BBQ chicken thighs are an easy, flavorful dinner you can make any night of the week. Grilled until smoky and tender, these boneless thighs are slathered with a thick sweet-and-tangy barbecue sauce that clings to the meat for maximum flavor.
Serve the chicken with coleslaw and smashed potatoes for a simple family meal or a weekend cookout. The thighs stay juicy on the grill, and the sauce is the star that brings everything together.
The key to great BBQ chicken is the sauce. This sweet and tangy barbecue sauce is thick enough to coat the chicken and offers a perfect balance of sweetness, acidity and smokiness.
Boneless chicken thighs are ideal for grilling because they stay moist and develop deep flavor. Removing the bones and pounding the pieces to an even thickness helps them cook quickly and evenly. If you enjoy a garlicky finish, try a buttery, garlic-forward chicken recipe as an alternative.
Ingredients Needed for Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs
- Boneless chicken thighs
- Olive oil
- Kosher salt
- Coarse ground pepper
- Sweet and tangy BBQ sauce (see recipe below)
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Step-By-Step Directions for BBQ Chicken Thighs
- Debone the thighs and remove the skin. Pound each piece with a meat mallet to an even thickness. Cutting each thigh in half is optional and makes serving easier.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and arrange on a rimmed baking sheet. Coat both sides with olive oil and season with kosher salt and coarse ground pepper.
- Prepare your grill and add hickory or pecan wood for a subtle smoke flavor if desired. Aim for indirect heat to prevent flare-ups.
- Cook the chicken over indirect heat with the grill lid closed for about 4 minutes to start the cooking process gently.
- Flip the chicken and brush the cooked side with BBQ sauce. Close the lid and cook another 2–3 minutes.
- Flip again, brush with more sauce and continue cooking 2–3 minutes more or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a digital meat thermometer.
- Remove the chicken from the grill and brush once more with sauce for a glossy finish.
- Keep warm or serve immediately alongside your favorite sides.
Finishing the chicken with multiple brushings of sauce builds layers of flavor and helps create a sticky, caramelized coating. Watch closely during the final minutes to avoid charring the sauce.
After grilling, let the chicken rest briefly to allow juices to redistribute, then serve.
Leftovers can be stored and reheated following the guidelines below.
How to Store and Reheat
- Store: Place leftover BBQ chicken in an airtight container or a zip-top bag and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat with a little extra BBQ sauce. Turn a few times so each side heats evenly and the sauce loosens and re-coats the meat.
If you need a larger centerpiece for a crowd or meal prep, try a whole BBQ chicken recipe that yields tender, juicy results.
More Chicken Thigh Recipes to Try
- Hot Honey Boneless Wings — Sweet and spicy wings made with chicken thighs, perfect as an appetizer or main.
- Grilled Asian Chicken — A weeknight favorite with a sesame-forward sauce that satisfies takeout cravings.
- Grilled Jerk Chicken — Bold Caribbean flavors that are perfect for grilling season.
- BBQ Chicken Marinade — A flavorful marinade that works for thighs or any cut of chicken on the grill.
These BBQ chicken thighs are a reliable family favorite and can be on the table in roughly 30 minutes, making them ideal for busy weeknights and backyard gatherings.
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BBQ Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon coarse ground pepper
- ½ cup sweet and tangy bbq sauce recipe below
Instructions
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Debone chicken thighs and remove skin. Pound flat with a meat mallet to even thickness. Cutting each thigh into two pieces is optional.
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Dry the chicken, brush both sides with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
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Prepare a grill with hickory or pecan for smoke if desired.
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Cook over indirect heat with the lid closed about 4 minutes.
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Flip and brush with BBQ sauce, then close the lid and cook another 2–3 minutes.
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Flip again, brush with sauce and cook until the chicken reaches 165°F using a digital thermometer.
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Remove from the grill and brush once more with sauce.
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Keep warm or serve immediately.
Notes
Reheat in a skillet with extra BBQ sauce over medium heat, turning after a few minutes to warm both sides.
Nutrition
Sweet and Tangy BBQ Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups ketchup
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ⅓ cup molasses
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon liquid smoke
- 1 tablespoon fresh minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon dried onion flakes
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
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Combine all ingredients in a heavy saucepan and place over medium heat.
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Whisk to combine, stirring frequently while bringing the mixture to a boil.
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Reduce heat and simmer about 15 minutes, stirring often until thickened.
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Cool to room temperature and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.