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Juicy BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 41 reviews
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Southern American

Description

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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. Prepare the Marinade: 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. Preheat and Bring Chicken to Temperature: Remove the chicken from the fridge 30 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature.
  3. Grill Method – Preheat Grill: Preheat grill over medium-high heat.
  4. Grill Chicken: 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. Baste with BBQ Sauce on Grill: 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. Remove and Serve: Once cooked, remove from grill, rest briefly, and serve with extra BBQ sauce.
  7. Oven Method – Prepare Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F.
  8. Coat Chicken with BBQ Sauce: 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 Chicken: Bake for 25 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 175-190°F.
  10. Baste and Broil: Brush remaining BBQ sauce on chicken and broil for 2-3 minutes until sauce caramelizes. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
  11. Rest and Serve: 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.

Find it online: https://linadinner.com/juicy-bbq-chicken-thighs-recipe/