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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Preparation: Meticulously pat chicken thighs dry using paper towels to eliminate excess moisture, promoting optimal seasoning absorption and ensuring a crisp exterior.
- 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.
- Grill Setup: Ignite outdoor grill to medium-high heat, establishing the perfect cooking environment for consistent caramelization and precise heat distribution.
- Grill Positioning: Lightly oil grates to prevent adhesion, then strategically place marinated chicken thighs to achieve uniform cooking and distinctive grill marks.
- 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.
- Sauce Application: Generously brush both sides with barbecue sauce, creating a glossy, caramelized exterior that elevates the chicken’s flavor profile and visual appeal.
- 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