Get ready to fire up your grill and elevate your outdoor cooking game with these mouthwatering 20 Juicy BBQ Chicken Thigh Recipes for Grilling! Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or just looking for some inspiration to take your barbecue to the next level, we’ve got you covered. From classic combinations like honey garlic and spicy sriracha to international twists like Korean gochujang and Japanese teriyaki, these recipes will transport your taste buds around the world without ever leaving your backyard.
In this article, we’ll dive into each of these mouthwatering BBQ chicken thigh recipes, providing you with step-by-step instructions, ingredient lists, and stunning visuals to get your creative juices flowing. Whether you’re a fan of sweet and smoky, spicy and savory, or tangy and zesty, there’s something on this list for everyone.
So grab your apron, preheat that grill, and let’s get started on this culinary adventure!
Honey Garlic BBQ Chicken Thighs
Sweet and savory, these chicken thighs are smothered in a sticky honey garlic BBQ sauce that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup honey
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup ketchup
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, garlic, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Place chicken thighs in a shallow dish and brush with the honey-garlic BBQ sauce, making sure they’re fully coated.
4. Grill or bake for 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through, flipping halfway.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Spicy Sriracha BBQ Chicken Thighs
Elevate your backyard BBQ game with these spicy and flavorful chicken thighs smothered in a tangy Sriracha BBQ sauce. Perfect for a summer gathering or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup Sriracha sauce
– 1/4 cup ketchup
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or oven to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together Sriracha sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika.
3. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
4. Brush the Sriracha BBQ sauce mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken thighs.
5. Grill or bake for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Smoky Maple Glazed Chicken Thighs
Elevate your dinner game with this sweet and savory recipe, featuring tender chicken thighs smothered in a rich maple glaze.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Place chicken thighs in a shallow baking dish and brush the glaze all over them, making sure they’re fully coated.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 35-40 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Korean Gochujang BBQ Chicken Thighs
Get ready to level up your grilling game with this mouth-watering recipe that combines the bold flavors of gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic. This sweet and spicy marinade is the perfect blend to elevate your chicken thighs to new heights.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp sesame oil
– 1 tsp crushed black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and sesame oil.
2. Add chicken thighs to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (375°F). Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess liquid drip off.
4. Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Lemon Pepper BBQ Chicken Thighs
Elevate your barbecue game with this refreshing twist on classic BBQ chicken thighs, featuring a zesty lemon pepper marinade and sweet and tangy BBQ sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 tbsp black pepper
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together lemon juice, black pepper, olive oil, garlic powder, and paprika.
2. Add chicken thighs to the marinade, turning to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
4. Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Brush with BBQ sauce during the last minute of grilling.
6. Season with salt to taste. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 12-16 minutes
Bourbon Peach Glazed Chicken Thighs
A sweet and savory twist on classic glazed chicken, this recipe combines the richness of bourbon with the juiciness of peaches. Perfect for a dinner party or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup peach preserves
– 2 tbsp bourbon whiskey
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– 1 tsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together peach preserves, bourbon, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the chicken thighs in a shallow baking dish and brush the glaze evenly over both sides of the chicken.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the glaze is caramelized.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Chipotle Lime BBQ Chicken Thighs
Add a spicy kick to your summer grilling with these chipotle lime BBQ chicken thighs. The smoky heat from the chipotles pairs perfectly with the bright, citrusy flavor of lime.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/4 cup chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together chipotle peppers, lime juice, olive oil, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Place chicken thighs in the marinade, making sure they’re fully coated.
4. Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Brown Sugar Mustard Chicken Thighs
Sweet and savory Brown Sugar Mustard Chicken Thighs are a delightful twist on classic chicken recipes. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup whole-grain mustard
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, mustard, and garlic.
3. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken thighs and brush evenly to coat.
5. Spoon the brown sugar-mustard mixture evenly over the top of each chicken thigh.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Pineapple Teriyaki BBQ Chicken Thighs
Elevate your backyard barbecue with this mouthwatering recipe that combines the tropical flavors of pineapple, teriyaki sauce, and classic BBQ. Perfect for a summer gathering or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1 cup pineapple chunks
– 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, and ginger.
3. Place chicken thighs in a shallow dish; brush with the pineapple-teriyaki mixture.
4. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. During last minute of cooking, add pineapple chunks to grill and cook until caramelized.
6. Serve chicken hot, topped with grilled pineapple and additional teriyaki sauce if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes
Garlic Herb Butter Chicken Thighs
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this flavorful and aromatic recipe, perfect for a quick and delicious meal.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and chopped thyme.
3. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
4. Spread the garlic herb butter mixture evenly over each chicken thigh, making sure they’re fully coated.
5. Place chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Jerk Spiced BBQ Chicken Thighs
Elevate your backyard barbecue with this flavorful and aromatic jerk spiced chicken thigh recipe. Perfect for a summer cookout or casual dinner, these tender and juicy thighs are smothered in a spicy-sweet BBQ sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 tbsp jerk seasoning
– 1 tsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together jerk seasoning, brown sugar, and smoked paprika.
3. Brush chicken thighs with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Sprinkle jerk spice mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken thighs.
5. Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. In a small saucepan, combine honey and BBQ sauce. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
7. Brush glazed mixture onto chicken thighs during last 2 minutes of grilling.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes
Balsamic BBQ Chicken Thighs
Elevate your BBQ game with this simple yet flavorful recipe that combines the richness of balsamic glaze with the classic sweetness of barbecue sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
– 1/4 cup ketchup
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
3. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken thighs.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Grill or bake for 25-30 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Sweet Chili BBQ Chicken Thighs
Sweet Chili BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe
A sweet and tangy twist on traditional BBQ chicken, this recipe is perfect for those who love a little heat. With a combination of chili flakes, brown sugar, and honey, these chicken thighs are sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp chili flakes
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together sweet chili sauce, brown sugar, and chili flakes.
3. Place chicken thighs in a large bowl and brush with olive oil. Sprinkle garlic and salt over the top.
4. Pour the sweet chili mixture evenly over the chicken, making sure they’re all coated.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until cooked through.
6. During the last 10 minutes of cooking, brush chicken with honey to caramelize.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Smoked Paprika Chicken Thighs
Elevate your chicken game with this smoky and savory recipe, perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend gathering.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 tbsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 lemon, cut into wedges (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Pat dry the chicken thighs with paper towels. Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken thighs, making sure they’re fully coated.
5. Place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each thigh.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Serve hot with lemon wedges, if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
BBQ Ranch Chicken Thighs
Elevate your dinner game with this simple and mouthwatering recipe that combines the richness of BBQ sauce with the creaminess of ranch dressing. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend gathering, these chicken thighs are sure to please!
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/4 cup ranch dressing
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce and ranch dressing.
3. In a separate bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade mixture and toss to coat.
5. Place the coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Drizzle the BBQ-ranch glaze evenly over the chicken.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Molasses and Coffee Glazed Chicken Thighs
Elevate your chicken game with this unique recipe that combines the richness of molasses with the boldness of coffee. The result is a sweet and savory glaze that will leave you craving more.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
– 1/4 cup blackstrap molasses
– 2 tablespoons strong brewed coffee
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together sugar, molasses, coffee, and mustard.
3. Place chicken thighs in a large bowl and brush the glaze all over them.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic, salt, and pepper.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Orange Ginger BBQ Chicken Thighs
Elevate your backyard BBQ game with this zesty and flavorful recipe that combines the brightness of orange, warmth of ginger, and richness of BBQ sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in chicken thighs
– 1/4 cup orange marmalade
– 2 tablespoons freshly grated ginger
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together orange marmalade, ginger, and garlic.
3. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken thighs.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. During the last minute of grilling, brush with BBQ sauce.
7. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Rosemary Garlic Chicken Thighs
Elevate your dinner game with this simple yet impressive recipe that combines the bold flavors of rosemary and garlic. These chicken thighs are perfect for a weeknight meal or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic, and rosemary.
3. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
4. Place the chicken thighs in a baking dish and brush with the garlic-rosemary mixture.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through, flipping halfway.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Tequila Lime BBQ Chicken Thighs
Elevate your backyard barbecue game with this zesty and refreshing twist on classic BBQ chicken thighs. The perfect blend of tequila, lime juice, and smoky spices will leave your taste buds singing!
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup tequila (silver or gold)
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together tequila, lime juice, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
3. Place chicken thighs in a shallow dish; pour marinade over them. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
4. Remove chicken from marinade; season with salt and pepper.
5. Grill chicken for 20-25 minutes per side, or until cooked through and slightly charred.
6. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: Approximately 40-50 minutes
Five-Spice BBQ Chicken Thighs
Elevate your backyard barbecues with this sweet and savory recipe that combines the flavors of five-spice powder, soy sauce, brown sugar, and a hint of ginger. Perfect for a crowd-pleasing main course or appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 tbsp five-spice powder
– 1 tsp ground ginger
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tbsp honey
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or oven to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together five-spice powder, ginger, soy sauce, brown sugar, and honey.
3. Place chicken thighs in a large ziplock bag and pour marinade over them. Seal and massage to coat evenly.
4. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
5. Remove from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
6. Grill or bake chicken thighs for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
7. Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Get ready to fire up your grill and indulge in the sweet and smoky flavors of these 20 Juicy BBQ Chicken Thigh Recipes! From classic honey garlic to spicy sriracha and international inspirations like Korean gochujang and jerk spiced, there’s a flavor combination for every taste. Try sweet chili BBQ chicken or smoky maple glazed, or get adventurous with pineapple teriyaki or tequila lime. These mouth-watering recipes are sure to become your new go-to grilling staples.
Leave a Reply