Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs
Published 5/31/2023 • Updated 3/17/2024
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If I had to choose one bbq chicken recipe to make it would be these grilled bbq chicken thighs over and over again. Every single time we entertain, this recipe is on the menu. Why? EVERYONE LOVES THEM! After making these grilled chicken thighs so many times (even in the winter!) we realized the reason they’re so good is because there’s 2 forms of flavor — a dry rub and bbq sauce.
Say hello to your new favorite grilled chicken recipe! We can’t wait for you to try these thighs because they’re so juicy and flavorful. We’ve doubled up on flavor with both a dry rub and bbq sauce.
Serve these grilled chicken thighs next to a foil-packed baked potato or balsamic grilled Brussels sprouts and you’ve got yourself a meal.
What do these grilled chicken thighs taste like?
Think smoky + a little spicy + sweet all at the same time. The dry rub will get you the smoky and spicy flavor and then depending on the bbq sauce you use, that will get you the sweetness. You’re welcome.
Best cut of chicken thighs for grilling
Bone-in and boneless chicken thighs both work. It’s really all about preference.
We’re all about bone-in chicken thighs because we love the added flavor the bone gives the meat, but it’s really your choice.
How to Grill Chicken Thighs
Follow this easy 4-step process for how to grill chicken thighs perfectly every single time!
Remove Moisture
This may not seem like an important step, but let me tell you, it is! Make sure to blot your chicken thighs with a paper towel before doing anything else.
Removing moisture is going to allow for the skin to get nice and crispy, while letting the insides become tender and juicy.
Dry Rub
We are the queens of seasonings. If you’ve ever tried our dry rub for chicken, you know it’s the most delicious all-purpose rub out there! If you want to use that rub, go for it! If you want something a little but smokier and spicier, try this one:
- chipotle powder
- chili powder
- smoked paprika
- ground pepper
- salt
pro tip
Let chicken thighs sit for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This will infuse them with so much flavor!
Grill chicken thighs + Sauce
Now that your thighs are fully rubbed, it’s time to grill and sauce!
- Preheat your grill to 400ºF.
- Grill chicken thighs skin-side down over direct heat for 4-5 minutes. This is going to get you that nice, crispy skin!
- Then, flip the chicken thighs and cook them over direct heat for 4 minutes.
- Flip chicken thighs one last time and move them over indirect heat. Cook them for another 4 minutes.
- At this point, your thighs should be almost done! Rub on some of your favorite bbq sauce and cook them for a few more minutes to caramelize the sauce. You know your thighs are done when they’ve reached an internal temperature of 165ºF.
So, how long to grill chicken thighs?
The best way to grill chicken thighs is for about 15 minutes or until they have an internal temperature of 165ºF.
Be aware that the size of your chicken thighs matter, so if you have thicker thighs, they will take longer to cook.
Try it!
Thermoworks Thermapen
We swear by using a meat thermometer when cooking any cut of meat. The Thermapen is our go-to meat thermometer that works every time.
Let Rest
Remove chicken thighs from the grill and set them on a plate to rest for around 10 minutes. This will really get the juices flowing!
Should I use a gas grill or a charcoal grill?
This grilled chicken thighs recipe works with both kinds of grills. We personally used a gas grill because you can be more precise with temperature, but a charcoal grill would give these amazing flavor, too.
How do you grill bbq chicken thighs without drying them out?
We found that 400ºF is the perfect grilling temperature for chicken thighs so that they don’t dry it. It’s hot enough to sear them on the outside and low enough to cook them perfectly on the inside.
Want to use a marinade instead?
Looking for grilled chicken thigh recipes that use a marinade instead? Check out our chicken marinade post where we share 6 different chicken marinades.
Marinate your chicken thighs for 30 minutes before following steps 5-11 in the recipe card below.
Serving Suggestions
What is a BBQ without some delicious grilled sides. Here are some of our favorite grilled veggies for you to try!
Grilled Red Potatoes: These foil pack grilled red potatoes are an easy side to add to any bbq. All you need to do to make these grilled potatoes in foil is toss them in olive oil, spices, and create foil pack!
Baked Potatoes in Foil: Whether you’re hoping to make a grilled baked potato in foil or oven baked potatoes in foil, we’ll teach you how to make a perfect baked potato every time!
Easy Grilled Asparagus: Jump into asparagus season with the easiest and yummiest way to eat it. Make Grilled Asparagus in foil for a 20-minute side perfect for all types of eaters!
Balsamic Grilled Brussels Sprouts: This grilled Brussels sprout recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner side or meal-prep for the week!
Grilled Corn in Foil: Grilled corn on the cob is a summer staple! Get perfectly cooked corn every time with this easy Grilled Corn in Foil recipe. Enjoy!
Storage
First things first, let your chicken thighs cool completely. Then, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
What to Do with Leftover BBQ Grilled Chicken Thighs
Got leftovers? We are the queens of repurposing our recipes! Here are a few ideas so you don’t waste any food.
- Make Chicken Salad: shred your chicken thighs and discard the bones. Then make our BBQ Chicken Salad recipe.
- BBQ Chicken Pizza: everyone loves pizza! Buyg a store-bought crust and make a semi-homeamde BBQ Chicken Pizza.
- BBQ Pulled Chicken: shred your chicken and toss the shredded chicken with a little more bbq sauce and serve on a bun like our BBQ Pulled Chicken.
BBQ Grilled Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 1 lb. bone-in chicken thighs
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon chipotle powder
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/8 teaspoon paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 – 1/3 cup bbq sauce, your favorite kind
Instructions
- Begin by taking out the chicken thighs and pat each one with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Next, add the garlic powder, chipotle powder, chili powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt into a small bowl and mix all the spices together.
- Pour the spices over the chicken thighs and massage the thighs with the spices and be sure that each chicken thigh is covered with spices.
- Let the chicken thighs sit for at least 30 minutes in the spices (longer is always better). This will help get the juices get flowing and flavor the meat.
- While the chicken is sitting, preheat the grill to 400ºF and make sure there is indirect and direct grilling space on the grill.
- When the chicken is ready, place the chicken on the grill skin side-down over direct heat for 4-5 minutes to crisp up the chicken skin.
- Flip the chicken and cook the chicken for another 4-5 minutes.
- Lastly, flip the chicken one more time (skin up) and move it to indirect heat.
- Add a tablespoon or so of BBQ sauce to each chicken thigh and spread out the sauce evenly over the thighs.
- Close the grill and let the BBQ sauce caramelize for 2-3 more minutes and then remove the thighs from the grill.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes and then enjoy with more BBQ sauce.
Tips & Notes
- BBQ sauce- the BBQ sauce is going to add a lot of flavor to your thighs. So, make sure you like your bbq sauce. If you like it sweet, use a sweeter sauce and if you like it spicy/smokey, us a spicy sauce.
Watch It
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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Photography: photos taken in this post are by Erin from The Wooden Skillet.
It looked so delicious, I decided to try it and result is fantastic. Loved it
So happy to hear!
Wow! Looks so delicious, my entire loved chicken, especially grilled chicken. Can’t wait anymore, I will definitely try it your way, looks seem easy to make :D. Thanks so much for this guide. Looking forward to seeing more.
Thanks for sharing. Worth attempting. Keep sharing more.
I would certainly attempt it after reading this post. And I will be sharing this recipe with my friends, Thanks for sharing….Love it
wow, beautifully cooked and perfect. gonna try this recipe tonight.
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Made it at home and loved it.