These Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs are juicy and full of flavor! With a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce, they are sure to please everyone at your next cookout.
Honestly, who doesn’t love biting into tender chicken with that smoky flavor? I can’t resist making extra for the leftovers! 🐔 Just grill, brush with sauce, and enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs are great for grilling as they stay juicy and flavorful. If you prefer, you can use boneless thighs or chicken breasts. Just remember that cooking times may vary.
BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce! For a twist, try using honey BBQ for sweetness or a spicy variety for some heat. You could also make your sauce at home for a personal touch.
Worcestershire Sauce: This adds a depth of flavor, but if you don’t have it, soy sauce can work too. It won’t be exactly the same but will still enhance the taste.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This ingredient brightens the marinade. If you lack ACV, white wine vinegar or lemon juice can work in a pinch without overpowering the dish.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is my go-to for its rich flavor. If you’re in a hurry, you could substitute with garlic powder, but fresh is always best when you have the time!
How Do I Marinade Chicken for the Best Flavor?
The marinade is where the magic happens! Marinating the chicken helps it absorb flavors and keeps it juicy when grilling. Here’s how to do it right:
- Mix all marinade ingredients in a bowl. Aim for a balance between tangy and sweet.
- Coat the chicken thoroughly in the marinade. It’s best to let them soak for at least 1 hour, but overnight is ideal for deeper flavor.
- When ready to grill, let excess marinade drip off to avoid flare-ups on the grill.
Trust me, a well-marinated chicken makes all the difference. Enjoy those delicious flavors!
How to Make Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your choice)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Lemon slices, for garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and at least 1 hour for marinating. If you have time, marinating overnight will give you even more flavor. After that, grilling takes about 15 minutes, plus a few minutes to let the chicken rest. Overall, plan for about 1 hour and 25 minutes, including the marinating time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well until everything is mixed together to create a delicious marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken thighs to the bowl with the marinade. Make sure each piece of chicken is thoroughly coated with the marinade. Once coated, cover the bowl and place it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, or if you can, let it sit overnight to soak up all the flavors!
3. Preheat the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This helps give the chicken a nice sear.
4. Prepare the Chicken for Grilling:
Take the chicken thighs out of the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Keep the leftover marinade to use for basting while grilling.
5. Start Grilling:
Place the chicken thighs skin side down on the grill. Grill them for about 6-7 minutes, until the skin is crispy and nicely browned.
6. Flip and Baste:
Carefully flip the chicken thighs over and brush them with some of the reserved marinade. Grill for another 6-7 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This ensures they are fully cooked and safe to eat.
7. Let It Rest:
Once done, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to settle and makes the chicken even more delicious!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, serve your grilled chicken thighs garnished with lemon slices and freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs for this recipe. Just reduce the grilling time to about 5-6 minutes per side, as they will cook faster without the bone. Make sure to still check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety!
Can I Substitute Homemade BBQ Sauce?
Absolutely! If you want to use homemade BBQ sauce, go for it! A homemade sauce often has a fresher taste and can be customized to your liking. Just make sure it has a balance of sweetness, acidity, and spices to complement the chicken.
How to Store Leftover Grilled Chicken Thighs?
Store any leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave or warm them in a skillet over low heat. A sprinkle of water or an extra brush of BBQ sauce can help keep them moist during reheating.
What’s the Best Way to Serve Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs?
These chicken thighs are fantastic served with sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or grilled vegetables. You can also slice them and toss them over a salad for a delicious meal or serve with rice to soak up the extra BBQ flavor!
