Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

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Juicy, tender, and packed with smoky-sweet flavor, these Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs are a summer staple you’ll want to make all year round. Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout or just craving something off the grill for a weeknight dinner, these chicken thighs deliver that perfect balance of char, spice, and sticky caramelized BBQ sauce.

The dark meat of boneless chicken thighs stays moist and flavorful on the grill, soaking up every bit of marinade and sauce. Plus, they’re quick to cook and incredibly versatile—pair them with grilled veggies, throw them in a sandwich, or slice them over a salad. This recipe makes grilled chicken taste like it came straight out of your favorite BBQ joint.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you start grilling, gathering the right tools will make the process seamless and safe:

• Grill (Gas or Charcoal): The heart of this recipe! A gas grill offers convenience and control, while a charcoal grill adds an extra layer of smoky flavor.
• Meat Thermometer: Ensures the chicken is cooked through without drying it out. Chicken thighs are safe at 165°F, but letting them go up to 175°F makes them even more tender.
• Tongs: Crucial for flipping without piercing the meat, which helps keep those juices sealed inside.
• Basting Brush: Helps you layer on BBQ sauce at the perfect time for that sticky glaze.
• Mixing Bowls: Used for seasoning and marinating the chicken evenly.
• Plastic Wrap or a Resealable Bag: For marinating the chicken in the fridge without mess.

Getting everything prepped and within reach keeps the grilling stress-free and lets you focus on flavor and texture.

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Ingredients for the Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

Each ingredient in this recipe plays an important role in building flavor and texture:

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: These are the star. Juicy, quick-cooking, and full of flavor.
• Olive Oil: Helps the seasoning stick and keeps the chicken moist while grilling.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds depth and a smoky hint that enhances the BBQ flavor.
• Garlic Powder: Brings savory notes that pair beautifully with the sweetness of the BBQ sauce.
• Onion Powder: Provides a mellow, slightly sweet backbone to the seasoning.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for bringing out all the natural flavors.
• Brown Sugar: A touch of sweetness that balances the spice and adds to caramelization.
• Your Favorite BBQ Sauce: Go with smoky, sweet, spicy—whatever matches your mood. This gets brushed on during grilling for that sticky, irresistible coating.

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How To Make the Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick and ensures even browning.

Step 2: Season and Marinate

In a mixing bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours.

Step 3: Preheat the Grill

Heat your grill to medium-high (about 400°F). Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken

Place the marinated thighs on the grill. Cook for 5-6 minutes per side, turning only once to get a nice sear. Check internal temp—they’re ready when they reach 165°F to 175°F.

Step 5: Add the BBQ Sauce

In the final 2 minutes of grilling, brush each side generously with BBQ sauce. Let it bubble and caramelize without burning. Flip once more to set the glaze.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Remove from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving whole. This helps the juices redistribute for ultra-tender bites.

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Best Way to Serve and Store These BBQ Chicken Thighs

Serve these juicy grilled BBQ boneless chicken thighs fresh off the grill with classic sides like coleslaw, grilled corn, or a zesty potato salad. They’re perfect for sliders, tacos, or even chopped over a rice bowl.

To store leftovers, let the chicken cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. You can reheat them in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave with a splash of extra BBQ sauce to keep things moist.

For longer storage, freeze in a sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I marinate the chicken?

Ideally, marinate for at least 30 minutes, but overnight marinating gives the best flavor.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but keep in mind that breasts can dry out more easily. Monitor the internal temperature closely.

What type of BBQ sauce is best?

Use one you love! Sweet, smoky, spicy—they all work. For extra heat, try a chipotle or habanero blend.

Can I make this on a stovetop grill pan?

Absolutely. Preheat the pan well and follow the same cook times, flipping carefully.

Do I need to rest the chicken before serving?

Yes. Letting it rest for 5 minutes helps the juices settle, keeping it moist and flavorful.

What if I don’t have a basting brush?

Use a spoon or back of a spatula to spread on the BBQ sauce if needed.

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Want More Chicken Ideas?

If these Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs hit the spot, check out more flavorful chicken dishes on Life With Olivia:

• Longhorn Parmesan Chicken for a cheesy, crusted dinner option.
• Sweet Garlic Chicken in the Crockpot for a low-effort, full-flavor meal.
• Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole when you want comfort food with a creamy twist.
• Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet for buttery goodness in one pan.
• One Pan Garlic Herb Chicken with Potatoes & Green Beans for a simple, balanced meal.

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Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time: Life With Olivia Pinterest.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try a spicy BBQ sauce or keep it classic? Did you grill over charcoal or gas?

I love hearing how others bring their own twist to these recipes. Questions or tips are welcome too—let’s make BBQ nights even better!

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