BBQ Chicken Thigh Recipes with Sauce – Easy and Flavorful

Discover delicious and easy BBQ chicken thigh recipes with sauce that bring juicy, tender results every time. Try these flavorful chicken thigh recipes today.

Why You’ll Love It

If you’re searching for chicken thigh recipes that are juicy, packed with smoky flavor, and topped with vibrant BBQ sauce, you’ve come to the right place. These BBQ chicken thigh recipes with sauce offer tender meat and caramelized, sticky goodness every time. Plus, chicken thighs stay moist and forgiving during cooking, making them perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend grilling sessions. Whether you’re an experienced grill master or a kitchen newbie, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding. You’ll love how this recipe pairs well with classic sides like coleslaw or roasted vegetables.
Easy Weeknight Dinners, Best BBQ Ideas, and Simple Chicken Recipes are great places to explore for more inspiration.

Ingredients

• 8 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on for extra flavor and crispness
• 1 cup BBQ sauce – choose your favorite sweet or spicy variety
• 2 tablespoons olive oil to help the seasoning stick and crisp the skin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika for that classic smoky depth
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder for subtle savory notes
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Substitutions: You can substitute boneless thighs, but reduce cooking time to avoid dryness. Use coconut oil or avocado oil instead of olive oil for different flavor profiles. For a low-sugar option, try homemade sugar-free BBQ sauce or a dry rub mix.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to 400°F (200°C) or oven to the same temperature if grilling is unavailable.
2. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin and season evenly with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
3. Brush each thigh with olive oil evenly to promote browning.
4. Place chicken thighs skin side down on the grill or baking sheet. Cook for 10 minutes without moving them for a nice sear.
5. Flip the thighs and cook for another 10 minutes to finish cooking through.
6. For the last 5 minutes, brush BBQ sauce generously on each side, flipping once to caramelize the sauce without burning.
7. Remove from heat and let chicken rest 5 minutes before serving to lock in juices.

Expert Tips

Use a meat thermometer to check doneness; chicken thighs should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). For even cooking, try to keep the pieces uniform in size. If using the oven, broil for the last 2-3 minutes after applying BBQ sauce to deepen caramelization. Marinate the thighs in BBQ sauce for 1-2 hours beforehand for even more flavor. Avoid high flames directly on the skin to prevent burning.

Storage

Store leftover BBQ chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to avoid drying out. You can freeze cooked chicken thighs for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free BBQ sauce to keep it safe.
• Dairy-Free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free.
• Vegan: Substitute chicken thighs with grilled portobello mushrooms or cauliflower steaks brushed in BBQ sauce.
• Low-Sugar: Use sugar-free or homemade BBQ sauce to reduce sugars.

FAQ

• Can I use boneless chicken thighs for these BBQ chicken thigh recipes? Yes, boneless thighs can be used but reduce cooking time by 5-7 minutes to avoid overcooking.
• What is the best BBQ sauce for chicken thighs? Choose a sauce with a balance of sweetness, tanginess, and smokiness; homemade or store-bought both work well.
• How can I make chicken thighs crispy in this recipe? Pat dry, oil the skin well, and cook skin-side down first on a hot grill or oven for crispiness.
• Are chicken thigh recipes healthier than chicken breast? Thighs have more fat but are juicier and more flavorful; they can be part of a balanced diet.
• Can I prepare these chicken thighs ahead of time? Yes, marinate the thighs in BBQ sauce the day before for deeper flavor and grill or bake when ready.

We’d love to hear your thoughts! Comment below if you try these BBQ chicken thigh recipes, rate the recipe, and share it with your friends and family.