Grilled Chicken Thighs

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Are you craving juicy, flavor-packed grilled chicken thighs? It’s time to fire up the grill because this recipe delivers tender, smoky chicken infused with the perfect balance of spices and char.

Whether you keep it classic with a simple marinade or use my simple chicken rub, these grilled chicken thighs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Their crispy skin and juicy interior make them the first to disappear at cookouts.

This grilled chicken thigh recipe is perfect for hosting a backyard BBQ or just wanting an easy, flavourful dinner.

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Perfectly Grilled Chicken Thighs

You will love this recipe’s bold flavors, juicy texture, and simple prep. The rub and glaze does all the heavy lifting, infusing the chicken with just the right amount of smokiness, tang, and savory goodness.

Additionally, because we’re using chicken thighs, you can rest assured that the meat will stay tender and moist on the grill—there’s no need to worry about dry chicken!

Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or grilling for a summer cookout, this recipe is easy, packed with flavour, and goes with just about any side.

What You’ll Need

For Homemade Rub:

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Or If Using Store-Bought Rub:

• 4-5 tablespoons store-bought chicken or BBQ rub (about 2 teaspoons per thigh)

For the Glaze:

• ⅓ cup BBQ sauce
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

For the Main:

• 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

How to Make Grilled Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Make the Rub (If Using Homemade)

Mix brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, dried thyme, and cayenne (if you like a little heat).

Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels, drizzle olive oil over them, and rub it to coat evenly.

Step 2: Apply the Rub

Heat the grill to medium (around 375°F), so it’s ready when you are.

Generously sprinkle the seasoning mix (or your favorite store-bought rub) over both sides of the chicken, pressing it in gently. If you’re using store-bought, about 2 teaspoons per thigh will do. Let the chicken sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes while you fire up the grill.

Step 3: Make the Glaze

Mix BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce in a small saucepan. Heat on low, stirring occasionally, until everything is nice, warm, and combined. Set it aside.

Step 4: Grill

Place the chicken thighs on the grill skin-side down. Let them cook for about 7-8 minutes or until the skin is crispy and you see good grill marks.

Flip the chicken over and grill for another 5 minutes. Then, generously brush the tops with the honey BBQ glaze.

Keep grilling for another 5-7 minutes, glazing once more halfway through. The chicken is done when it reaches 175°F internally.

Step 5: Let It Rest

Take the chicken off the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before you dig in. Serve up your juicy, glazed chicken hot with any extra glaze on the side for dipping.

What Temperature to Cook At

For perfectly cooked chicken thighs, aim to grill at a medium heat of around 375°F. This temperature ensures the chicken cooks through evenly, achieving that crispy skin while remaining juicy inside.

You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature reaches 175°F, ideal for tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken.

Cooking to this temperature will also help break down the connective tissue, making the chicken extra tender.

need to store leftover grilled chicken thighs, let them cool

How To Store Leftovers and Reheat

If you need to store leftover grilled chicken thighs, let them cool to room temperature before placing them in an airtight container.

You may refrigerate leftovers for up to 3-4 days. When ready to reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated.

For a quicker option, reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, though the skin may lose some crispiness. Alternatively, you can reheat on the grill for a few minutes to revive the crispness.

What To Serve With

Here are some of my favorite sides for grilled chicken thighs;

Sides:

Grilled Garlic Bread

Baked Sweet Potatoes

Grilled Cornbread

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Smoke On!

Charlie

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