There’s nothing quite like the savory aroma of grilled chicken filling the backyard, sparking a little bit of magic as you gather your loved ones. Recently, I found myself in need of a quick yet impressive dish that brought a burst of flavor to my dinner table – and these Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs fit the bill perfectly! With a simple dry rub that encompasses smoky and savory goodness, each bite transforms into a celebration of taste. The juicy meat, coupled with that perfectly crispy skin and a tangy BBQ glaze, feels like an indulgent treat, while being surprisingly simple to make.
As summer beckons and outdoor gatherings become the norm, this recipe is my new go-to for cookouts, weeknight dinners, or anytime cravings for a mouthwatering meal. Follow along as I share the secrets to achieving those restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen! Trust me, once you dive into this flavor-packed dish, fast food will be a thing of the past.
Why are Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs a must-try?
Bursting with flavor: Each thigh is coated with a smoky dry rub that takes your palate on a delightful journey, perfectly pairing with rich BBQ sauce.
Easy preparation: With just a few simple seasonings and grilling techniques, you can create an impressive meal without fuss.
Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for summer cookouts, these juicy, tender thighs will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Versatile variations: Try switching up the BBQ sauce or experimenting with different dry rubs to match your taste preferences.
Ideal for busy nights: With quick grilling times, you can whip these up even on a hectic evening while ensuring everyone enjoys a delicious dinner.
These grilled BBQ chicken thighs are a celebration of flavor that makes fast food look dull in comparison!
Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs Ingredients
For the Dry Rub
- 1 tbsp brown sugar – Provides sweetness and helps caramelize the skin for that mouthwatering glaze; can be substituted with honey.
- 1 tsp garlic powder – Adds depth of flavor and enhances the savory profile; feel free to use fresh garlic for a punchier taste.
- 1 tsp onion powder – Introduces a subtle sweetness and warmth; finely chopped fresh onions work in a pinch.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika – Infuses the dish with a rich, smoky flavor and vibrant color; sweet paprika can be used but without the smoky notes.
- 1 tsp kosher salt – Enhances all flavors and helps with seasoning penetration; sea salt can substitute, but you may need to adjust measurements.
- ½ tsp chili powder – Adds a gentle kick for complexity; adjust according to your heat tolerance.
- ½ tsp coarse ground pepper – Brings a touch of heat and balances the flavors; freshly cracked pepper is recommended for a more aromatic result.
For the Chicken
- 5-6 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on) – This is the main protein source, as the bone and skin keep the meat juicy during grilling; boneless thighs can be used but will require less cooking time.
For Grilling
- ½ cup BBQ sauce – Adds flavor and moistness to the dish; feel free to use your favorite store-bought variation or a homemade version to suit your tastes.
- Canola oil – For brushing on the grill to prevent sticking; olive oil is a great alternative as well.
These Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs ingredients ensure a simple, flavorful experience that will transform your dinner into something truly special!
How to Make Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs
-
Prepare the Rub: In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, chili powder, and coarse ground pepper. This blend will create a delicious layer of flavor!
-
Marinate Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. Sprinkle the dry rub over the thighs, covering them completely. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or let the flavors develop overnight for maximum impact.
-
Preheat Grill: Turn your grill on to medium-high heat. Let it preheat for about 10 minutes, aiming for a steady temperature of around 400°F. A well-heated grill ensures perfect sear marks!
-
Oil Grates & Grill: If necessary, brush the grill grates lightly with canola oil to prevent sticking. Place the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side down on the grill. Grill them for 4 minutes before rotating for those beautiful char lines, then cook for another 3-4 minutes.
-
Baste & Flip: After those initial grilling minutes, flip the chicken thighs over and baste the charred side with BBQ sauce. Grill for an additional 4 minutes to allow that sauce to caramelize.
-
Indirect Heat Cooking: Turn off the middle burner of your grill. Flip the chicken skin-side down and place it over the indirect heat. Baste with BBQ sauce again and grill for another 3-4 minutes. Flip every few minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, which should take roughly 15-20 minutes.
-
Rest & Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes to keep that juiciness intact. Now, it’s time to dig in!
Optional: Pair with grilled vegetables or a fresh coleslaw for a complete meal.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs
- Fridge: Store grilled BBQ chicken thighs in an airtight container for up to 4 days. This keeps them flavorful and fresh for your next meal.
- Freezer: For longer storage, remove the meat from the bone and place it in freezer bags. They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing quality.
- Reheating: To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes for best results.
- Room Temperature: Avoid leaving grilled BBQ chicken thighs out at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent foodborne illness.
Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to put your own spin on this recipe and explore exciting flavor enhancements that will delight your senses!
- Maple Syrup: Substitute brown sugar with maple syrup for a delightful twist of sweetness that adds a unique flavor profile.
- Fresh Garlic: For a more robust taste, swap the garlic powder for 2 cloves of freshly minced garlic to amp up the savory notes.
- Sweet Corn: Toss some fresh corn on the grill alongside the chicken for a sweet, juicy side that complements the smoky flavors beautifully.
- Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon or lime zest to the dry rub to bring a bright, zesty punch to your chicken thighs.
- Add Heat: Stir in a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce into the BBQ sauce for an extra spicy kick that’ll heat things up!
- Herb Infusion: Experiment by adding dried herbs, like oregano or thyme, to the dry rub for an aromatic touch that brings freshness to each bite.
- Vegan Option: Use firm tofu or tempeh instead of chicken thighs, marinating in the same rub and grilling until golden for a delicious plant-based alternative!
- BBQ Sauce Variety: Switch up the BBQ sauce for different styles, such as honey mustard or tangy vinegar-based sauces, to create distinct flavor combinations.
These variations are a perfect way to personalize your grilled BBQ chicken thighs and make them truly your own!
Expert Tips for Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs
-
Room Temperature Chicken: Start with chicken at room temperature for even cooking; this helps avoid undercooked areas.
-
Indirect Heat Method: Turning off the middle burner is key for indirect cooking; it prevents burning while allowing thorough cooking of the chicken thighs.
-
Meat Thermometer Use: Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure the grilled BBQ chicken thighs reach 165°F for optimal safety and juiciness.
-
Resting Time: Always let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes after grilling; this allows juices to redistribute, resulting in a moist and flavorful experience.
-
Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to tweak the dry rub according to your taste preferences; experimentation can lead to your own signature flavor!
These simple but essential tips will help you master the art of grilling BBQ chicken thighs, ensuring a delightful meal every time!
Make Ahead Options
These Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can marinate the chicken thighs with the dry rub up to 24 hours in advance, sealing in all those smoky flavors and keeping the meat tender. Just mix all the spices, rub them onto the thighs, cover, and refrigerate until you’re ready to grill. Additionally, you can prepare the BBQ sauce a few days ahead and store it in the refrigerator for added convenience. When it’s time to grill, simply preheat your grill and cook the chicken directly from the fridge – this ensures a delicious, flavor-packed meal with minimal effort. Enjoy the time-saving benefits while still serving up an impressive dish!
What to Serve with Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs?
There’s nothing quite like transforming your meal into a delightful feast with the perfect pairings by your side.
-
Creamy Coleslaw: The cool, crunchy texture of coleslaw beautifully contrasts the smoky flavors of the chicken, adding a refreshing element to each bite.
-
Grilled Vegetables: Charred zucchini, bell peppers, and corn bring a sweet and smoky harmony, enhancing the barbecue experience while offering vibrant colors to your plate.
-
Cornbread: Soft and buttery cornbread complements the juicy richness of the chicken, creating a comforting and delicious combination that feels like home.
-
Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is a fantastic sidekick, perfect for soaking up any extra BBQ sauce, adding a garlic-infused crunch to your meal.
-
Potato Salad: A classic summer side, potato salad provides a creamy, herbaceous pairing that balances the grilled smokiness and packs a delightful flavor punch.
-
Baked Beans: The sweet and savory notes of baked beans add heartiness to your plate that pairs perfectly with the smoky grilled chicken.
-
Iced Tea or Lemonade: A refreshing glass of sweet iced tea or zesty lemonade cleanses the palate and rounds out your meal, keeping it vibrant and enjoyable.
Feel free to mix and match these sides to make your dining experience even more satisfying!
Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best chicken thighs?
When selecting chicken thighs, look for ones that are plump and have a nice amount of fat, which contributes to the juiciness. The skin should be a light golden color without dark spots and the meat should look moist but not slimy. Aim for thighs that are uniform in size for even cooking.
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Store grilled BBQ chicken thighs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To maintain freshness, let them cool completely before placing them in the container. If you want to enjoy them later, I recommend removing the meat from the bone and placing it in freezer bags for up to 3 months.
Can I freeze grilled chicken thighs?
Absolutely! After grilling, allow the chicken to cool to room temperature. Then, remove the meat from the bones and pack it in freezer bags or airtight containers. Make sure to label them with the date. For best quality, consume the frozen chicken within 3 months.
What should I do if my chicken is dry after grilling?
If your grilled BBQ chicken thighs turn out dry, it could be due to cooking them too long or at too high of a temperature. To avoid this in the future, use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Additionally, consider marinating them overnight to help retain moisture, and use the indirect heat method for more control during cooking.
Can pets eat grilled chicken?
Cooked chicken is generally safe for pets in moderation, but be sure to remove any skin and bones before serving it to them. Seasoning can be harmful to pets, so keep their portion plain. Always consult with your vet if you’re unsure about introducing new foods into your pet’s diet.
Is there a way to spice this recipe up?
Yes! If you love heat, consider adding cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the dry rub. Additionally, you can mix in some chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley into the BBQ sauce for a fresh twist. Experimenting is part of the fun, so let those taste buds lead the way!
Savory Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs with Smoky Dry Rub Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Rub: In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, chili powder, and coarse ground pepper.
- Marinate Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry. Sprinkle the dry rub over the thighs, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat Grill: Turn your grill on to medium-high heat. Let it preheat for about 10 minutes.
- Oil Grates & Grill: Brush the grill grates lightly with canola oil. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and grill for 4 minutes, then rotate.
- Baste & Flip: Flip the chicken thighs over, baste with BBQ sauce, and grill for an additional 4 minutes.
- Indirect Heat Cooking: Turn off the middle burner, place chicken over indirect heat, baste again, and grill until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Rest & Serve: Remove chicken from grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.