Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs {Quick & Easy}

If you’re looking for a delicious, juicy, and flavorful grilled chicken recipe, these Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs are a must-try! Perfectly marinated in a sweet and smoky BBQ sauce, these thighs are grilled to perfection—caramelized on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with irresistible flavor.

This recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for grilling season, making it ideal for weeknight dinners, backyard BBQs, or meal prep. Plus, it’s dairy-free and gluten-free-friendly, so everyone can enjoy it!

Keep reading for the full recipe, expert tips, serving suggestions, and more to make the best Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs every time!

---

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes!
✅ Perfectly Caramelized – Sticky, smoky, and full of BBQ flavor.
✅ Versatile – Great for weeknights, parties, or meal prep.
✅ Diet-Friendly – Dairy-free & gluten-free options available.
✅ Family Favorite – Kids and adults alike will love these juicy thighs!

---

Ingredients for Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious grilled chicken:

Main Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 8-12 thighs, depending on size)

For the BBQ Marinade

• 4 garlic cloves, minced (for bold flavor)

• ½ cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)

• 1 teaspoon chili powder (adds a mild kick)

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for that smoky depth)

• ½ teaspoon salt & pepper (to enhance flavors)

(See recipe card below for exact measurements and nutritional info.)

---

How to Make Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

Follow these simple steps for perfectly grilled chicken thighs every time!

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. Place the boneless chicken thighs in a large resealable bag or bowl.

2. In a separate bowl, mix the minced garlic, BBQ sauce, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

3. Reserve ¼ cup of the marinade for basting later.

4. Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated.

5. Marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).

Step 2: Preheat & Oil the Grill

1. Brush the grill grates with oil to prevent sticking.

2. Preheat the grill to medium heat (350-400°F)—this ensures even cooking without burning the BBQ sauce.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken Thighs

1. Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off.

2. Grill for 4 minutes on the first side until nicely caramelized.

3. Flip, then brush with reserved BBQ glaze.

4. Grill for another 4 minutes, flipping and basting once more for extra stickiness.

5. Cook until internal temperature reaches 170-175°F (use a meat thermometer for accuracy).

Step 4: Rest & Serve

1. Let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes (this keeps it juicy).

2. Garnish with fresh parsley (optional) and serve hot!

---

Watch the Step-by-Step Video!

For a visual guide, check out our Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs video tutorial!

---

The Best BBQ Marinade for Grilled Boneless Chicken Thighs

When it comes to making the juiciest, most flavorful Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs, the marinade is everything. A great BBQ marinade should balance sweet, smoky, and savory flavors while tenderizing the meat for maximum juiciness.

Why This BBQ Marinade Works

This marinade combines garlic, BBQ sauce, chili powder, and smoked paprika for a bold, well-rounded flavor that complements the natural richness of chicken thighs. Here’s why each ingredient matters:

• Garlic – Adds depth and umami.

• BBQ Sauce – Provides sweetness and caramelization.

• Chili Powder – Introduces a mild heat.

• Smoked Paprika – Enhances smokiness, mimicking wood-fired grilling.

• Salt & Pepper – Essential for seasoning and enhancing all other flavors.

Marinating Tips for Maximum Flavor

1. Marinate for at Least 30 Minutes – While a quick marinade works, 2-4 hours (or even overnight) allows deeper flavor penetration.

2. Use a Resealable Bag – Ensures even coating and easy cleanup.

3. Reserve Some Marinade for Basting – Prevents cross-contamination while adding extra glaze during grilling.

4. Don’t Over-Marinate – Chicken thighs can become mushy if left too long in acidic sauces.

Homemade vs. Store-Bought BBQ Sauce

• Homemade Sauce – Allows control over sweetness, spice, and thickness. Try adding honey, apple cider vinegar, or liquid smoke for extra depth.

• Store-Bought Sauce – Convenient and consistent. Look for low-sugar or spicy versions if preferred.

Alternative Marinade Variations

• Spicy BBQ – Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce.

• Honey Mustard BBQ – Mix in Dijon mustard and honey.

• Asian-Inspired – Substitute BBQ sauce with hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and ginger.

By mastering this marinade, you’ll ensure your Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs are packed with flavor and stay incredibly juicy on the grill!

---

 Perfect Grilling Techniques for Juicy BBQ Chicken Thighs

Grilling boneless chicken thighs can be tricky—overcook them, and they dry out; undercook, and they’re unsafe. Follow these pro grilling techniques for perfectly cooked, caramelized BBQ chicken thighs every time.

1. Preheat & Oil the Grill

• Medium Heat (350-400°F) – Prevents burning the sugar in BBQ sauce.

• Oil the Grates – Use a high-smoke-point oil (like canola or avocado) to avoid sticking.

2. Grill Time & Temperature

• 4 Minutes Per Side – Start with the presentation side down for better grill marks.

• Baste While Grilling – Adds layers of sticky glaze.

• Internal Temp: 170-175°F – Boneless thighs cook fast; use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

3. Avoid Common Mistakes

• Flare-Ups – Trim excess fat to prevent burning.

• Over-Flipping – Let the chicken sear undisturbed for a crisp crust.

• Skipping the Rest – Letting thighs rest 3-5 minutes redistributes juices.

Gas vs. Charcoal Grill

• Charcoal – Imparts a smokier flavor but requires more temperature control.

• Gas – Quick and consistent, ideal for weeknight grilling.

Indoor Grilling Options

• Grill Pan – Achieves sear marks on the stovetop.

• Broiler – Place thighs on a wire rack for even caramelization.

With these techniques, your Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs will be succulent, smoky, and restaurant-quality!

---

 Serving & Storing Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs

The final step to an amazing meal? Pairing and preserving your grilled chicken thighs like a pro! Here’s how to serve, store, and repurpose leftovers.

Best Side Dishes

• Classic BBQ Pairings:

  • Creamy coleslaw

  • Baked beans

  • Cornbread

• Healthy Options:

  • Grilled zucchini

  • Quinoa salad

  • Avocado salsa

• Carb Comforts:

  • Mac & cheese

  • Garlic mashed potatoes

Meal Prep & Leftover Ideas

• Salads – Slice over spinach with ranch dressing.

• Tacos – Shred and add to tortillas with slaw.

• Sandwiches – Pile on buns with pickles and extra BBQ sauce.

Storage Tips

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days.

• Freezer: Wrap individually for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

• Reheating:

  • Oven (350°F, 10 mins) – Best for crispiness.

  • Microwave (1-2 mins) – Quick but can dry out.

Wine & Drink Pairings

• Beer: IPA or amber ale complements smokiness.

• Wine: Zinfandel or chilled rosé.

• Non-Alcoholic: Sweet tea or lemonade.

With these tips, your Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs will shine at every meal—fresh off the grill or repurposed creatively!

Expert Tips for the Best Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs

🔥 Marinate Longer for More Flavor – While 30 minutes works, 2-4 hours gives deeper flavor penetration.

🔥 Prevent Sticking – Always oil the grill grates before heating.

🔥 Avoid Burning – BBQ sauce can burn due to sugar content—grill over medium heat and keep an eye on it.

🔥 Baste for Extra Flavor – Don’t skip brushing on the reserved glaze while grilling for maximum stickiness.

🔥 Adjust Cooking Time for Size – Smaller thighs cook faster, so reduce time slightly to prevent drying out.

---

Serving Suggestions

These Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs pair perfectly with:

🍽 Classic BBQ Sides

• Coleslaw

• Baked beans

• Corn on the cob

• Grilled vegetables

🍽 Light & Fresh Options

• Avocado salad

• Cucumber tomato salad

• Quinoa or rice

🍽 For Meal Prep

• Slice and add to wraps or salads

• Serve with roasted sweet potatoes

---

FAQs About Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

1. Can I use bone-in chicken thighs?

Yes! Just increase grilling time (about 6-8 minutes per side) and ensure internal temp reaches 175°F.

2. Can I bake these instead of grilling?

Absolutely! Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, basting halfway.

3. How long can I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the fridge or freeze for up to 3 months.

4. What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?

Use your favorite—sweet, spicy, or smoky all work great!

---

Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used.

Print

---

Final Thoughts

These Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs are a foolproof, crowd-pleasing recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. With a sticky, smoky BBQ glaze and juicy, tender meat, they’re sure to become a family favorite.