Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs

Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs

Healthy Fact of the Day

Chicken thighs contain more iron and zinc than breasts, plus the higher fat content keeps them moist during grilling. Grilling allows excess fat to drip away while creating delicious char flavors without added oils.

These Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs deliver the ultimate backyard barbecue experience with perfectly seasoned, crispy-skinned chicken glazed in tangy barbecue sauce. The combination of smoked paprika and garlic creates a flavor foundation that pairs beautifully with the caramelized sauce. They’re foolproof to make and guaranteed to be the star of any cookout or family dinner.

If you love these smoky flavors, you’ll also enjoy our Bourbon Peach Salmon with its sweet and savory glaze that complements grilled meats perfectly. For another crowd-pleasing barbecue option, try the Sticky Honey Garlic Pork with its similar caramelized coating and finger-licking appeal.

Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs

Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs

Recipe by Daily Disher

Crispy-skinned chicken thighs glazed with barbecue sauce and seasoned to smoky perfection.

Course: MainCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
3.2 from 15 votes
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes
Calories

300

kcal
Total time

1

hour 

10

minutes

    Ingredients

    • 1.5 lb chicken thighs

    • 0.5 cup barbecue sauce

    • 1 tbsp olive oil

    • 1 tsp garlic powder

    • 1 tsp onion powder

    • 1 tsp smoked paprika

    • 0.5 tsp salt

    • 0.25 tsp black pepper

    Directions

    • Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, approximately 375°F to 400°F, and ensure the grates are clean and oiled.
    • In a large bowl, combine chicken thighs with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
    • Toss the chicken thighs in the seasoning mixture until they are evenly coated on all sides.
    • Place the seasoned chicken thighs on the preheated grill, skin side down, and cover with the lid.
    • Grill the chicken for about 15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the skin is crisp and golden brown.
    • Brush barbecue sauce generously on one side of the chicken thighs, then flip and brush the other side.
    • Continue grilling for another 10 minutes, basting with additional sauce, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
    • Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
    • Serve the chicken thighs hot, garnished with additional barbecue sauce if desired, alongside your favorite side dishes.

    Nutrition Facts

    • Total number of serves: 4
    • Calories: 250kcal
    • Cholesterol: 0mg
    • Sodium: 620mg
    • Potassium: 400mg
    • Sugar: 8g
    • Protein: 6g
    • Calcium: 60mg
    • Iron: 2mg

    Can’t get enough of great flavors? Check out these popular recipes that readers love making again and again.

    For more grilled favorites, our Mediterranean Steak Bowl and Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops bring restaurant-quality results to your backyard. When you’re planning the perfect barbecue spread, the Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers and Spicy Southern Hot Corn make ideal sides that complement smoky meats. Need more comfort food winners? Our Smothered Pork Chop and Scalloped Potato Casserole and Creamy Sausage Soup deliver hearty satisfaction every time.

    Browse our full collection for more kitchen inspiration that’ll have your family asking for seconds.

    3.2 from 15 votes

    Recent Recipes

    Trader Joe’s June 2026 Haul: The Items

    • June 13, 2026
    • 4 min read

    Spinach and Feta Frittata

    • June 13, 2026
    • 11 min read

    Your Rice Cooker Does Way More Than

    • June 13, 2026
    • 3 min read

    The Stories Food Tells About Who We

    • June 13, 2026
    • 9 min read

    Grilled Salmon with Orange Maple Glaze

    • June 13, 2026
    • 9 min read

    Chick-fil-A Just Added Mac & Cheese to

    • June 12, 2026
    • 3 min read

    The Produce You’re Storing Wrong

    • June 12, 2026
    • 9 min read

    Chicken Diablo

    • June 12, 2026
    • 9 min read

    Subway Just Launched a Disney Moana Meal

    • June 11, 2026
    • 3 min read

    Lavender Lemon Drop Martini

    • June 11, 2026
    • 11 min read

    Tip of the Day

    “Always let your meat rest before slicing.”

    Whether you're roasting a chicken, grilling steak, or baking pork tenderloin, letting cooked meat rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing allows the juices to redistribute evenly. This simple step keeps your meat juicy and tender, ensuring every bite is flavorful and moist. Bonus: It gives you a moment to plate your sides or garnish for a perfect presentation!

    Our Latest Recipes

    Blog
    Daily Disher

    Trader Joe’s June 2026 Haul: The Items Shoppers Are Racing to Grab Before They’re Gone

    Trader Joe’s June lineup has several genuinely nutritious standouts worth prioritizing. The Seasoned Shredded Rotisserie Chicken is one of the most convenient high-protein pantry shortcuts available at any grocery store right now — pair it with the Verdant Veggies frozen blend for a complete, balanced meal in under 10 minutes. The Passion Fruit Orange Guava juice is a naturally fruit-forward beverage with no added sugar, making it one of the better juice options for a summer refreshment. And the Pickled Onions are a zero-calorie condiment that adds significant flavor to meals without any extra fat or sodium load.

    Read More »
    Breakfast
    Benjamin Brown

    Spinach and Feta Frittata

    Spinach provides iron, vitamin K, and folate while eggs deliver complete protein—making this frittata a nutritional powerhouse that’s as healthy as it is delicious.

    Read More »
    Blog
    Daily Disher

    Your Rice Cooker Does Way More Than Rice — Here’s What You’re Missing

    The rice cooker’s steam function is one of the most underrated healthy cooking tools in your kitchen. Steaming preserves more nutrients than boiling or roasting — particularly water-soluble vitamins like B and C that break down with heat and water exposure. If your rice cooker came with a steam tray, use it to cook vegetables or fish while your grains cook below. One appliance, one button, a complete and balanced meal with almost no effort.

    Read More »

    Get your daily dose of delicious!

    Skip to content