These BBQ Chicken Thighs are the juiciest grilled chicken you’ll ever experience! Drenched in barbecue sauce, their sweet and tangy notes are simply irresistible.
Recipe Details
BBQ Chicken Thighs are a standout among my summer favorites. Their remarkable juiciness and the wonderful flavor unlocked by grilling make them truly shine. You can either use homemade barbecue sauce or your preferred store-bought kind to elevate the taste even more.
- TASTE: The chicken’s savory profile is heightened by a layer of mayo and fresh garlic, while the sweet and tangy barbecue sauce adds a delightful kick.
- TEXTURE: This cut remains particularly juicy thanks to its higher fat content, making it tender when paired with the mayo and sauce.
- TIME: The recipe calls for 23 minutes of cooking time, in addition to a 2-hour marinating duration for the chicken.
- EASE: Easy to prepare, this dish is ideal for outdoor grilling, giving you a break from the heat of the kitchen.
What You’ll Need
Ingredient Notes
- Chicken thighs: Boneless and skinless are best for easier preparation and eating.
- BBQ sauce: I prefer store-bought Kinder BBQ sauce in the Original flavor, but any sauce you like works well.
- Mayonnaise: This rich ingredient adds flavor and helps seasonings adhere to the chicken.
- Fresh garlic: Fresh cloves offer the most robust flavor.
- Seasonings: Keep it simple with Black Pepper and Sea Salt.
Add-ins and Substitutions
- Add other seasonings: Boost the marinade with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin, or thyme.
- Make it sweeter and tangier: Brush the thighs with honey or add brown sugar to the marinade for extra sweetness; apple cider vinegar injects tang.
- Add some spice: Kick things up a notch with chili powder, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce.
- Use different meats: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or chicken breasts are also options; just adjust cooking times accordingly.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Thighs
- Prepare the marinade. In a large bowl, mix together the chicken thighs, mayonnaise, fresh garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate the chicken. Thoroughly combine all ingredients, then cover and refrigerate for several hours or overnight for the best flavor.
- Preheat the grill. Heat your grill to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Grill the marinated chicken thighs. Clean and oil the grill grates before adding the chicken. Grill for 4-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature hits 165 degrees Fahrenheit in the thickest part.
Pro Tip: Letting your chicken come to room temperature before grilling helps ensure even cooking.
- Apply BBQ sauce and rest. After grilling, move the chicken thighs to a deep baking dish, generously apply your chosen BBQ sauce, cover with foil, and let them rest for about 10 minutes to boost the flavor before serving.
