Get ready to fire up your grill and indulge in a flavor explosion with these 20 mouth-watering BBQ chicken thigh recipes! Whether you’re a seasoned griller or just looking for some inspiration, we’ve got you covered. From classic BBQ flavors to international twists and tangy surprises, our list of juicy BBQ chicken thighs is sure to satisfy any appetite.
In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey around the world with 20 deliciously different recipes that showcase the versatility of chicken thighs on the grill. You’ll find sweet and smoky combinations, spicy kickers, and savory delights that are guaranteed to impress your friends and family. So, grab your apron and get ready to dive into the world of BBQ chicken thighs like never before!
Honey Garlic BBQ Chicken Thighs
Elevate your chicken game with this sweet and savory recipe that combines the richness of honey, the pungency of garlic, and the smokiness of barbecue. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend BBQ.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup honey
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup ketchup
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 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 honey, garlic, ketchup, vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Place chicken thighs in a shallow baking dish and brush the honey-garlic mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
4. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and caramelized.
5. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Spicy Sriracha BBQ Chicken Thighs
Elevate your backyard barbecue with the bold flavors of spicy Sriracha and sweet BBQ sauce. These mouthwatering chicken thighs are perfect for a summer cookout or potluck.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/4 cup Sriracha sauce
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together Sriracha sauce, olive oil, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika.
3. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
4. Brush the Sriracha glaze all over the chicken thighs.
5. Grill chicken for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Smoky Maple Bourbon BBQ Chicken Thighs
Elevate your backyard BBQ game with this sweet and savory recipe that combines the richness of bourbon, the smokiness of maple syrup, and the tanginess of BBQ sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
– 2 tbsp bourbon whiskey
– 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 maple syrup, bourbon whiskey, and brown sugar.
3. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken thighs.
4. Sprinkle smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper on top of the chicken.
5. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. During the last minute of grilling, brush the BBQ sauce evenly onto both sides of the chicken.
7. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Sticky Asian Glazed BBQ Chicken Thighs
Sticky Asian Glazed BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe
Summary: A sweet and savory blend of Asian-inspired flavors elevates the classic BBQ chicken to new heights.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Add the chicken thighs to the glaze and toss to coat evenly.
4. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper and spray with cooking spray. Arrange the chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and caramelized.
6. Remove from oven and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Lemon Pepper BBQ Chicken Thighs
Elevate your grilled chicken game with this refreshing twist on classic BBQ. A zesty lemon pepper crust adds a bright and citrusy flavor to these juicy thighs.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 lemons, juiced (about 2 tbsp)
– 1 tsp black pepper
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, black pepper, garlic powder, and brown sugar.
3. Brush both sides of chicken thighs with the mixture.
4. Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. During the last minute of grilling, brush with apple cider vinegar and BBQ sauce.
6. Remove from heat and let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Coca-Cola BBQ Chicken Thighs
Get ready to level up your backyard BBQ game with this sweet and savory recipe that combines the classic flavors of Coca-Cola, brown sugar, and spices. This dish is perfect for a family gathering or a casual dinner party.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in chicken thighs
– 1 cup Coca-Cola
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or oven to medium-high heat (400°F).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together Coca-Cola, brown sugar, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and toss to coat evenly.
4. Grill or bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
5. Brush with additional Coca-Cola during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Chipotle Lime BBQ Chicken Thighs
A flavorful twist on classic BBQ chicken, this recipe combines the spicy kick of chipotle peppers with the brightness of lime juice for a truly mouthwatering dish.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/4 cup chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together chipotle peppers, lime juice, honey, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Place chicken thighs in a large zip-top plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken and massage to coat evenly.
4. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight, flipping the chicken halfway through.
5. Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
6. Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Brown Sugar Mustard BBQ Chicken Thighs
Elevate your backyard BBQ game with this unique twist on classic chicken thighs. Brown sugar and mustard combine to create a sweet and tangy glaze that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika.
3. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
4. Brush both sides of the chicken with olive oil.
5. Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. During last minute of grilling, brush the brown sugar glaze all over the chicken.
7. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pineapple Teriyaki BBQ Chicken Thighs
Transform your chicken thighs into a sweet and savory masterpiece with this easy-to-make Pineapple Teriyaki BBQ recipe!
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup pineapple juice
– 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, teriyaki sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic powder.
3. Add chicken thighs to the marinade, turning to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess liquid drip off.
5. Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired. Serve hot!
Cooking Time: 12-16 minutes
Jerk-Style BBQ Chicken Thighs
Transform your chicken thighs with the bold flavors of Jamaica! This recipe combines the classic jerk seasoning with sweet and tangy barbecue sauce for a mouthwatering twist on traditional BBQ.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 tbsp jerk seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together jerk seasoning, honey, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl and toss with the jerk mixture until fully coated.
4. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper and arrange the chicken thighs on it.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
6. While the chicken is baking, heat the BBQ sauce in a small saucepan over medium-low heat.
7. Remove the chicken from the oven and brush with the warmed BBQ sauce.
8. Return to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes or until caramelized.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Balsamic BBQ Chicken Thighs
Balsamic BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe
This mouthwatering recipe combines the sweetness of balsamic glaze with the smoky flavor of barbecue, making it a perfect dish for any occasion. With this simple and flavorful recipe, you’ll be able to create tender and juicy chicken thighs that are sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup balsamic glaze
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic glaze, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and salt.
3. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken thighs.
4. Grill the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. During the last minute of cooking, brush with barbecue sauce and chicken broth.
6. Remove from grill and let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Garlic Butter BBQ Chicken Thighs
Elevate your backyard BBQ game with this mouth-watering recipe featuring juicy chicken thighs smothered in a rich garlic butter sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon BBQ rub
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, minced garlic, and BBQ rub until well combined.
3. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
4. Brush both sides of the chicken thighs with the garlic butter mixture.
5. Grill the chicken thighs for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. During the last minute of cooking, brush the tops of the chicken thighs with BBQ sauce.
7. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Sweet and Tangy BBQ Chicken Thighs
Sweet and Tangy BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe
Get ready to savor the sweetness of summer with these mouthwatering BBQ chicken thighs, smothered in a tangy barbecue sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons ketchup
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
3. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides.
4. Place the chicken thighs in a shallow baking dish and brush them evenly with the barbecue sauce mixture.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Korean Gochujang BBQ Chicken Thighs
Experience the bold flavors of Korea with this easy and mouth-watering recipe for Gochujang BBQ Chicken Thighs. Sweet, spicy, and savory, these chicken thighs are perfect for a quick dinner or weekend barbecue.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 tbsp rice vinegar
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp ground ginger
– 1/4 cup water
– Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and ginger.
3. Add chicken thighs to the marinade and toss to coat. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
4. Remove chicken from marinade and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
BBQ Ranch Chicken Thighs
Get ready for a flavor explosion with this simple and mouth-watering BBQ Ranch Chicken Thighs recipe! Tender chicken thighs smothered in a rich BBQ sauce, tangy ranch dressing, and crispy breadcrumbs – it’s a match made in heaven.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
– 1/4 cup ranch dressing
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together BBQ sauce and ranch dressing.
3. Dip each chicken thigh into the sauce mixture, coating evenly.
4. Roll the sauced chicken thighs in panko breadcrumbs until well-coated.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Peach Bourbon BBQ Chicken Thighs
Peach Bourbon BBQ Chicken Thighs: Sweet and Smoky Perfection
Get ready to elevate your barbecue game with this mouthwatering recipe that combines the flavors of peaches, bourbon, and BBQ sauce. The result is a tender, juicy chicken thigh dish that’s perfect for a summer cookout or a cozy dinner party.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup peach preserves
– 2 tablespoons bourbon whiskey (optional)
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together peach preserves, bourbon whiskey (if using), BBQ sauce, and honey until smooth.
3. Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
4. Brush the peach-bourbon glaze all over the chicken thighs, making sure they’re fully coated.
5. Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Smoked Paprika BBQ Chicken Thighs
Elevate your barbecue game with this sweet and smoky recipe that combines the bold flavors of smoked paprika with tender chicken thighs. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a summer cookout or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken thighs.
4. Grill the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. During the last minute of grilling, brush with BBQ sauce.
6. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Enjoy your delicious Smoked Paprika BBQ Chicken Thighs!
BBQ Chicken Thighs with Mango Salsa
This recipe combines the classic flavors of BBQ chicken with the tropical twist of mango salsa, perfect for a summer gathering or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh mango, diced (about 1 cup)
– Red onion, thinly sliced (about 1/2 cup)
– Jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped (about 1 tablespoon)
– Cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, honey, vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Place chicken thighs in a large baking dish and brush with the BBQ mixture.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, combine mango, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro in a bowl.
6. Serve chicken thighs with mango salsa spooned over top.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Buffalo BBQ Chicken Thighs
Get ready for a flavor explosion! This recipe combines the richness of BBQ sauce with the spicy kick of buffalo sauce, all on top of juicy chicken thighs.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
– 1/4 cup buffalo sauce (Frank’s RedHot or similar)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Place chicken thighs in a large bowl and brush the mixture evenly on both sides.
4. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Arrange chicken thighs in a single layer.
5. Drizzle BBQ sauce over the chicken, followed by buffalo sauce.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until cooked through.
7. Garnish with parsley or cilantro, if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Rosemary Garlic BBQ Chicken Thighs
Rosemary Garlic BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe
Elevate your barbecue game with this aromatic and flavorful recipe that combines the brightness of rosemary, the pungency of garlic, and the sweetness of BBQ sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in chicken thighs
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp fresh rosemary leaves, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, rosemary, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the chicken thighs in a shallow dish and brush the rosemary-garlic mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
4. Grill the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. During the last minute of grilling, brush the BBQ sauce on both sides of the chicken.
6. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Get ready to fire up your grill and indulge in a delicious array of BBQ chicken thigh recipes! This article features 20 mouth-watering variations that are sure to satisfy any craving. From sweet and tangy to spicy and smoky, each recipe offers a unique twist on the classic BBQ flavor. Try Honey Garlic BBQ Chicken Thighs, Spicy Sriracha BBQ Chicken Thighs, or Smoky Maple Bourbon BBQ Chicken Thighs for a taste adventure like no other. Whether you’re a BBQ newbie or an old pro, these recipes are sure to impress your family and friends.
