Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

BBQ Chicken Thigh Recipe (Grilled or Baked) Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 305 reviews
  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes (grilling or baking)
  • Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes (including marinating)
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling and Baking
  • Cuisine: American, Southern

Description

This BBQ Chicken Thigh recipe features juicy boneless, skinless chicken thighs marinated with a flavorful blend of spices and brown sugar, then grilled or baked and basted with a rich homemade Southern BBQ sauce. Perfect for a hearty main course, it delivers smoky, sweet, and tangy notes with tender meat, making it an ideal meal for gatherings or casual dinners.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Chicken and Marinade

  • 2.5 lbs Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
  • 2 tablespoons Brown Sugar
  • 2 teaspoons Kosher Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon Chili Powder
  • 3 tablespoons Avocado Oil

BBQ Sauce

  • 1 cup Homemade Southern BBQ Sauce

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken thighs with brown sugar, kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, and avocado oil. Mix thoroughly to coat each piece evenly. Cover and marinate for at least 4 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
  2. Prepare for Grilling or Baking: Remove the chicken from the fridge 30 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature. Meanwhile, preheat your grill to medium-high heat or your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  3. Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs directly on the grill grates over medium heat. Cook each side for a few minutes until grill marks appear and pieces start to char slightly. Then move the thighs to indirect heat, baste both sides generously with BBQ sauce, and continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 175-190°F (79-88°C).
  4. Bake the Chicken: Toss the marinated chicken thighs with half of the BBQ sauce. Arrange them in a single layer on a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet, spaced evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature hits 175-190°F. Then brush more BBQ sauce on top and broil for 2-3 minutes to caramelize the sauce, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  5. Rest and Serve: Once cooked through, let the chicken rest for a few minutes to redistribute juices. Serve hot with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping and enjoy your tender, flavorful BBQ chicken thighs.

Notes

  • Marinating the chicken overnight enhances flavor and tenderness.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 175-190°F for dark meat.
  • Adjust BBQ sauce amount according to your taste preference for sweetness and tanginess.
  • If baking, broil at the end to caramelize the sauce without drying the meat.
  • Let the chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy.

Find it online: https://jessicasrecipes.com/bbq-chicken-thigh-recipe-grilled-or-baked-recipe/