Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs

Name: Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 8 to 10 pieces boneless skinless chicken thighs; 1 tablespoon oil; ½ cup BBQ sauce; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon oregano; ½ teaspoon ground mustard; 2 tablespoons brown sugar

Posted on February 25, 2026

Grilled BBQ chicken thighs sizzling on the barbecue grill

Dinner

introduction

This easy weeknight recipe for Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs is smoky, sticky, and ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy families and backyard dinners. If you love quick chicken dinners, try my chicken Philly cheesesteak recipe for another crowd-pleasing option.

Why You’ll Love This Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs :

Juicy, tender thighs with a caramelized BBQ glaze every time.
Fast prep and grill time—great for weeknights.
No complicated ingredients; pantry spices do the work.
Family-friendly and easy to double for a crowd.
Great for meal prep: cool, slice, and toss into salads or wraps.

Ingredients Needed :

Protein

8 to 10 boneless skinless chicken thighs

Oil & Sauce

1 tablespoon oil
½ cup BBQ sauce

Spices & Sweetener

1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon oregano
½ teaspoon ground mustard
2 tablespoons brown sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions :

Pat dry the chicken thighs with a paper towel if needed and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
In the mixing bowl, add the oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, ground mustard, and brown sugar. Mix until well-coated.
Heat the grill to 400°F.
Place the chicken thighs onto the grill, smooth side down. Grill on direct heat for 3 minutes, keeping the grill lid closed.
Open the lid and flip the chicken thighs. Brush generously with BBQ sauce and close the lid for another 3 minutes.
Flip the chicken again, brush the other side, and cook for another minute with the lid closed. Flip one last time to sear the brushed side for a minute.
Remove the chicken from the grill and let rest for at least five minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs

Serve over steamed rice or buttery mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
Slice and toss into a green salad with corn, black beans, and a drizzle of ranch.
Make BBQ chicken tacos with slaw and pickled onions for a fun twist.
For a cozy starter, serve with a bowl of chicken velvet soup and crusty bread.

Tips for Success Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs

Pat the chicken dry: removing surface moisture helps the spices stick and encourages browning.
Even thickness: pound thicker thighs slightly so they cook evenly.
Watch the sauce: brush BBQ sauce near the end to prevent burning from the sugar.
Temp check: aim for an internal temperature of 165°F for safe, juicy chicken.
Make-ahead: you can marinate the thighs up to 24 hours; for other ground-chicken ideas, try this Salisbury steak recipe using ground chicken.

variation (if any)

Oven method: roast at 425°F for 18–22 minutes, brushing with sauce in the last 5 minutes.
Bone-in option: use bone-in thighs, increase cook time by 5–8 minutes and grill to 175°F near the bone.
Spice swap: add cayenne or smoked chipotle for heat and extra smoke flavor.
Sauce swap: try a honey mustard glaze or a spicy buffalo sauce instead of BBQ.

FAQs

Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: Yes—thin-cut breasts work best. Reduce grill time and watch closely so they don’t dry out; target 165°F internal temperature.

Q: How long can leftover grilled BBQ chicken last in the fridge?
A: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to preserve juiciness.

Q: Can I freeze these chicken thighs?
A: Yes. Freeze cooled cooked thighs in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat.