chicken thighs fresh off the grill.

Transform your next meal into a smoky, flavorful feast with these grilled BBQ chicken thighs. With their juicy interior, crispy exterior, and caramelized BBQ glaze, they’re sure to become a staple in your grilling repertoire. Fire up the grill and enjoy this deliciously easy recipe!

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