Barbeque chicken thighs are the ultimate combination of juicy dark meat and rich, smoky flavor. Whether you’re firing up the outdoor grill or cooking indoors, this recipe guarantees perfectly caramelized BBQ sauce over tender, flavorful chicken. The fat content in chicken thighs keeps them moist during cooking, making them ideal for high-heat grilling or baking.
This recipe is all about simplicity—basic seasoning, your favorite barbecue sauce, and just enough time on the heat to develop that perfect sticky-sweet glaze. Great for summer cookouts, weeknight meals, or make-ahead lunches, these barbeque chicken thighs will quickly become a go-to favorite.
If you’re in the mood for more comforting, hearty dinners, try this Old Fashioned Ground Beef Goulash American Goulash or savory Dutch Oven Pork Chops.
Credit: Pinterest
Ingredients You Will Need
- 2 lbs chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on or boneless, skinless)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3/4 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for tanginess)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for deeper caramelization)
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: 35–40 minutes
- Serves: 4
Equipment You Will Need
- Outdoor grill or oven
- Basting brush
- Tongs
- Small bowl (for mixing sauce, if customizing)
- Meat thermometer (recommended)
How to Make Barbeque Chicken Thighs: Step-by-Step
1. Preheat Grill or Oven
If grilling, heat to medium-high (around 400°F). If using an oven, preheat to 425°F.
2. Season the Chicken
Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Drizzle with olive oil and rub with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Start Cooking
Place chicken thighs skin-side down (if using skin-on) directly on the grill grates or on a parchment-lined baking sheet if baking. Grill or bake for 10–12 minutes on one side.
4. Flip and Add Sauce
Flip the chicken thighs and begin basting with barbecue sauce. Continue cooking for another 10–12 minutes, brushing with more sauce every few minutes to build a sticky glaze.
5. Finish with Extra Glaze
Flip once more and give a final coat of sauce. Cook for an additional 2–4 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 410
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Tips and Variations
- Bone-In vs. Boneless: Bone-in thighs are juicier and more flavorful, but boneless thighs cook faster and are easier to serve.
- Use Homemade BBQ Sauce: Combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, honey, Worcestershire, and spices for a custom flavor.
- Add Heat: Mix in hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes to your barbecue sauce for a spicy version.
- Oven Broil Finish: Broil the chicken for 2–3 minutes at the end for added char and caramelization.
- Marinate Ahead: Let the chicken sit in a little sauce for a few hours before grilling for deeper flavor.
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
Freeze cooked and cooled barbeque chicken thighs in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheat:
Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through or reheat in a covered skillet on the stove. Brush with extra BBQ sauce to refresh flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Barbeque chicken thighs strike the perfect balance between smoky, sweet, tangy, and savory. They’re easy to prepare, extremely versatile, and nearly foolproof whether you’re grilling, baking, or meal-prepping. Thanks to their natural fat content, chicken thighs remain juicy and flavorful without much effort.
This dish fits in just as easily at a weekend cookout as it does on a quick Tuesday night dinner table.
Final Thoughts
Every time I make barbeque chicken thighs, I’m reminded of why this dish is a timeless favorite. The tender meat and sticky, flavorful glaze are simply irresistible. Whether I’m serving it with grilled corn, coleslaw, or over a bed of rice, it’s always a hit.
What I appreciate most is how little effort it takes to create such a satisfying dish. With the right barbecue sauce and a hot grill or oven, this recipe transforms everyday chicken into something truly crave-worthy.
Credit: Pinterest
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but chicken breasts are leaner and may dry out more easily. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?
Any sauce works—sweet, smoky, spicy, or tangy. Choose based on your flavor preference or make your own.
Should I marinate the chicken beforehand?
You don’t have to, but a quick marinade in BBQ sauce for 1–2 hours can intensify flavor.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer. Chicken is safe to eat at 165°F internally.
Can I cook these in a skillet?
Yes. Sear the chicken on both sides, then cover and simmer with sauce until cooked through.
For another hearty, low-effort dinner, try this delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Stew.
Barbecue Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat Grill or Oven:
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F) or oven to 425°F if baking.
- Season Chicken:
- Pat chicken thighs dry. Rub with olive oil, then season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Grill Method:
- Place chicken thighs skin-side down on the grill.
- Grill for 5–6 minutes, then flip and cook another 5–6 minutes.
- Baste with barbecue sauce and continue cooking, flipping and basting occasionally, until chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F) and sauce is sticky—about 20–25 minutes total.
- Oven Method:
- Place seasoned chicken on a foil-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 25 minutes, then brush with barbecue sauce.
- Return to oven and bake another 10–15 minutes, broiling for the last 2–3 minutes if desired to caramelize the sauce.
- Rest and Serve:
- Let chicken rest for 5 minutes. Serve hot with extra BBQ sauce on the side.
Notes
- Boneless thighs: Reduce cook time by 10–12 minutes.
- Sauce tip: Brush BBQ sauce during the last 10–15 minutes of cooking to prevent burning.
- Flavor boost: Add a dash of apple cider vinegar or hot sauce to your BBQ sauce.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain moisture.
