Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Easy BBQ Chicken Thighs recipe combines the smoky char of the grill with the sweet and savory flavors of brown sugar, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Chicken thighs are the perfect cut for grilling, as they remain juicy and flavorful even when cooked over direct heat. The addition of BBQ sauce towards the end of cooking ensures a sticky, caramelized coating that will make each bite irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or just enjoying a weeknight meal, this dish delivers satisfying flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless, skin-on or skinless)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- BBQ sauce (your favorite variety)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken Thighs: Add the chicken thighs to a large bowl. Top with brown sugar, kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, and avocado oil. Mix it all together, ensuring the chicken is well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
- Preheat the Grill: About 30 minutes before you’re ready to grill, remove the chicken from the fridge to bring it to room temperature. Meanwhile, preheat your grill over medium-high heat.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken thighs on the grill and lower the heat to medium. Close the lid and cook for a few minutes on each side until they start to char and develop grill marks.
- Baste with BBQ Sauce: Once the chicken is almost cooked through, baste both the top and bottom of each thigh with BBQ sauce. Move the chicken to indirect heat on the grill and allow the BBQ sauce to absorb into the chicken while it finishes cooking.
- Serve: Once the chicken is fully cooked and the BBQ sauce is sticky and caramelized, remove from the grill and serve hot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Grill Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes (not including marinating time)
Variations
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a quicker cook time, but bone-in chicken thighs tend to be juicier.
- Spicy Version: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mixture for some extra heat.
- Different Sauces: You can swap out traditional BBQ sauce for a honey mustard or teriyaki glaze for a different flavor profile.
- Grilled Veggies: Serve your BBQ chicken with grilled vegetables like corn on the cob, peppers, or zucchini for a complete meal.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Leftover BBQ Chicken Thighs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the chicken in the microwave, or for best results, warm it up in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but chicken thighs tend to be more flavorful and juicy, especially when grilled.
2. Can I cook these BBQ Chicken Thighs in the oven?
Yes, you can bake the chicken thighs in the oven at 400°F for 25-30 minutes, basting with BBQ sauce during the last 5-10 minutes.
3. Can I marinate the chicken for longer than overnight?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken for up to 48 hours for even more flavor, but make sure not to go beyond that to avoid the texture becoming mushy.
4. Do I need to use avocado oil?
No, you can use any high-heat cooking oil like olive oil or vegetable oil if you don’t have avocado oil.
5. Can I use skinless chicken thighs?
Yes, skinless chicken thighs will still work, but you’ll miss out on the crispy, flavorful skin.
6. How can I tell when the chicken is done?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it’s fully cooked.
7. Can I grill the chicken on a charcoal grill?
Absolutely! A charcoal grill will add a deeper smoky flavor to the chicken, which is a great enhancement to this recipe.
8. What’s the best way to store leftover BBQ chicken?
Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep the BBQ sauce separate if possible.
9. Can I add more seasoning to the BBQ chicken?
Of course! Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your preference, whether you want to add extra spices or even a bit of honey for sweetness.
10. Can I skip the BBQ sauce for a different flavor?
Yes, you can cook the chicken with the seasonings alone and serve it with a different sauce of your choice, like a hot sauce or a yogurt-based dip.
Conclusion
These Easy BBQ Chicken Thighs are a perfect choice for a quick and flavorful grilling session. The combination of simple spices and BBQ sauce makes for a juicy and delicious result that everyone will love. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or grilling up a feast for friends, these chicken thighs will definitely be a hit. Serve them up with your favorite sides, and you’ll have a meal that’s both satisfying and packed with flavor.
Print
Easy BBQ Chicken Thighs
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Easy BBQ Chicken Thighs are juicy, flavorful, and perfect for grilling season. With a simple seasoning mix and a generous brush of BBQ sauce, these chicken thighs are full of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors that will impress any crowd. Ideal for cookouts, family dinners, or weeknight meals, this recipe is easy to prepare and absolutely delicious.
Ingredients
Chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless, skin-on or skinless)
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 tablespoons avocado oil
BBQ sauce (your favorite variety)
Instructions
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Prepare the Chicken Thighs: Season the chicken with brown sugar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, and avocado oil. Mix well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
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Preheat the Grill: Bring the chicken to room temperature, then preheat your grill over medium-high heat.
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Grill the Chicken: Grill the chicken thighs, cooking for 5-7 minutes per side until charred and grill marks appear.
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Baste with BBQ Sauce: Brush BBQ sauce on both sides of the chicken once it’s almost cooked. Move the chicken to indirect heat to allow the sauce to caramelize.
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Serve: Once fully cooked and the BBQ sauce is sticky, remove from the grill and serve hot.
Notes
For Quicker Cooking: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs, but bone-in thighs will provide more juiciness and flavor.
Spicy Version: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix for extra heat.
Alternative Sauces: Swap BBQ sauce for honey mustard, teriyaki, or your favorite glaze.
Grilled Veggies: Pair the chicken with grilled vegetables like corn, peppers, or zucchini for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
