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.
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.
Instructions to Make Grilled Chicken Thighs
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.
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.
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.
More Grilled Chicken Recipes
Grilled Chicken Thighs – Juicy, Smoky & Ready in 35 Minutes
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Ingredients
- 6 chicken things bone-in and skinless
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoke paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: homemade BBQ sauce and squeeze of fresh lemon juice
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.
- 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.
- 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!
- 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.
Tips
- 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.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.
Hana says
yummy
Olivia Ribas says
Thank you!