Description

This Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs recipe features juicy, flavorful chicken thighs seasoned with a blend of spices and grilled to perfection. The chicken is coated in a smoky, tangy BBQ sauce that caramelizes on the grill, creating a delicious charred crust. Ideal for a quick weeknight meal or weekend cookout, this dish serves 4 with minimal prep and cooking time.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Sauce and Garnish

1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
Optional garnish: chopped parsley or green onions

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Instructions

Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, targeting a temperature of around 400°F (200°C), to ensure even cooking and a nice char on the chicken.
Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to help the seasoning stick. In a large bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper until each piece is well coated.
Grill Chicken: Place the chicken thighs on the grill and cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side. Flip only once to achieve grill marks and ensure even cooking. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is nicely charred.
Apply BBQ Sauce: During the last 2 to 3 minutes on each side, brush the chicken generously with BBQ sauce. This allows the sauce to caramelize and create a sticky, flavorful crust without burning.
Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain juices. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired, and serve hot with extra BBQ sauce on the side.

Notes

Make sure to preheat your grill properly to prevent sticking and to achieve perfect grill marks.
Patting the chicken dry is crucial for the seasoning to adhere well and to get a better sear.
You can use boneless chicken breasts as an alternative but adjust grilling time accordingly to avoid drying out.
For extra smoky flavor, add wood chips to your grill if using a charcoal or gas grill with a smoker box.
Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.