How To Make The Best Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs

Summer is upon us, and that means its officially grilling season. While there are countless options,
when it comes to what to throw on the grill, there’s something undeniably satisfying about perfectly
cooked BBQ chicken. But let me tell you, not all BBQ chicken is created equally!! Forget dry chicken
thighs that leave you reaching for extra sauce. Today, we’re diving into the world of juicy, flavorful
grilled BBQ chicken thighs with my BBQ chicken recipe.

Now, I know what you might be thinking: “Isn’t grilling BBQ chicken complicated?” Nope! This recipe
is all about keeping things simple and letting the grill work its magic.

Here’s the thing about chicken thighs – they’re what some might call “dark meat.” Dark meat has a
higher fat content than white meat (like chicken breasts) which means it cooks up incredibly moist
and flavorful. Sold yet? Trust me, this will be one of your go-to chicken recipes for the summer.

The Secret to Insanely Juicy Chicken: Skip the Long Marinades!

One of the biggest myths about grilling chicken is that it requires hours of marinating. Not true!
While marinades can add flavor, they’re not essential for juicy chicken thighs. The real secret
weapon here is cooking them over medium heat (about 450º on the grill). High heat can quickly dry out your chicken, so resist the urge to crank the grill up.

Let’s Get Grilling!

Alright, enough chit-chat, let’s get down to business. Here’s what you’ll need to make the best grilled
BBQ chicken thighs ever:

Ingredients:

● 8 boneless, skinless organic chicken thighs
● Avocado oil (you can also use olive oil)
● Kosher salt
● Ground black pepper
● 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce (Our favorite sauce is Franklin’s)

Tools:

● Grill
● Grill brush
● Tongs
● Basting brush (optional)
● Meat thermometer (highly recommended!)

Instructions:

● Prep the Grill: Fire up your grill and preheat it to medium heat, around 450°F. While the grill
heats up, take a moment to clean those grates! A clean grill ensures even cooking and
prevents sticking.
● Season the Chicken: Pat your chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. This helps the
seasoning stick better. Brush your chicken thighs with avocado oil to coat them lightly. Then, season generously with kosher salt and black pepper on both sides.
● Grill Time! Once your grill is preheated, carefully place chicken thighs on the grates. Here’s
the key: Let the chicken cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes. This allows the chicken to sear
and release easily from the grates.
● Flip and Baste: After 5-6 minutes, use tongs to gently flip the chicken thighs. Now’s the time
for that delicious BBQ sauce. Brush each chicken thigh generously with your
favorite BBQ sauce. Top Tip: If you don’t have a basting brush, a spoon works just fine!
● Cook to Perfection: Continue grilling the chicken thighs for another 2 minutes per side, basting
with more sauce as desired. Here comes the science part: Use an instant-read meat
thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken. They’re
done when they reach 160°F.
● Pro Tip: Don’t overcook your chicken! Chicken thighs continue to cook a little bit even after
they’re removed from the heat. Taking them off at 160°F ensures they’ll be perfectly juicy
and tender when you serve them (they’ll continue to cook for 5 or so minutes after they’re removed from the grill).
● Rest, Relax, and Enjoy! Once the chicken reaches 160°F, remove it from the grill and
transfer it to a plate or platter. Let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes before digging in.
This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in even more flavor and
tenderness.

The Verdict: Insanely Juicy, Perfectly Grilled Chicken Thighs

There you have it! These grilled BBQ chicken thighs are incredibly easy to make and absolutely
bursting with flavor. The best part? This recipe is versatile. Here are some ideas to make it your
own:
● Spice it Up: Love a little heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a squirt of sriracha to your
marinade or BBQ sauce for a spicy kick.
● Get Saucy: This recipe is fantastic with any BBQ sauce you love. Try a smoky BBQ sauce
for a deeper flavor, a sweet and tangy sauce for a classic taste, or a homemade BBQ sauce
for a personalized touch.
● Go Beyond BBQ: While BBQ sauce is a grilling classic, there are endless possibilities. Try
marinating your chicken thighs in Italian dressing, chimichurri, or even a yogurt-based
marinade with lemon juice and herbs.

Perfect Pairings: Favorite Sides to Serve with Your BBQ Chicken Thighs Feast

Now that you’ve mastered the art of grilled BBQ chicken thighs, let’s talk side dishes! These chicken
thighs pair well with a variety of options, so you can create a delicious and satisfying meal. Here are
a few ideas to get you started:

● Classic Sides: For a classic summer BBQ feel, pair your chicken thighs with potato salad,
coleslaw, or baked beans.
● Something Different: Want to shake things up? Try grilled corn on the cob, roasted
vegetables, or a fresh and vibrant salad.
● Carbs for the Win: No summer cookout is complete without some carbohydrates! Serve
your chicken thighs with white rice, brown rice, quinoa, or even pasta salad.
● Don’t Forget the Veggies! Incorporating vegetables into your meal is always a good idea.
Grilled asparagus, roasted broccoli, or a simple side salad are all healthy and delicious
options.

The beauty of grilled BBQ chicken thighs is that they’re so versatile. They can be enjoyed on their
own, piled high on a bun for a delicious sandwich, or served with a variety of sides for a complete
meal.

Leftovers? No Problem!

So you made a whole batch of chicken thighs and now you have leftovers? No worries! Cooked
chicken thighs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. Here are a few
ideas for what to do with your leftover chicken:

● Chicken Salad: Shred or chop your leftover chicken and toss it with mayonnaise, celery,
onion, and your favorite seasonings for a quick and easy chicken salad.
● Chicken Wraps: Thinly slice your leftover chicken and use it to fill wraps with your favorite
toppings like lettuce, cheese, salsa, and avocado.
● Chicken Fried Rice: Dice up your leftover chicken and add it to your favorite fried rice recipe
for a protein-packed and flavorful meal.
● Get Creative: The possibilities are endless! Leftover chicken thighs can be used in soups.
stews, pizzas, or even scrambled eggs.

Final Thoughts: Grilling Season Must-Have

There you have it! This recipe for grilled BBQ chicken thighs is a summertime staple that’s sure to
become a favorite. With its juicy, flavorful chicken and simple preparation, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s
perfect for weeknight dinners, weekend cookouts, or feeding a hungry family. So fire up your grill,
grab your favorite BBQ sauce, and get grilling!

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. If you have any questions or variations you’d like to
share, leave a comment below! Happy grilling!

The Best BBQ Chicken Thighs

The best BBQ chicken thigh recipe doesn’t require hours of marinading or complicated steps! This
easy recipe makes the juiciest, most delicious BBQ chicken thighs with the easiest on-the-grill
cooking method with sweet and tangy barbecue sauce for finger-licking chicken thighs every time!
Serves 4

Ingredients:

● 8 boneless, skinless organic chicken thighs
● avocado oil
● kosher salt
● ground black pepper
● 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce (we love Franklin’s)

Instructions:

1. Prepare your grill for direct cooking by heating it to 450º. Make sure the grates are clean!
2. Brush each chicken thigh with avocado oil on both sides, then season well with kosher salt
   and black pepper on each side.
3. When your grill is hot, place chicken thighs on grates. Cover and cook for 5-6 minutes or until
   the chicken releases easily from the grates. Flip the chicken thighs and cook 5-6 minutes
   longer.
4. Baste each chicken thigh with BBQ sauce, flip over, and cook for 2 minutes. Repeat this on
   the opposite side, adding sauce then flipping to cook for 2 more minutes. Cook until thighs
   register 160º with the meat thermometer.
5. Remove chicken from the grill and let it rest for at least 5 minutes. Serve with more sauce on
   the side!