Grilled chicken thighs are one of the easiest and most flavorful dinners to make on the grill. The chicken stays juicy and tender thanks to the dark meat, while the dry rub and BBQ sauce create the perfect smoky, caramelized flavor.
We make these grilled chicken thighs all summer long because they are budget-friendly, family-tested, and quick enough for busy weeknights. Serve them with your favorite grilled sides for an easy meal everyone loves.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe!
We love making grilled chicken thighs because they are affordable, easy to grill, and almost impossible to dry out. This recipe is one of our go-to dinners for cookouts, busy weeknights, and meal prep because the leftovers taste just as good the next day.
- Juicy and flavorful every time
- Easy recipe with simple pantry spices
- Budget-friendly grilling recipe
- Great for meal prep and leftovers
- Works with gas or charcoal grills
- Family-friendly and beginner-friendly
- Ready in about 30 minutes
If you prefer, you can make Crockpot BBQ Chicken Thighs for a delicious indoor recipe.
For even more chicken recipes, check out this Mojo Chicken Recipe, Korean BBQ Chicken and Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Wings is another family favorite.
Ingredients
- Bone-In Skin On Chicken Thighs – We usually use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs because they stay extra juicy and flavorful on the grill. Boneless chicken thighs also work great and may cook a little faster.
- Garlic Powder – Adds savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the BBQ sauce and grilled chicken.
- Paprika – Regular paprika adds color and mild flavor, but smoked paprika gives the chicken an even deeper smoky taste.
- Salt and Pepper – Simple seasonings that help bring out all the flavors in the dry rub.
- BBQ Sauce – Use your favorite store-bought barbecue sauce or homemade BBQ sauce. Sweet, smoky, or spicy sauces all work well depending on your family’s preference.
Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and ingredients in the recipe card.
How to Grill Chicken Thighs
Step 1 – Mix together the dry seasonings. Use a small bowl and stir together all the seasonings. Rub this seasoning mixture onto the chicken thighs.
Step 2 – Preheat the grill. Fire up the grill and preheat to 350 degrees F. Rub the grill grates with oil to prevent the chicken from sticking.
Step 3 – Put the chicken on the grill. Once the grill is hot, place the chicken on the side of the grill, skin side down.
Step 4 – Cook the chicken. It needs to cook for 5 to 7 minutes on each side.
Step 5 – Brush the chicken with the BBQ sauce. Flip the chicken and brush the opposite side with the BBQ sauce as well. Cook for 3 minutes. Flip the chicken again, brush with more BBQ sauce.
Step 6 – Cook the opposite side for 3-4 more minutes. The chicken needs to reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Place the thermometer into the thickest portion of the chicken thigh to ensure accuracy.
Recipe Tips
- Cooking time will vary based on the size of the chicken. Make sure to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked to the correct temperature. The internal temperature needs to be 165 degrees in the thickest part of the chicken.
- Start grilling the chicken thighs skin side down using direct heat. After a few minutes, flip the thighs and move the chicken to indirect heat. Continue to cook.
- Don’t skip the dry rub on the chicken. This gives the chicken amazing flavor when combined with BBQ sauce. The meat will be loaded with flavor in each bite.
- Generously coat each chicken thigh with the dry rub. I like to really rub it into each one to ensure they are well coated.
- Feel free to cook this chicken thighs on a gas grill or charcoal grill.
Variations Ideas
- Spices – Smoked paprika can be substituted for regular paprika. It will give the spice rub even more smoky flavor. You can even add in onion powder, Worcestershire Sauce or ketchup for added flavor. We usually start with about ¼ of cup.
- BBQ Sauce – You can use store bought barbecue sauce or Homemade BBQ Sauce. Either works fine in this recipe. I actually use homemade because it takes just minutes to make.
- Chicken – We usually use bone-in chicken thighs to make this recipe. But you can also use boneless skinless chicken breast or boneless skinless chicken thighs.
How Long on the Grill?
Chicken thighs usually take about 5–7 minutes per side over medium heat, depending on their size and thickness.
For the best results:
- Start skin-side down over direct heat
- Move to indirect heat after flipping
- Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F
- Use an instant-read thermometer for accuracy
Avoid overcooking, which can dry out the chicken and make the skin overly crisp.
Serving Suggestions
I love to cook the entire meal on the grill. You can cook these side dishes on the grill and still have plenty of room for everything or you may love this Creamy Greek Salad.
We have even made Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza with our leftovers.
How Do You Keep from Drying out on the Grill?
- Allow the chicken thighs to rest at room temperature before grilling. I usually let them sit for about 20 minutes. Pat dry with a paper towel before adding the dry seasoning.
- Use an instant read thermometer during cooking to make sure they are not overcooked.
- Place the skin side down first. Then for the remaining cooking time, make sure the skin is facing up. This will help to prevent the outer skin from drying out and becoming too crispy.
Storage and Freezer Tips
Store leftover grilled chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To freeze:
- Let chicken cool completely
- Store in freezer-safe bags or containers
- Freeze for up to 3 months
We love freezing leftovers for easy lunches and quick dinners later in the month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Boneless skinless chicken thighs work great and may cook slightly faster than bone-in thighs.
Chicken thighs are fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F in the thickest part.
Avoid overcooking and use an instant-read thermometer. Starting skin-side down also helps lock in moisture.
More Grilled Chicken Recipes
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Grilled Chicken Thighs Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 Bone-In Skin On Chicken Thighs
- ½ tsp Garlic Powder
- ½ tsp Paprika
- ½ tsp Salt
- ¼ tsp Pepper
- ½ cup BBQ Sauce
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Instructions
- In a small bowl, stir together ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Season 6 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs evenly with the seasoning mixture.
- Preheat the grill to 350 degrees F. Brush the grill grates with oil to prevent the chicken from sticking.
- Once the grill is hot, place the chicken on the grill, skin side down.
- Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side.
- Brush ½ cup BBQ sauce over the chicken thighs during the last few minutes of grilling. Flip the chicken and brush the opposite side with the BBQ sauce has well. Cook for 3 minutes. Flip the chicken again, brush with more BBQ sauce and cook the opposite side for 3-4 more minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
