Grilled Chicken Thighs are a quick and flavorful meal, perfect for summer. Coated in a homemade sweet and smoky BBQ seasoning, they’re prepped in just 5 minutes and grilled for 25 minutes, followed by a 5-minute rest. Whether cooking for yourself or a crowd, these juicy, tender thighs are packed with flavor and sure to be a hit!

If you don’t have a gas grill or a cast iron skillet but still want to make chicken thighs, try these recipes instead: Baked Chicken Thighs and Baked Caprese Chicken.

closeup view of grilled chicken thighs
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Grilled chicken thighs are a fantastic for summer BBQ because they’re naturally juicy and full of flavor, thanks to their higher fat content compared to chicken breasts.

They’re also incredibly versatile—you can season them with just about any spice mix or marinade and they’ll still turn out delicious.

Plus, they’re quick to cook on the grill, making them perfect for easy weeknight dinners or backyard barbecues without sacrificing taste or texture.

Ingredients To Make Grilled Chicken Thighs

Chicken Thighs – After testing this chicken thighs recipe many times, I’ve found that bone-in, skinless chicken thighs are the best choice for grilling. The skin can sometimes get stuck on the grill, so skinless chicken thighs give you the best flavor and texture. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breast, but they tend to dry out more easily on the grill, so keep an eye on them.

BBQ Seasoning – This seasoning blend is the best and I listed all in the recipe box. After experimenting with different spices, I’ve found this combination to be perfect for a balanced, smoky, and savory flavor. If you want to change things up, you can add dried oregano and thyme for extra herbal notes.

Olive Oil – I prefer using extra-virgin olive oil for its rich flavor and high-quality fats. However, if you prefer, avocado oil works well too and provides a neutral flavor with a higher smoke point for grilling.

ingredients to make chicken thighs on a countertop

Instructions to Make Grilled Chicken Thighs

Raw, seasoned chicken thighs in a bowl

First: Preheat the grill. Oil the charcoal grill grates with vegetable oil or cooking spray. Season the bone-in chicken thighs with the dry rub (spices) on both sides.  

raw chicken thighs on the grill

Second: Grill the chicken over direct heat for 5-6 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Use tongs to flip the chicken halfway through cooking.

Optional: If you prefer, once the chicken thighs are ready, brush them with homemade BBQ sauce and squeeze a little fresh lemon juice on top.

closeup photo of a meat thermometer

Try it!

best Meat Thermometer

We absolutely love this meat thermometer as it ensures that meat is cooked to the right temperature and achieves the desired level of doneness.

grilled chicken thighs on a plate

What To Serve With Chicken Thighs

Serve a cool drink with these thighs on hot summer days like this Brazilian Caipirinha.

Throw together a potato Salad: A classic potato salad is always a hit at a barbecue.

Get out the corn on the Cob: Grilled corn on the cob is a summertime favorite and goes really well with grilled chicken thighs.

Don’t forget a good quinoa salad, or Italian pasta salad or even couscous salad side dish.  

Close-up of a slice of chicken on a fork

Grilled Chicken Thighs – Juicy, Smoky & Ready in 35 Minutes

5 from 1 vote
Author: Olivia Ribas
Servings6 people
Prep Time5 minutes
Custom Time5 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Grilled Chicken Thighs are a quick and flavorful meal, perfect for summer. Coated in a homemade sweet and smoky BBQ seasoning, they’re prepped in just 5 minutes and grilled for 25 minutes, followed by a 5-minute rest. Whether cooking for yourself or a crowd, these juicy, tender thighs are packed with flavor and sure to be a hit!
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Ingredients 
 

Instructions 

  • First, clean the grill and oil it to make it nonstick. Then, preheat the grill to high heat. The grill should be around 400 – 450°F.
  • While the grill preheats, pat the chicken thighs dry. Then, in a large bowl, add chicken thighs, olive oil and all the rest of the ingredients mentioned on the ingredient list above. Toss until coated. Cover and set aside.
    Raw, seasoned chicken thighs in a bowl
  • Arrange the chicken thighs directly on the grill, spacing out. Close the lid. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs should be grilled for 6–7 minutes per side over medium-high heat (about 400–450°F). Grill until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Total time is around 12–15 minutes depending on thickness.
    Raw chicken thighs on the grill
  • Remove from the grill, place them on a serving tray, cover lightly with foil, and allow them to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
    grilled chicken thighs on a parchment paper on the counter top.
  • Optional: For extra flavor, brush the cooked chicken thighs with homemade BBQ sauce and finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, if you like.

Notes

Notes:
  • Make sure the chicken is cooked through by using an instant read meat thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh. The chicken is done when the juice runs clear and the temperature reaches 165F. 
  • When using a cast iron grill pan on the stove, you don’t have to cover it like you would with an outdoor grill. 
How to store: 
Refrigerate: Keep leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator  for up to five days. 
Reheat: Reheat in the microwave, in a countertop oven like an air fryer, or back on the grill. 
Freeze: Put the chicken thighs in a freezer bag, and store them in the freezer for up to three months. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1/6, Calories: 372kcal, Carbohydrates: 19g, Protein: 27g, Fat: 21g, Sodium: 792mg, Potassium: 40mg, Sugar: 1g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Olivia Ribas

Welcome

Hi, I'm Olivia


Happy to have you here! I’ve been creating and sharing tasty, easy-to-make recipes on Primavera Kitchen for over 10 years now! I’m all about simple, delicious recipes made with fresh, seasonal, and wholesome ingredients that your whole family will love.

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5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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2 Comments

  1. Hana says:

    yummy

    1. Olivia Ribas says:

      Thank you!