These Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs are seasoned and grilled to perfection! Using an affordable cut of chicken, this is a quick and easy recipe that will have everyone begging for more!
Place the 6 bone-in chicken thighs into a large bowl. Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper evenly over the thighs. Toss to coat the chicken in the spices.
Cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge to marinate for 2 hours. (If you're short on time, you can grill right away but marinating is recommended.)
Clean then carefully oil the grill grates then preheat the grill to medium heat (about 350F degrees). Once the grill is hot, place the chicken thighs, skin side down.
Do not touch the thighs for 7 minutes. You can move them at a 45-degree angle to form diamond grill marks halfway through if you like that look.
Monitor grill temperature so that it doesn't get too hot.
Flip the thighs over and let cook for 3 minutes. Then, brush the chicken on the side facing up lightly with some of the 1/2 cup bbq sauce. Cook for an additional 3 minutes.
Flip the chicken again, and brush lightly with more bbq sauce on this side. Cook for 2 more minutes. Flip one last time, and brush again with bbq sauce, the skin side should be up at this point.
Continue to cook until an internal temperature reaches 165°F. About 20 total minutes on the grill. Serve immediately.
Notes
Cook times may vary based on the size of the thighs.
Marinating the chicken in the spices makes them more flavorful but it is not absolutely necessary.
I like to use a meat/carving fork when grilling chicken, I find using a regular tong will sometimes tear the skin or scrape off some of the bbq sauce.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Cooked chicken can last in the fridge for 3-4 days.
These chicken thighs come out extremely flavorful, smokey, and caramelized from the bbq sauce. I love to serve it with my favorite picnic sides such as grilled corn and cole slaw!