Carmy - Easy Healthy-ish Recipes

  • Home
  • All Recipes
    • All Recipes
    • Airfryer
    • Breakfast
    • Drinks
    • Freezer Friendly
    • Grill
    • Instant Pot
    • Main Dishes
    • Meal Prep
    • Meatless
    • Sides
    • Under 60 Minute Meals
  • Meal Prep
  • Instant Pot Recipes
  • Main Dishes
  • Shop My Kitchen
  • About Me
    • Collaborate With Me
    • Privacy Policy
menu icon
go to homepage
  • All Recipes
  • Meal Prep
  • Breakfast
  • Main Dishes
  • Instant Pot
  • Shop My Kitchen
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • All Recipes
    • Meal Prep
    • Breakfast
    • Main Dishes
    • Instant Pot
    • Shop My Kitchen
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    You are here: Home / Recipes / Grill / Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs

    Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs

    Posted: Jun 20, 2024 Last Modified: Jun 20, 2024 by Carmy · This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

    These grilled BBQ boneless chicken thighs are a staple during the summer months! You’ll love how juicy, sweet, tangy, and savory these grilled chicken thighs are! They come together quickly and easily, making them the perfect crowdpleaser or as a weeknight dinner.

    Perfectly grilled chicken slathered in a sweet and tangy bbq sauce, these grilled BBQ chicken thighs are truly one of my favorite things to make. They are first coated in a delicious blend of seasoning, so they’re flavorful throughout.

    Overhead view of a plate of grilled bbq chicken thighs with lemon slices.


     

    Why You’ll Love This Recipe

    • These grilled chicken thighs with bbq sauce are so versatile. Eat them on their own with your sides of choice (like slaw, grilled corn, or potatoes in foil) or enjoy them with some buns!
    • They’re super easy to make, even if you’re not confident about grilling! Season the chicken, throw it on the grill, and brush it with your favorite BBQ sauce.
    • These grilled thighs keep really well, so I always make extra to meal prep the rest for work!

    Ingredients You’ll Need

    Ingredients needed to make grilled bbq chicken thighs.
    • chicken thighs — I’m using boneless, skinless chicken thighs. You can use skin-on chicken thighs if you have boneless, skin-on. I love how crispy the skin gets!
    • oil — I use olive oil, but you can use any neutral oil, such as avocado oil.
    • seasoning — I season the chicken with a combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, ground mustard, and brown sugar. I prefer dark brown sugar but feel free to use whichever you have on hand.
    • bbq sauce — use your favorite! I used Sweet Baby Rays BBQ Sauce.

    How to Make Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs

    Set of two photos showing chicken thighs seasoned in a mixing bowl.
    • Pat dry the chicken thighs with a paper towel if needed and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
    • To a mixing bowl, add the olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, ground mustard, and brown sugar. Mix until well-coated.
    Set of two photos showing chicken thighs grilled on a gas grill.
    • Heat the grill to 400F.
    • Place the chicken thighs onto the grill, smooth side down. 
    • Grill the chicken thighs on direct heat for 3 minutes, depending on their size. Keep the grill lid closed.
    • Open the lid and flip the chicken thighs.
    Set of two photos showing chicken thighs brushed with bbq sauce and flipped on a grill.
    • Brush the chicken thighs generously with BBQ sauce and close the lid, letting them cook for 3 minutes.
    • Open the lid and flip the chicken thighs again. Brush the other side, and cook for another minute with the lid closed.
    • Flip the chicken one last time to let the just-brushed side sear for a minute. Remove the chicken from the grill and rest for at least five minutes before serving. If possible, cover with foil.
    A close up view of a platter of grilled bbq chicken thighs with lemon slices.

    Recipe Tips and Notes

    • Make sure to pat the chicken dry before adding to the seasoning, so it will stick better.
    • Always let the chicken rest before slicing. This gives the chicken thighs time to redistribute the juices and remain moist. If you slice too early, all the juices will run out of the chicken.
    • You can make this on a grill pan as well. Cook over medium-high heat.
    • The internal temperature of the chicken thighs should reach 165°F (74°C) before taking them off the grill.
    My Recommendation
    This is my go-to meat thermometer for making sure that the internal temperature of my meat is good to go. It’s also magnetic so I have it on my fridge door to save drawer space!
    Get it Now!
    The Meat Thermometer I Use!
    • I love serving my grilled chicken with some lemon slices or with a bit of lemon squeezed on top for some extra brightness!
    • When you grill the chicken thighs, keep the lid on. This will trap the heat so the chicken will cook evenly.
    • If the chicken is getting too dark too quickly, you can move it to indirect heat. My grill has a second set of grates on the lid to pop the chicken onto, so it still cooks but not directly over the flames.
    Overhead view of a plate with two grilled bbq chicken thigh, coleslaw, and lemon slices.

    Make Ahead Tips

    • Meal prep: once cooled, store the grilled chicken thighs in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge.
    • Freezer: allow the bbq chicken thighs to cool before transferring them into an airtight container before storing them in the freezer. They can last for up to 3 months.
    Overhead view of a plate of grilled bbq chicken thighs with lemon slices.

    Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs

    These grilled BBQ boneless chicken thighs are a staple during the summer months! You'll love how juicy, sweet, tangy, and savory these grilled chicken thighs are! They come together quickly and easily, making them the perfect crowdpleaser or as a weeknight dinner.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Rate this Recipe
    Prep Time: 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time: 9 minutes mins
    Total Time: 19 minutes mins
    Servings: 4 servings

    Ingredients

    • 8 to 10 boneless skinless chicken thighs
    • 1 tablespoon oil
    • 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
    • ½ cup bbq sauce

    Equipment

    • grill

    Instructions

    • Pat dry the chicken thighs with a paper towel if needed and transfer to a large mixing bowl. To a 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 400F.
    • Place the chicken thighs onto the grill, smooth side down. 
    • Grill the chicken thighs on direct heat for 3 minutes, depending on their size. Keep the grill lid closed.
    • Open the lid and flip the chicken thighs. Brush the chicken thighs generously with BBQ sauce and close the lid, letting them cook for 3 minutes.
    • Open the lid and flip the chicken thighs again. Brush the other side, and cook for another minute with the lid closed.
    • Flip the chicken one last time to let the just-brushed side sear for a minute. Remove the chicken from the grill and rest for at least five minutes before serving. If possible, cover with foil.
    Tried this recipe?Did you make this recipe? I’m always so happy to hear about it! I’d love to see how it turned out. Tag me at @CarmysHungry on Instagram so I can see it! If you enjoyed the recipe, I’d really appreciate a comment with a 5 star rating! ♥

    Nutrition Per Serving

    Calories: 362kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 44g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 215mg | Sodium: 1.154mg | Potassium: 681mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 391IU | Vitamin C: 0.4mg | Calcium: 51mg | Iron: 2mg
    Author: Carmy
    Course: BBQ
    Cuisine: American
    Nutrition Disclaimer

    More Grilling Recipes To Try

    • Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken
    • Grilled Rosemary Pork Chops
    • Grilled Buffalo Chicken
    • Grilled Pork Chops with Italian Dressing
    • Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken

    Other places to connect with me
    @carmyshungry on Instagram
    Facebook
    Shop my Amazon faves
    Email: [email protected]

    Comments

    1. Mindy says

      June 28, 2024 at 2:08 pm

      5 stars
      Came out perfect!

      Reply
    2. Alix says

      July 06, 2025 at 7:29 pm

      5 stars
      My family loved this. Probably the best grilled chicken recipe we have tried.

      Reply
      • Carmy says

        July 06, 2025 at 10:20 pm

        I am so happy to hear! Thank you for the kind words, Alix!

        Reply
    5 from 2 votes

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Carmy is a healthy-ish living blogger based in Ontario. Here, you can find healthy-ish recipes including meal prep recipes, Instant Pot recipes, air fryer recipes, and lightened-up family favorites! Follow along for easy, straightforward recipes for any cooking level.

    More about me →

    Popular

    • Plate and meal prep container with rice, korean chicken thighs, cucumbers, carrots, seasoned seaweed, sesame seeds, and green onions.
      Gochujang Chicken Thighs (Grilled or Stovetop)
    • Hibachi Chicken with Fried Rice
    • Crispy skin, delicious flavour, and oh so moist, this Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Chicken in a Dutch Oven is going to have you drooling!
      Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Chicken in a Dutch Oven
    • how to make instant pot poached eggs
      How To Make Instant Pot Poached Eggs

    Sign Up!

    Sign up to stay up to date with new recipes straight to your inbox!

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About Me
    • Privacy Policy
    • Work with Me

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates plus a downloadable shopping list and recipes for one week's meal prep (lunches and snacks).

    Recipes

    • All Recipes
    • Meal Preps Recipes
    • Instant Pot Recipes

    Copyright © 2024 Carmy — Easy Healthy-ish Recipes

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.