Grilled Chicken Thighs with BBQ Sauce
Tender chicken thighs grilled to perfection and coated in a delicious, smoky barbecue sauce. A simple and satisfying meal for two, ideal for grilling outdoors or indoors on a grill pan.
Prepare and season chicken
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. Rub 1 tablespoon olive oil all over the chicken thighs, then sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly on both sides. Gently rub the seasoning into the chicken.
💡 Pro Tips:
- •Patting chicken dry helps the seasonings stick and allows for better browning.
- •Rubbing the seasoning in ensures a flavorful crust.
Preheat grill
Preheat your outdoor grill to medium-high heat. If using a grill pan indoors, heat it over medium-high heat until it is hot and lightly smoking. A hot grill prevents sticking and helps create good grill marks.
💡 Pro Tips:
- •Make sure the grill is hot before adding chicken to get nice sear marks.
- •Cleaning grill grates before heating prevents sticking.
Grill the chicken
Place the seasoned chicken thighs on the hot grill. Cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The total cooking time will depend on the thickness of your thighs. For the last 2-3 minutes of grilling, brush the chicken generously with 1/2 cup barbecue sauce on both sides, allowing it to caramelize (turn slightly sticky and browned).
💡 Pro Tips:
- •Do not press down on the chicken while grilling, as this can make it dry.
- •Basting with sauce at the end prevents it from burning.
Rest and serve
Once the chicken is cooked, take it off the grill and let it rest on a cutting board or plate for 5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to settle back into the meat, keeping it tender and juicy. Serve the grilled chicken thighs immediately.
💡 Pro Tips:
- •Resting meat is important for keeping it juicy.
- •Serve with a side of coleslaw, potato salad, or corn on the cob.
- Medium bowl (for seasoning)
- Grill or grill pan
- Tongs
- Basting brush
- Meat thermometer (recommended)
- Paper towels
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- 💡For extra tenderness, you can marinate the chicken thighs in the seasoning and a tablespoon of olive oil for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
- 💡If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
- 💡Always check the label of your barbecue sauce to ensure it meets any specific dietary needs, such as gluten-free.
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