If you’re craving juicy, flavor-packed chicken with irresistibly caramelized edges, look no further than Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs. This dish is my absolute go-to for summer cookouts and easy weeknight dinners—tender, smoky thighs cloaked in your favorite BBQ sauce, all coming together with minimal effort but maximum payoff. Every bite offers that charred, saucy perfection that’ll make you question why you ever bothered with dry grilled chicken breasts. Trust me, your family and friends will be lining up for seconds!

Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about how simple but powerful these ingredients are! Each one adds its own flair, combining for that classic BBQ magic. If you choose great foundational ingredients, your Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs will always shine on the plate.

Boneless skinless chicken thighs (2 pounds): These are the star—dark meat stays succulent, forgiving if you get distracted on the grill, and absolutely soaks up all the flavors.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps distribute spices evenly and prevents the chicken from sticking to the grill.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Gives a savory depth, infusing every bite with subtle richness.
Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds a gentle smokiness that amplifies the grilled flavor even if you use a gas grill or grill pan.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential for enhancing all those bold, BBQ tastes.
Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweet and smoky notes with a gentle kick.
BBQ sauce (1 cup, your favorite): Brings the big personality! Whether sweet, spicy, or tangy, pick what makes your tastebuds happy.
Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish): Adds a pop of color and freshness for a vibrant finish.

How to Make Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Prep the Grill and Chicken

Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. While it’s heating up, pat your chicken thighs dry with paper towels—this helps the seasonings stick and ensures you get those tasty char marks. Place the chicken in a large mixing bowl, ready for seasoning!

Step 2: Season to Perfection

Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken thighs and sprinkle with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together using clean hands or tongs to coat every nook and cranny. If you have extra time, cover and refrigerate the seasoned thighs for up to 8 hours—this deepens the flavor even more!

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Lay the thighs on the hot grill, spacing them apart so they get plenty of direct heat. Grill them for 5 to 6 minutes per side, turning once, until they develop deep grill marks and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The dark meat stays juicy and forgiving, so don’t be afraid of a bit of charring on the edges.

Step 4: Brush with BBQ Sauce

As the chicken nears the end of cooking—about the last 2 to 3 minutes—brush both sides liberally with your favorite BBQ sauce. This is where true Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs magic happens: the sauce gets glossy, sticky, and beautifully caramelized right on the grill.

Step 5: Rest and Garnish

Once perfectly grilled, transfer the chicken thighs to a platter and let them rest for 5 minutes. This helps lock in those flavorful juices. Finish with a sprinkling of chopped fresh parsley for a flash of color and an herby kick, if desired.

How to Serve Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little more chopped parsley over the top for freshness and a burst of green. For even more zing, try a squeeze of lemon over the chicken or a scatter of thinly sliced green onions. If you’re feeling adventurous, a light dusting of smoked paprika just before serving gives extra smoky flair!

Side Dishes

I love pairing these juicy chicken thighs with classic BBQ sides like corn on the cob, coleslaw, or a simple potato salad. The smoky, tangy chicken is the perfect foil to creamy, crunchy, or buttery sides. A bright, zippy cucumber salad or some grilled veggies also make fun, fresh companions at the table.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to take your Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs to the next level at your next gathering, slice them and pile them onto slider buns with pickles and slaw for fun BBQ sandwiches. Or, lay them atop a big, leafy green salad and drizzle with extra BBQ sauce for a protein-packed summer main. You could even dice up leftovers and use in wraps or tacos for a speedy, delicious second meal!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors only deepen as they rest, making them ideal for easy lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.

Freezing

To freeze, let the cooked chicken thighs cool completely, then pack them into freezer-safe bags or containers. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze with a little extra BBQ sauce so they reheat juicy and flavorful.

Reheating

Reheat chicken gently in the microwave with a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce to keep things moist, or warm in a covered skillet over low heat. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first for best texture.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in thighs instead of boneless?

Absolutely! Bone-in chicken thighs work beautifully, though you may need to add a few extra minutes to the grilling time. Remember to check that the temperature at the bone reaches 165°F for food safety.

What’s the best BBQ sauce for Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs?

Your favorite is the best! Whether you love smoky, spicy, tangy, or sweet, any high-quality BBQ sauce will shine. Homemade sauces are fantastic, but bottled varieties work just as well for convenience.

Can I make Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs indoors?

Yes! If you don’t have access to an outdoor grill, a grill pan or cast iron skillet on the stovetop does the trick. Just be sure to cook on medium-high heat and turn on your fan for some smoke control.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

An instant-read thermometer is your friend here—once each thigh hits 165°F in the thickest part, you’re set. The outside should be lightly charred, while the inside remains juicy and tender.

Can I marinate the chicken longer for more flavor?

Yes! Marinating the chicken in the spice blend and a bit of BBQ sauce for up to 8 hours adds deeper flavor and extra juiciness, though even a short rest gives great results.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to kick up your grilling game without breaking a sweat, these Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs are about to become a staple in your dinner rotation. I can’t wait for you to experience just how easy and delicious homemade BBQ chicken can be—here’s to plenty of smoky, saucy meals ahead!

Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Tender and flavorful Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs are a must-try for your next BBQ gathering. Juicy chicken thighs seasoned with a smoky spice rub, grilled to perfection, and glazed with your favorite BBQ sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Thighs:

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

BBQ Sauce:

1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite variety)
Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

Preheat the Grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry and place them in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.
Grill the Chicken: Grill the chicken thighs for 5–6 minutes per side until charred and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Brush with BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
Rest and Serve: Remove from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Notes

For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken in the seasonings and BBQ sauce for up to 8 hours in the refrigerator.
This recipe is versatile and can be cooked on a charcoal grill, gas grill, or grill pan indoors.
Pair with corn on the cob or coleslaw for a classic BBQ meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American