Smoky BBQ Grilled Boneless Chicken Thighs Recipe For Weeknights

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and these succulent bbq boneless chicken thighs deliver pure flavor magic.

Tender meat marinated in a robust sauce becomes the star of your meal.

Packed with smoky, sweet notes, this recipe turns ordinary chicken into an extraordinary feast.

Each bite promises a delectable blend of seasonings that dance across your palate.

The combination of simple ingredients creates a mouthwatering dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Grab your apron and fire up the grill – dinner is about to get deliciously exciting.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 435 kcal

Servings: 5

Steps To Sizzling Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

• Boneless Chicken Thighs: Select fresh, high-quality thighs with minimal fat for even grilling and maximum flavor absorption.

• Olive Oil: Helps create a beautiful seal and prevents chicken from sticking to grill.
• Garlic Powder: Adds deep, aromatic warmth without fresh garlic's intensity.
• Smoked Paprika: Introduces a rich, smoky undertone that complements grilling technique.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile and helps tenderize meat.
• Black Pepper: Provides subtle heat and traditional seasoning depth.

• BBQ Sauce: Delivers sweet, tangy caramelization and signature grilled chicken glazing effect.

Flavor Tips That Bring Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs To Life

• Grill: Essential for perfectly charred and juicy chicken thighs.
• Tongs: Helps flip and handle chicken safely on the grill.
• Meat thermometer: Ensures chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165F.
• Mixing bowl: Used for seasoning and coating chicken with oil and spices.
• Basting brush: Perfect for evenly applying BBQ sauce on chicken.
• Cutting board: Provides clean surface for preparing chicken.
• Sharp knife: Useful for trimming chicken thighs if needed.

Best Ways To Serve Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

• Kickstart the Flavor

Massage chicken thighs with olive oil and seasonings, letting them soak up deliciousness for 15-30 minutes at room temperature.

• Fire Up the Grill

Crank the grill to medium-high heat and lightly grease the grates to prevent sticking.

• Sizzle and Cook

Lay chicken thighs on the grill, cooking 5-6 minutes per side until they reach a perfect 165°F internal temperature.

• Glaze with Goodness

Slather BBQ sauce generously over the chicken, creating a mouthwatering caramelized coating by grilling 1-2 minutes per side.

• Rest and Feast

Let the chicken chill for 5 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute, then serve with extra BBQ sauce for dipping pleasure.

Store Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs With Ease

• Flavor Boost: Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or honey to your BBQ sauce for extra depth and tanginess that elevates the chicken's natural flavors.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Marinate chicken thighs overnight in the refrigerator for deeper, more intense seasoning that penetrates the meat completely.
• Low-Carb Swap: Replace traditional BBQ sauce with a sugar-free or homemade low-carb version to keep the dish keto-friendly without sacrificing flavor.
• Grill Master Technique: Use indirect heat for more even cooking, especially if some thighs are thicker than others, preventing burnt exteriors and undercooked interiors.
• Dietary Flexibility: For gluten-free options, choose a certified gluten-free BBQ sauce and verify all ingredient labels to ensure complete allergen safety.

Gear Up For Juicy Grill Lamb Chops

• Backyard BBQ Platter: Arrange grilled chicken thighs on a rustic wooden board with fresh herbs, lemon wedges, and colorful grilled vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers for a stunning summer presentation.
• Picnic Perfect Meal: Pack cooled chicken thighs in portable containers with coleslaw, cornbread, and pickles for a delightful outdoor lunch that's easy to transport and enjoy anywhere.
• Weeknight Dinner Combo: Slice chicken and serve over cilantro-lime rice with a side of roasted sweet potato wedges and a crisp green salad for a balanced, satisfying meal that comes together quickly.
• Flavor Boost Option: Drizzle extra BBQ sauce and sprinkle chopped green onions or fresh cilantro over the chicken to add bright, zesty notes that complement the smoky grilled meat.

How To Perfectly Grill Lamb Chops

• Refrigerator Storage Strategies: Keep leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Seal tightly to maintain moisture and prevent flavor absorption from other foods.
• Freezing Made Simple: Wrap individual chicken thighs in freezer-safe plastic wrap, then place in a zip-lock bag. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Quick Reheating Techniques: Warm chicken in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to maintain juiciness. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent drying out the meat. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture if needed.
• Meal Prep Magic: Slice cold chicken for salads, sandwiches, or grain bowls. Use within 2 days for maximum freshness and flavor. Mix with different sauces to create quick, versatile meals throughout the week.

Juicy Bbq Boneless Chicken Thighs Recipe

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4.6 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent grilled BBQ boneless chicken thighs promise a flavor explosion straight from backyard barbecue traditions. Marinated in tangy sauce and expertly grilled, these juicy chicken pieces invite you to savor summer’s most delicious outdoor cooking experience.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs (907 g) chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
• 1 cup (240 ml) BBQ sauce, favorite brand or homemade
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper or chili flakes (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Meticulously pat chicken thighs dry using paper towels to eliminate excess moisture, promoting optimal seasoning absorption and ensuring a crisp exterior.
2. Marinade Creation: Whisk together olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Thoroughly coat chicken thighs, allowing them to marinate at room temperature for maximum flavor infusion.
3. Grill Setup: Ignite outdoor grill to medium-high heat, establishing the perfect cooking environment for consistent caramelization and precise heat distribution.
4. Grill Positioning: Lightly oil grates to prevent adhesion, then strategically place marinated chicken thighs to achieve uniform cooking and distinctive grill marks.
5. Cooking Process: Grill chicken for 10-12 minutes, rotating midway through cooking. Continuously monitor internal temperature, aiming for the critical 165°F safety threshold that guarantees complete doneness.
6. Sauce Application: Generously brush both sides with barbecue sauce, creating a glossy, caramelized exterior that elevates the chicken’s flavor profile and visual appeal.
7. Final Touches: Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes after grilling, enabling juice redistribution and maintaining optimal moisture. Plate with additional barbecue sauce on the side for an enhanced dining experience.

Notes

• Absorb Moisture Thoroughly: Blot chicken thighs completely with paper towels to remove excess liquid, ensuring crisp exterior and better seasoning penetration.
• Marinate Strategically: Allow chicken to sit at room temperature during marination for 15-30 minutes, enabling deeper flavor absorption and more even cooking.
• Grill Temperature Control: Maintain medium-high heat to achieve perfect caramelization without burning, creating beautiful grill marks and consistent cooking.
• Prevent Sticking Technique: Lightly oil grill grates before cooking to ensure easy chicken removal and prevent tearing during flipping.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 435
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg