Get grilling with our Easy BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe! Whether grilled or oven-baked, they promise juicy, flavorful bites every time. This recipe is your ticket to summer grilling bliss, delivering tender chicken thighs coated in a mouthwatering BBQ sauce that will leave your taste buds dancing.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in no time, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of spices and BBQ sauce creates a rich flavor that everyone will love.
- Versatile Cooking Methods: Whether you prefer grilling outdoors or baking indoors, this recipe works beautifully in both ways.
- Perfectly Juicy: Chicken thighs are naturally moist, ensuring every bite is succulent and tender.
- Family Friendly: This dish is a crowd-pleaser, making it ideal for family meals and backyard barbecues.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to achieving that delightful flavor in our Easy BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe (Grilled or Oven Baked). Each ingredient plays a pivotal role in creating the perfect balance of taste and texture.
- Chicken Thighs: These cuts are juicy and flavorful, making them ideal for grilling or baking.
- BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite brand or homemade version for that sweet and tangy kick.
- Olive Oil: This helps keep the chicken moist and adds a touch of richness.
- Garlic Powder: A sprinkle of this enhances the savory depth of flavor.
- Onion Powder: Adds sweetness and complexity to the marinade.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning, ensuring the chicken is flavorful.
Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Variations for Easy BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe (Grilled or Oven Baked)
Feel free to customize this Easy BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. It’s incredibly adaptable, and you can easily swap out ingredients or add your favorite flavors.
- Spicy Version: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the marinade for a fiery kick.
- Herb-Infused: Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for an aromatic touch.
- Honey BBQ: Mix honey into your BBQ sauce for a sweeter glaze.
- Citrus Zest: Add lemon or lime zest to brighten the flavors.
- Low Carb: Pair with sugar-free BBQ sauce for a low-carb option.
How to Make Easy BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe (Grilled or Oven Baked)
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a bowl, combine the olive oil, BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well blended.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add chicken thighs to the marinade, making sure they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for maximum flavor.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill or Oven
If grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If baking, preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
For grilling, place the chicken thighs skin-side down on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, brushing with additional BBQ sauce as desired. For oven baking, arrange the chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once cooked, let the chicken thighs rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Pro Tips for Making Easy BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe (Grilled or Oven Baked)
- Use Bone-In Thighs: Bone-in chicken thighs retain moisture better than boneless cuts.
- Let It Marinate: The longer you marinate, the more flavorful the chicken will be.
- Check Internal Temperature: Ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety and quality.
- Keep It Covered: When grilling, close the lid to maintain consistent heat.
- Experiment with Sauces: Don’t hesitate to try different BBQ sauces or glazes for variety.
How to Serve Easy BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe (Grilled or Oven Baked)
Garnishes
For a pop of freshness, consider garnishing your BBQ chicken thighs with chopped parsley or cilantro. You can also add sliced green onions for a delightful crunch.
Side Dishes
Pair these flavorful chicken thighs with classic sides like coleslaw, corn on the cob, or baked beans for a complete summer meal. Grilled vegetables or a fresh garden salad also make excellent accompaniments.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the chicken thighs on a rustic wooden board for a charming presentation. You can also arrange them on a platter with colorful sides, making it visually appealing for guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They make a great meal prep option for lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
If you want to save them for later, wrap the cooked chicken thighs tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to three months.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight, then warm it up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken thighs for this recipe?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs will work, but be aware that they may cook faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
What type of BBQ sauce is best?
It really depends on your personal taste! Sweet, tangy, or smoky sauces all work well. Feel free to experiment to find your favorite.
Can I marinate the chicken overnight?
Absolutely! Marinating overnight enhances the flavors and makes the chicken even more delicious.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this recipe is excellent for meal prep. You can cook a batch and store it in the fridge or freezer for easy meals throughout the week.
How can I make this recipe more spicy?
Add cayenne pepper to the marinade or use a spicy BBQ sauce to kick up the heat level to your liking.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have everything you need, it’s time to fire up the grill or preheat the oven and dive into this Easy BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe (Grilled or Oven Baked). Trust me, once you taste these juicy, flavorful thighs, they will become a favorite in your summer grilling repertoire. Enjoy every bite!
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Easy BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe (Grilled or Oven Baked)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling or Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Get grilling with our Easy BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe! Whether grilled or oven-baked, they promise juicy, flavorful bites every time. This recipe is your ticket to summer grilling bliss, delivering tender chicken thighs coated in a mouthwatering BBQ sauce that will leave your taste buds dancing.
Ingredients
Chicken Thighs
- 4–6 Chicken Thighs (bone-in for best results)
BBQ Sauce
- 1 cup BBQ Sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Olive Oil
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
Spices
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine the olive oil, BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well blended.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add chicken thighs to the marinade, making sure they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for maximum flavor.
- Preheat the Grill or Oven: If grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If baking, preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Cook the Chicken: For grilling, place the chicken thighs skin-side down on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, brushing with additional BBQ sauce as desired. For oven baking, arrange the chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Rest and Serve: Once cooked, let the chicken thighs rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Notes
- Use Bone-In Thighs: Bone-in chicken thighs retain moisture better than boneless cuts.
- Let It Marinate: The longer you marinate, the more flavorful the chicken will be.
- Check Internal Temperature: Ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety and quality.
- Keep It Covered: When grilling, close the lid to maintain consistent heat.
- Experiment with Sauces: Don’t hesitate to try different BBQ sauces or glazes for variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 thigh
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg