Juicy BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe

Juicy BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe

This BBQ Chicken Thigh recipe offers a flavorful and juicy way to enjoy boneless, skinless chicken thighs either grilled or baked. Marinated with brown sugar, spices, and avocado oil, then coated with a tangy homemade Southern BBQ sauce, this dish is perfect for a satisfying main course with a smoky, sweet, and slightly spicy profile.

CourseMain Course
CuisineSouthern American
KeywordBBQ chicken thighs, grilled chicken, baked chicken thighs, southern BBQ sauce, boneless chicken, skinless chicken, smoked paprika chicken, chicken marinade, Grilling
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Additional Time240 minutes
Total Time280 minutes
Servings4 servings

Ingredients

Chicken and Marinade

  • 2.5 lbs chicken thighs boneless skinless
  • 2 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • 3 tbsp avocado oil

BBQ Sauce

  • 1 cup homemade Southern BBQ sauce

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine chicken thighs with brown sugar, kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, and avocado oil. Mix well to coat each piece and marinate for at least 4 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
  2. Remove the chicken from the fridge 30 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature.
  3. Preheat grill over medium-high heat.
  4. Place chicken thighs on the grill, reduce heat to medium, and close the lid. Cook a few minutes per side until grill marks form and chicken is almost cooked.
  5. Brush both sides of the chicken with BBQ sauce, move to indirect heat, close lid, and finish cooking until internal temperature reaches 175-190°F.
  6. Once cooked, remove from grill, rest briefly, and serve with extra BBQ sauce.
  7. Preheat oven to 400°F.
  8. Toss marinated chicken with half of the BBQ sauce until evenly coated. Arrange in a single layer on an aluminum foil-lined rimmed baking sheet.
  9. Bake for 25 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 175-190°F.
  10. Brush remaining BBQ sauce on chicken and broil for 2-3 minutes until sauce caramelizes. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
  11. Remove from oven, let rest for a few minutes to redistribute juices, and serve with remaining BBQ sauce.

Notes

  • Marinating overnight enhances flavor and tenderness.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches safe internal temperature for juiciness and safety.
  • If you prefer spicier BBQ sauce, add more chili powder or hot sauce to the marinade.
  • To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure the BBQ sauce does not contain gluten ingredients.
  • Avocado oil is chosen for its high smoke point, but can be substituted with other neutral oils like canola or vegetable oil.

Juicy BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe https://linadinner.com/juicy-bbq-chicken-thighs-recipe/ April 7, 2026