Delicious Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs for Flavorful Meals

There was one evening not too long ago when I was scrambling to pull together dinner after a busy day, and that’s when my go-to Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs recipe really saved the day. I had some friends coming over, and I wanted something that would be quick but still satisfy everyone’s cravings. This dish fit the bill perfectly. The chicken cooked fast enough to keep the night moving, but it still had that rich, smoky flavor from the barbecue chicken thighs that everyone loves.

These Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs aren’t just any weeknight meal—they’re a reliable choice you can count on when you want big flavor without fuss. The juiciness of the boneless chicken grilling on my backyard grill made for a family favorite that quickly became requested regularly. It’s simple, with good old BBQ chicken marinade, and you don’t have to worry about complicated steps to get excellent results.

This recipe’s charm is in how easily it blends into real home cooking. Whether you’re juggling kids, work, and everything else, or just want a meal that makes weekends feel special, these chicken thighs check all the boxes. It uses everyday ingredients and gives a juicy grilled chicken experience that feels homemade but impressive. If you’re a fan of sturdy, tasty grilled poultry recipes that aren’t fussy, this one’s for you.

So if you’re a cooking friend looking for something that consistently delivers the promise of great barbecue chicken thighs without needing a pitmaster’s skills, stick with me. I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about these Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs—ingredients, steps, serving ideas, and even the little tricks that make my version a family staple. Let’s get cooking!

What You’ll Need:

Here’s the straightforward ingredient list for your Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs, using things you probably have around—or can find easily.

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce (use your favorite store-bought bottle or homemade if you like)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (adds a little tang to the BBQ chicken marinade)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
Ingredients for Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs including spices, chicken thighs, and BBQ sauce

No worries if you don’t have smoked paprika; I often use regular paprika or a pinch of chili powder to give a slight kick in my Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs. You’ll find the barbecue sauce right in the regular grocery aisle, often near ketchup and mustards.

This recipe keeps costs reasonable because boneless chicken thighs tend to be budget-friendly but deliver great flavor and juiciness. If you’re in a pinch, you can swap olive oil with vegetable or canola oil without changing the taste much.

For prep shortcuts: You can throw the BBQ chicken marinade together in a zip-top bag, toss the chicken in, and marinate while you prep other parts of your meal. If you happen to have extra grilled poultry, these thighs store well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making for a tasty leftover that reheats beautifully.

I like adding a bit more garlic powder sometimes because it makes a deeper flavor that my family enjoys. It’s one of those simple swaps that makes this grilled poultry recipe feel homemade every time.

Let’s Make It Together:

  • Step 1: Combine your barbecue sauce, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl or zip-top bag. This BBQ chicken marinade is what creates the juicy grilled chicken that’s tender inside with that smoky, tangy crust outside.
  • Step 2: Add the boneless chicken thighs to the marinade. Make sure each piece is fully coated. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours. I’ve found this timing works best for flavor penetration without overpowering the meat.
  • Step 3: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F). This temperature is perfect for boneless chicken grilling because it cooks them evenly without drying them out.
  • Step 4: Place your chicken thighs on the grill. You want to hear that gentle sizzle right away. Close the lid and cook for about 5-6 minutes on one side.
  • Step 5: Flip the chicken and cook for another 5-6 minutes on the other side. While the Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs continue cooking, your kitchen fills with that irresistible BBQ scent.
  • Step 6: Test for doneness by piercing the thickest part of a thigh—you’re aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F. Don’t worry if your chicken looks slightly caramelized or has a few char marks; that char adds to the flavor.
  • Step 7: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. This rest period helps lock in the juices, making your grilled poultry recipe even juicier.

From start to finish, this Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs takes about 40 minutes, including marinating and cooking. While your chicken cooks, it’s a great time to whip up a quick salad or set the table.

One kitchen tip I’ve learned the hard way: don’t rush turning your chicken too often. Letting one side get a nice crust before flipping keeps the pieces juicy and flavorful. For a shortcut, if weather’s bad, you can also bake these thighs in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes (check internal temp), but nothing beats that smoky grill flavor.

If you prefer video guidance or a slightly different marinade, I’ve seen great tips over at Easy BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe (Grilled or Oven Baked) – Grilled Cheese Social, which is a good resource to check out.

How to Serve & Enjoy:

This Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs is versatile enough for casual family dinners or for impressing guests on a weekend cookout. I usually serve it with a simple side like grilled corn or coleslaw because their fresh crunch balances the smoky richness of the chicken thighs.

For more hearty options, mashed potatoes or baked beans work wonderfully and make the meal feel extra comforting. When I’m aiming for fast but satisfying, a crisp green salad or my favorite chicken salad chick grape salad from this refreshing summer treat pairs nicely with this grilled poultry recipe.

Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs served with sides

Presentation-wise, plate the chicken with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, like chopped parsley or cilantro, to brighten up the dish visually and flavor-wise.

Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs is a crowd-pleaser at casual get-togethers or weekend barbecues. Leftovers? I like to slice the chicken thin and toss it into tacos or add to sandwiches for a quick lunch.

Seasonal variations I’ve tried include swapping the barbecue sauce for a spicy chipotle version in the fall or a sweeter honey BBQ in summer. Friends are always happy when I bring this dish to potlucks because it’s consistently juicy grilled chicken that delivers.

If you want another great family-friendly grilled chicken twist, give Fit Foodie Finds’ take on Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs a peek for some tasty BBQ sauce and rub ideas.

Your Questions Answered:

Can I make this Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs ahead of time?
Absolutely. Marinate the chicken the night before and keep it tightly covered in the fridge. When you’re ready, grill just before serving for the best fresh flavor.

What’s a good substitute for barbecue sauce in the BBQ chicken marinade?
You can mix ketchup with a little honey and a splash of Worcestershire sauce if you’re out of BBQ sauce. It’s a simple swap that works well in a pinch.

How do I adjust this recipe for more or fewer people?
Just scale the ingredients up or down. For smaller portions, 1 pound of thighs is usually enough for 3-4 servings. For bigger groups, double or triple the marinade batch.

Can I use bone-in chicken thighs instead?
Yes, but the cooking time will be longer. For bone-in, expect about 8-10 minutes per side, depending on thickness.

Is boneless chicken grilling better than bone-in for this recipe?
I like boneless for speed and ease, especially on busy nights. It cooks evenly and consistently. But bone-in adds more flavor if you have time to wait.

How do I keep the grilled chicken juicy without it drying out?
Marinate adequately and avoid flipping too often. Also, let the chicken rest off the heat before slicing.

Any tips for adding smoky flavor without a grill?
Try a stovetop grill pan with a bit of smoked paprika in the marinade, or bake with a touch of liquid smoke in your BBQ sauce for a similar effect.

Feeling curious about what others do? Check out discussions at r/BBQ on Reddit for more tips from folks grilling chicken thighs.

Final Thoughts:

This Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs recipe has a special place in my kitchen because it balances ease and flavor every time. It’s one of those dependable dishes I can pull out for weeknight solutions, casual family dinners, or friendly get-togethers.

My Best Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs Tips:
– Don’t skip the resting time after grilling—it makes a huge difference for juicy meat.
– Marinate for at least 30 minutes but no longer than 4 hours to keep flavors balanced.
– Use a thermometer to be sure you hit 165°F for safe, juicy chicken.

I’ve tested versions with spicy BBQ sauce, sweet honey mustard glaze, and smoky chipotle seasoning. The classic BBQ sauce version still gets the most requests from my family and friends.

If you’re excited to make this recipe your own, don’t hesitate to tweak the spices or sides. The important part is that it’s simple, tasty, and fits into your kitchen routine.

For more easy chicken dinner ideas, try Chicken Piccata Pasta or cozy up with Chicken and Dumplings.

Here’s to making Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs a new favorite in your kitchen. Trust me, once you try it, it’s going to be one you return to time and again!

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Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

Juicy boneless chicken thighs grilled to perfection and coated in a smoky, tangy BBQ sauce, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or weekend cookout.

  • Author: Carrisa Monroe
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Grilled
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F/200°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Brush the chicken thighs with the spice mixture on all sides.
  4. Place the chicken thighs on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, turning once, until fully cooked and slightly charred.
  5. During the last 2 minutes of grilling, brush the chicken generously with BBQ sauce and cook until the sauce is caramelized.
  6. Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes.
  7. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the spice mixture and BBQ sauce for 1-2 hours before grilling.

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