How To Make The Best Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs

Summer is upon us, and that means it’s 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 barbecue chicken complicated?” Nope! This easy recipe is all about keeping things simple. With just a handful of simple ingredients you can grab at any grocery store, you’ll let the grill work its magic and do all the hard work for you.

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.

Want more similar recipes to this one? Try my BBQ Chicken Lettuce Wrapped Burgers + Easy Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken Pitas Recipe!

Forget Marinades: The Secret to Juicy Chicken!

One of the biggest myths about cooking chicken on the grill 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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Grill Time! Once your grill is preheated—whether you’re using a gas grill or charcoal grill—carefully place the chicken thighs on the grill 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.
4. 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!
5. Cook to Perfection: Continue grilling the chicken thighs for another 2 minutes per side, basting with more sauce as desired. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken at its thickest part. They’re done when the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
6. Pro Tip: Don’t overcook your chicken! The best way to ensure perfectly juicy and tender chicken thighs is to take them off the heat at 160°F. They’ll continue to cook for about 5 minutes after being removed from the grill, reaching the ideal doneness without drying out.
7. Rest, Relax, and Enjoy! Once the chicken reaches 160 degrees F, remove it from the grill and place chicken thighs on 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.

Savvy Tips to Make It Your Own!

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 to Turn Your for BBQ Chicken Into a Meal!

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. Or, if you’re in the mood for something lighter, try my Tomato, Corn & Cucumber Summer Salad!
  
• Something Different: Want to shake things up? Try grilled corn on the cob, roasted vegetables, or a fresh and vibrant salad. My Roasted Tomato & Burrata Farro Salad is perfect if you’re looking for a hearty, yet light, side dish to complement the smoky flavors of your chicken.
  
• 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. You could also try pairing it with my Baked Feta Sweet Potatoes Recipe for a sweet and savory combo!
  
• 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. If you’re in the mood for something a little more indulgent, my Easy Cacio e Pepe Brussels Sprouts Recipe is a must-try!

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, or add leftover chicken to my Mexican Salad With Spicy Ranch Recipe.
• Chicken Wraps: Thinly slice your leftover chicken and use it to fill wraps with your favorite toppings like lettuce, cheese, salsa, and avocado. Or try my BBQ Chicken Lettuce Wrapped Burgers.
• 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.

There you have it! This recipe for grilling chicken thighs is a summertime staple that’s sure to become a favorite. With its juicy, flavorful chicken and simple preparation, it’s perfect for all your family gatherings, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend cookout. No matter the time of year, firing up the grill and grabbing your favorite BBQ sauce makes any meal feel special. So get grilling and enjoy!

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

Happy grilling!