Description
Deliciously smoky and tender grilled BBQ boneless chicken thighs marinated with a blend of aromatic spices and finished with a caramelized BBQ sauce glaze. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for summer cookouts or a flavorful weeknight dinner that serves four.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
BBQ Sauce
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
Optional Garnish
- Chopped parsley or green onions
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, approximately 400°F (200°C), to ensure a perfect sear on the chicken thighs.
- Prepare the Chicken. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. In a large bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper until all pieces are evenly coated with the spice mixture.
- Grill the Chicken. Place the seasoned chicken thighs on the preheated grill. Grill for 5 to 6 minutes on one side without moving them to develop a nice char. Flip once and cook for another 5 to 6 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and juicy.
- Apply BBQ Sauce. During the last 2 to 3 minutes of grilling on each side, brush the chicken generously with BBQ sauce. This step allows the sauce to caramelize and create a flavorful glaze on the chicken.
- Rest and Serve. Remove the chicken thighs from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes. This resting period helps retain the juices. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired and serve hot with additional BBQ sauce on the side.
Notes
- Ensure the grill is properly preheated to avoid sticking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness for safe and juicy chicken.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken thighs in the spice mix and olive oil for 30 minutes to 2 hours before grilling.
- Adjust the amount of chili powder according to your preferred spice level.
- Serve with your favorite side dishes like coleslaw, corn on the cob, or grilled vegetables.
