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grilled bbq chicken thighs bone in recipe

Smoky Grilled Bone In BBQ Chicken Thighs

Avatar photoNina Miller
These smoky grilled bone-in BBQ chicken thighs are perfect for summer BBQs, offering a flavorful and juicy main dish that's easy to prepare.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 8 pieces
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Grill charcoal preferred for smoky flavor
  • 1 Meat Thermometer
  • 1 Basting Brush

Ingredients
  

Chicken and Marinade

  • 8 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

BBQ Sauce

  • 1 cup BBQ sauce

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Mix olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika in a small bowl. Rub the mixture evenly over the chicken thighs.
  • Place the chicken in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for maximum flavor.

Grilling

  • Heat your grill to medium-high. If using a charcoal grill, allow the coals to become white-hot before starting to cook.
  • Place the chicken thighs skin-side down on the grill. Grill for 10 minutes without moving them to allow the skin to crisp up. Flip the chicken and continue grilling for another 30 to 35 minutes, until cooked through.
  • During the last 10 minutes of grilling, baste the chicken generously with BBQ sauce, flipping occasionally to avoid burning.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Serving

  • Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is juicy and flavorful.

Storage

  • Place any leftover chicken in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Notes

Pro Tips: Marinate the chicken overnight for best results. Use a charcoal grill for authentic smoky flavor.
Ingredient Substitutions: Use boneless thighs if preferred; adjust cooking time accordingly.
How to Serve: Pair with coleslaw or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
Storage & Freshness: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Make-Ahead Tips: Marinate the chicken a day in advance to save time on the day of grilling.
Keyword easy BBQ chicken thighs, grilled bbq chicken thighs bone in, smoky barbecue chicken