Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs
April 14, 2026 • 0 comments
These grilled chicken thighs deliver double the flavor by combining a savory dry rub with a rich BBQ sauce. The result is a masterclass in texture: perfectly crispy skin paired with incredibly juicy meat.
- Prep Time:
- Cook Time:
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 lb. bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon chipotle powder
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/8 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 – 1/3 cup bbq sauce
- salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Begin by taking out the chicken thighs and pat each one with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Next, add the garlic powder, chipotle powder, chili powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt into a small bowl and mix all the spices together.
- Pour the spices over the chicken thighs and massage the thighs with the spices and be sure that each chicken thigh is covered with spices.
- Let the chicken thighs sit for at least 30 minutes in the spices (longer is always better). This will help get the juices get flowing and flavor the meat.
- While the chicken is sitting, preheat the grill to 400ºF and make sure there is indirect and direct grilling space on the grill.
- When the chicken is ready, place the chicken on the grill skin side-down over direct heat for 4-5 minutes to crisp up the chicken skin.
- Flip the chicken and cook the chicken for another 4-5 minutes.
- Lastly, flip the chicken one more time (skin up) and move it to indirect heat.
- Add a tablespoon or so of BBQ sauce to each chicken thigh and spread out the sauce evenly over the thighs.
- Close the grill and let the BBQ sauce caramelize for 2-3 more minutes and then remove the thighs from the grill.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
