Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

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These Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs are the ultimate summer staple—juicy, deeply flavorful, and irresistibly smoky with a perfectly caramelized glaze. They cook up quickly on the grill, making them ideal for weeknight dinners or weekend cookouts alike. With their tender texture and charred BBQ crust, they taste like they took hours to make.

Whether you’re planning a backyard feast or just want a meal that feels like summer on a plate, these chicken thighs deliver. Plus, they’re incredibly forgiving to cook and packed with flavor thanks to a robust marinade and a brush of barbecue sauce that sizzles into smoky goodness on the grill.

What Kind of BBQ Sauce Should I Use?

The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. You can go sweet, smoky, spicy, or tangy—whatever you like! A Kansas City-style sauce gives that thick, sweet glaze; Carolina mustard BBQ offers a zingy twist; and spicy chipotle versions add some fire. Homemade or store-bought both work beautifully. Just make sure it’s a sauce you love, because it will concentrate and caramelize as it grills.

Ingredients for the Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs – Richer and more flavorful than chicken breasts, thighs stay juicy on the grill.
• Olive Oil – Helps the marinade stick and prevents sticking to the grill.
• Garlic Powder & Onion Powder – Classic seasoning base for depth of flavor.
• Paprika – Adds mild heat and beautiful color.
• Salt & Pepper – Essential for bringing out all the other flavors.
• BBQ Sauce – The final brush of magic that caramelizes perfectly over the heat.

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How To Make the Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Prep and Marinate

Place the boneless chicken thighs in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Drizzle with olive oil, then add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss everything well to coat, and marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor.

Step 2: Preheat the Grill

Heat your grill to medium-high and oil the grates. You want it hot enough to sear but not burn the sauce.

Step 3: Grill and Glaze

Place chicken thighs on the grill. Cook for about 5-6 minutes per side. In the last couple of minutes, brush generously with BBQ sauce and flip once more to allow the glaze to caramelize without burning.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

Transfer to a platter and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving whole. This keeps the juices locked in and ensures the meat stays moist.

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Serving and Storing Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

Serve these juicy thighs fresh off the grill for maximum flavor. They pair beautifully with grilled corn, potato salad, or a crisp slaw. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They also freeze well for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight and reheat gently.

What to Serve With Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs?

Grilled Corn on the Cob

A classic BBQ side that gets even better with a smear of herb butter.

Creamy Coleslaw

Its tangy crunch balances the smoky, sticky chicken.

Southern Potato Salad

Comforting, creamy, and a bit of tang from mustard or pickles.

Roasted Parmesan Green Beans

Add a salty, crisp contrast with these oven-roasted greens.

Mac and Cheese

A gooey classic that plays well with BBQ flavors.

Watermelon Feta Salad

Fresh, sweet, and salty – the perfect cool bite.

Baked Beans

Smoky, savory, and a little sweet – a BBQ must-have.

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Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you’re craving more ways to enjoy flavorful chicken, check out these favorites on Chef Alchemy:

• Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole – rich, cheesy comfort in one dish.
• Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts – easy and loaded with garlicky goodness.
• Longhorn Parmesan Chicken – crispy edges and gooey cheese.
• Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders – zesty, juicy bites.
• Marry Me Chicken – creamy, dreamy, and date-night worthy.

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Let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you use sweet BBQ or go spicy? Add a dry rub twist? I’m always curious how others make these their own.

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