– **Title**: Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs
– **Ingredients**:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1 cup BBQ sauce (your choice)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F).
2. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
3. Rub the marinade evenly over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are well-coated.
4. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to an hour at room temperature or in the refrigerator for longer for deeper flavor.
5. Once marinated, place the chicken thighs skin-side down on the preheated grill. Close the lid and grill for about 7-10 minutes.
6. Flip the chicken thighs and brush them generously with BBQ sauce. Close the lid and grill for another 7-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
7. In the last few minutes of cooking, brush additional BBQ sauce on the chicken to create a nice glaze.
8. Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
9. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with your favorite sides! Enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I love using bone-in, skin-on thighs for their juiciness and flavor. If you prefer a leaner option, you can swap for boneless, skinless chicken thighs, but they may require less cooking time.
Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce to match your taste. If you want a healthier option, try a sugar-free or homemade version. You can even use teriyaki sauce for a different twist!
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds richness to the marinade. You can substitute it with avocado oil or melted coconut oil if you want a change in flavor or for a higher smoke point.
Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika are key for adding depth. If you’re out of smoked paprika, regular paprika mixed with a touch of liquid smoke can work! Customize spices to your preference; chili powder adds some heat!
Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest brighten the dish. If you’re out of lemons, lime juice is a great substitute that still brings acidity to balance the BBQ sauce.
How Do I Get the Chicken Skin Crispy on the Grill?
Getting that nice, crispy skin on your chicken thighs is all about technique and heat control. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with a preheated grill at medium-high heat to get good searing.
- Place the thighs skin-side down first – this helps render the fat from the skin, making it crispy.
- Cook without moving them for the first 5-7 minutes. Patience is key here!
- Flip only when the skin is golden and crispy. Keep grilling until the internal temperature hits 165°F.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling; this helps keep the juices in. Enjoy your delicious, crispy skin!
How to Make Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
For the Marinade:
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (your choice)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 1 hour for marinating plus approximately 20 minutes for grilling. If you can marinate the chicken overnight, it will taste even better! Overall, expect to spend around 1 hour and 20 minutes (or more if you marinate overnight).
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a small bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, lemon zest, and half of the lemon juice. Mix everything well to make a tasty marinade that will flavor your chicken.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Take your chicken thighs and place them in a resealable plastic bag or a large bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 1 hour. For the best flavor, let it marinate overnight!
3. Prepare to Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, aiming for about 375°F to 400°F. This is the perfect temperature for grilling the chicken and getting that crispy skin!
4. Grill the Chicken:
Take the chicken thighs out of the marinade and let any extra drip off (you can discard the used marinade). Place the chicken thighs on the grill, skin-side down, and grill for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
5. Flip and Finish Cooking:
Carefully flip the chicken thighs over and continue grilling for another 7-10 minutes. If you like, brush on some extra barbecue sauce for more flavor. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), and the juices run clear. That means they’re done!
6. Rest and Serve:
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute so the chicken stays moist. Just before serving, squeeze the remaining lemon juice over the chicken and sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
Enjoy your flavorful grilled BBQ chicken thighs! They’re perfect for a summer barbecue or a cozy dinner at home!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs work great for this recipe! Just keep in mind they may cook faster than bone-in thighs, so adjust the grilling time accordingly. Aim for about 5-7 minutes per side, and ensure they still reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What If I Don’t Have Barbecue Sauce?
No problem! You can make a quick homemade BBQ sauce by mixing ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and your favorite spices (like chili powder or mustard). Alternatively, you could use a marinade like teriyaki sauce for a different flavor profile!
Can I Marinate the Chicken for Longer?
Yes, marinating the chicken thighs for up to 24 hours can enhance the flavor. Just be cautious not to exceed this time as the acid in the marinade (from the lemon juice) can begin to break down the chicken, making it mushy.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover grilled chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, you can use a skillet or microwave, but for the best texture, reheating on the grill for a few minutes is preferred!
