Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs reward patience and care with the juiciest, tenderest chicken you could ever dream of! Slow grilled and slathered in barbecue sauce, this chicken is bursting with smoky, sweet, and savory flavors. This dish practically screams summertime cookout and will win the taste test against other grilled chickens every time. Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs are guaranteed to be a crowd favorite — even if you’re just cooking for one or two!
Ingredients
- extra-virgin olive oil or vegetable oil, to taste
- 4 pounds chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- salt, to taste
- 1 cup barbecue sauce, plus more, to taste
Directions
Step 1 -Preheat the grill to medium heat.
Step 2 -Pour the olive oil onto the chicken thighs.
Step 3 -Sprinkle the salt on every side of the chicken thighs.
Step 4 -Lay the chicken thighs skin-side down directly over the heat and sear the chicken; the skin should noticeably sear.
Step 5 -Keep the grill uncovered for at least 5-10 minutes.
Step 6 -Once the chicken is seared on one side, turn the chicken thighs over and move them to the cooler spot on the grill. If you are using a gas grill, keep the flame on one side of the grill, move the chicken to the cool side, and avoid making contact with the flame.
Step 7 -Reduce the temperature to low or medium heat (between 250 degrees F and 275 degrees F, but no higher than 300 degrees F).
Step 8 -Cover the grill and let the chicken thighs cook, about 20-30 minutes.
Step 9 -Turn the chicken thighs over and coat them with 1 cup of the barbecue sauce.
Step 10 -Cover the grill and let them cook again, about 15-20 minutes.
Step 11 -Repeat the basting process with the extra barbecue sauce and cook for another 10-20 minutes.
Step 12 -The timing varies depending on how cold your chicken initially was, your grill set-up, and the size of your chicken thighs. Small pieces may be done faster than larger ones, so keep a low grill temperature to ensure the chicken cooks slowly throughout.
Step 13 -Continue cooking until the chicken thighs reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
Step 14 -Sear the chicken thighs, skin-side down, on the hot side of the grill until blackened slightly or crispy, about 1-2 minutes.
Step 15 -Use a clean brush to coat the cooked chicken thighs with more of the extra barbecue sauce.
Step 16 -Serve!
