Published 5/31/2023 • Updated 3/17/2024 Say hello to your new favorite grilled chicken recipe! We can’t wait for you to try these thighs because they’re so juicy and flavorful. We’ve doubled up on flavor with both a dry rub and bbq sauce. Serve these grilled chicken thighs next to a foil-packed baked potato or balsamic grilled Brussels sprouts and you’ve got yourself a meal.
What do these grilled chicken thighs taste like?
Think smoky + a little spicy + sweet all at the same time. The dry rub will get you the smoky and spicy flavor and then depending on the bbq sauce you use, that will get you the sweetness. You’re welcome.
We’re all about bone-in chicken thighs because we love the added flavor the bone gives the meat, but it’s really your choice.
How to Grill Chicken Thighs
Follow this easy 4-step process for how to grill chicken thighs perfectly every single time!
Remove Moisture
This may not seem like an important step, but let me tell you, it is! Make sure to blot your chicken thighs with a paper towel before doing anything else. Removing moisture is going to allow for the skin to get nice and crispy, while letting the insides become tender and juicy.
Dry Rub
We are the queens of seasonings. If you’ve ever tried our dry rub for chicken, you know it’s the most delicious all-purpose rub out there! If you want to use that rub, go for it! If you want something a little but smokier and spicier, try this one:
chipotle powder chili powder smoked paprika ground pepper salt
Grill chicken thighs + Sauce
Now that your thighs are fully rubbed, it’s time to grill and sauce!
So, how long to grill chicken thighs?
The best way to grill chicken thighs is for about 15 minutes or until they have an internal temperature of 165ºF.
Be aware that the size of your chicken thighs matter, so if you have thicker thighs, they will take longer to cook.
Let Rest
Remove chicken thighs from the grill and set them on a plate to rest for around 10 minutes. This will really get the juices flowing! Thermoworks Thermapen
Should I use a gas grill or a charcoal grill?
This grilled chicken thighs recipe works with both kinds of grills. We personally used a gas grill because you can be more precise with temperature, but a charcoal grill would give these amazing flavor, too.
How do you grill bbq chicken thighs without drying them out?
We found that 400ºF is the perfect grilling temperature for chicken thighs so that they don’t dry it. It’s hot enough to sear them on the outside and low enough to cook them perfectly on the inside.
Serving Suggestions
What is a BBQ without some delicious grilled sides. Here are some of our favorite grilled veggies for you to try! Marinate your chicken thighs for 30 minutes before following steps 5-11 in the recipe card below. Grilled Red Potatoes: These foil pack grilled red potatoes are an easy side to add to any bbq. All you need to do to make these grilled potatoes in foil is toss them in olive oil, spices, and create foil pack! Baked Potatoes in Foil: Whether you’re hoping to make a grilled baked potato in foil or oven baked potatoes in foil, we’ll teach you how to make a perfect baked potato every time! Easy Grilled Asparagus: Jump into asparagus season with the easiest and yummiest way to eat it. Make Grilled Asparagus in foil for a 20-minute side perfect for all types of eaters! Balsamic Grilled Brussels Sprouts: This grilled Brussels sprout recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner side or meal-prep for the week! Grilled Corn in Foil: Grilled corn on the cob is a summer staple! Get perfectly cooked corn every time with this easy Grilled Corn in Foil recipe. Enjoy!
Storage
First things first, let your chicken thighs cool completely. Then, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
Grilled Chicken Recipes
Grilled Chicken Legs Grilled Chicken Marinade Grilled Whole Chicken Grilled Chicken Salad Grilled Boneless Chicken Thighs Grilled Chicken Breast Grilled Chicken Kabobs Grilled Pesto Chicken Skewers (kid-friendly!) ALL Grilled Chicken Recipes
What to Do with Leftover BBQ Grilled Chicken Thighs
Got leftovers? We are the queens of repurposing our recipes! Here are a few ideas so you don’t waste any food.
Make Chicken Salad: shred your chicken thighs and discard the bones. Then make our BBQ Chicken Salad recipe. BBQ Chicken Pizza: everyone loves pizza! Buyg a store-bought crust and make a semi-homeamde BBQ Chicken Pizza. BBQ Pulled Chicken: shred your chicken and toss the shredded chicken with a little more bbq sauce and serve on a bun like our BBQ Pulled Chicken.
