When it comes to grilling, nothing quite beats the rich, juicy flavor of BBQ chicken thighs. This recipe keeps things delightfully simple by combining just a few key ingredients with an easy cooking method. You’ll get tender, flavorful chicken every time, perfect for any gathering or family meal. Whether you’re a grilling pro or just starting out, this recipe will quickly become a favorite go-to for BBQ nights.
Why We Love This BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe
You’ll appreciate how effortless this recipe is without sacrificing flavor. Using only three main ingredients means you spend less time prepping and more time enjoying the delicious results. The magic lies in the sweet rub that coats the chicken and the tangy BBQ sauce that adds a perfect finishing touch. Plus, the cooking technique—starting with high heat to char, then moving to indirect heat to cook through—gives you that irresistible crispy skin and juicy inside. It’s the kind of simple yet satisfying recipe you can trust to impress friends and family.
Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Thighs
Here’s what you’ll need to make these mouthwatering BBQ chicken thighs:
- 2 pounds chicken thighs, bone-in with skin on
- 2 tablespoons sweet BBQ rub (you can use a store-bought blend or make your own sweet rub)
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (a whiskey peach BBQ sauce works beautifully, but feel free to use your favorite brand)
How to Make BBQ Chicken Thighs
Begin by setting up your grill for two-zone cooking. This means one side should be hot (about 350°F) for searing, while the other side remains cooler for slower cooking. If you’re using a gas grill, simply turn one burner high and leave the other off. With charcoal, push the coals to one side to create this temperature difference.
Trim any extra fat or loose skin from your chicken thighs. Season them well on both sides with your sweet rub, pressing the thighs slightly flat to create a more even shape for grilling.
Place the chicken thighs skin side down directly over the hot part of the grill. Keep the lid open and let them cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Watch closely—the sugars in the rub will begin to caramelize, forming a tasty crust. Don’t walk away during this step or the sugars could burn.
Once the skin is nicely charred, move the chicken over to the cooler side of the grill. Position the thighs skin side up and close the lid. Let the chicken cook slowly until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This usually takes around 25 to 30 minutes but depends on the size and thickness of your thighs. Start checking the temperature after 15 minutes to avoid overcooking.
Next, open the grill lid and generously baste the chicken with BBQ sauce on both sides. Close the lid again and continue cooking for 5 to 10 more minutes. The sauce will thicken and become glossy as the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 175°F, ensuring a perfect sticky finish.
Remove the chicken from the grill and allow it to rest uncovered for 5 minutes before serving. This rest lets the juices redistribute, so each bite is tender and flavorful.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Thighs
Serving your BBQ chicken thighs can be as simple or as creative as you like. They pair wonderfully with classic sides like coleslaw, grilled corn, or baked beans. For a lighter touch, toss together a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables. You can also shred the meat after cooking and serve it on buns for delicious BBQ chicken sandwiches.
Don’t forget to offer extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping. Whether it’s a backyard barbecue, picnic, or weeknight dinner, these thighs fit right in. The crispy skin and juicy meat make them a crowd-pleaser, and the sticky glaze adds that irresistible finish.
Expert Tips for Perfect BBQ Chicken Thighs
To get the best results, always use a reliable meat thermometer. Chicken thighs should reach 165°F internally for safe eating but going a bit beyond to 175°F helps the collagen break down, making the meat extra tender.
When applying the rub, be generous and make sure to coat every surface. The rub is what gives the chicken its bold flavor and caramelized crust, so don’t skimp on it.
Two-zone grilling is key. If you cook the chicken only over high heat, it will burn on the outside before cooking through. The indirect heat side lets the thighs cook evenly while maintaining juiciness.
Use tongs to turn the chicken and avoid piercing it with a fork. This helps keep all the natural juices locked inside.
If you want to experiment, try marinating the chicken overnight in your favorite sauce or add a smoky wood chip to your charcoal for an extra layer of flavor.
How to Store BBQ Chicken Thighs
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. They will keep well for up to 3 to 4 days. To reheat, warm them gently in an oven set at 325°F or in a covered skillet on low heat to maintain moisture.
Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can dry out the skin and meat. For longer storage, you can freeze cooked chicken thighs for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in foil or freezer-safe bags to prevent freezer burn.
When ready to use frozen chicken, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat using the methods mentioned for the best texture.
Variation of BBQ Chicken Thighs
While this recipe highlights a sweet rub and whiskey peach BBQ sauce, you can easily customize it to suit your taste.
Try swapping the sweet rub for a smoky chipotle or Cajun seasoning for a spicier kick. Adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the rub mixture gives a fragrant twist.
Experiment with different BBQ sauces too. A tangy mustard-based sauce or a classic tomato barbecue sauce works well. For a tropical flair, glaze the chicken with a pineapple BBQ sauce.
For a smoky flavor, add wood chips like hickory or applewood to your grill.
If you prefer boneless chicken thighs, just adjust cooking times slightly, but the method stays the same.
You can also finish the thighs on a hot skillet if you don’t have a grill, though the flavor will be slightly different without the smoky char.
Frequently Asked Questions about BBQ Chicken Thighs
What is the best way to grill chicken thighs?
Two-zone grilling works best. Sear the thighs over high heat to caramelize the rub, then move them to indirect heat to cook through slowly.
How do you know when BBQ chicken thighs are done?
Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they are fully cooked and safe to eat.
Can I use boneless chicken thighs for this recipe?
Yes, boneless thighs can be used but will cook faster. Adjust the cooking time and check temperature accordingly.
What type of BBQ sauce works best?
This recipe pairs well with a sweet, fruity BBQ sauce like whiskey peach, but feel free to use your favorite brand or homemade sauce.
How should leftovers be stored?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Reheat gently to maintain moisture and flavor.
BBQ Chicken Thighs
Equipment
- Grill
- Meat Thermometer
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. chicken thighs bone-in with skin on
- 2 Tbsp. sweet BBQ rub store-bought or homemade
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce whiskey peach BBQ sauce works well
Instructions
- Set up the grill for two-zone cooking: one side hot (about 350°F) for searing, the other cooler for slower cooking.
- Trim excess fat from chicken thighs and season them on both sides with the sweet rub.
- Place chicken thighs skin side down over the hot part of the grill. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until charred.
- Move chicken to the cooler side of the grill, skin side up, and close the lid. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 25-30 minutes.
- Baste chicken with BBQ sauce on both sides and close the lid again, cooking for 5-10 more minutes until the internal temperature reaches 175°F.
- Remove chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
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