BBQ chicken thighs, oh, they’re like a summer sunset—warm, comforting, and just a little smoky around the edges. You know, I once tried this recipe during a backyard cookout, and let me tell you, the neighbors almost knocked down the fence to get a taste. These thighs are juicy, tender, and drenched in a sauce that dances between sweet and tangy—like an unexpected rain shower on a hot day.
Steps
- Season the chicken thighs on both sides with sea salt, pepper, Mrs. Dash Seasoning, and garlic powder. Ensure the thighs are evenly coated by turning them over.
- Add a tablespoon of mayonnaise to the chicken and mix well to evenly distribute the mayo.
- Include thick slices of onion and mix all the ingredients together. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or a lid and let it marinate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
- Preheat your grill and apply oil generously to the grill plates. Lower the heat and position the chicken thighs with the smooth side facing up.
- Cover the grill and cook the chicken for 12-15 minutes. Rotate the thighs once to create criss-cross grill marks, and baste them with BBQ sauce before flipping.
- After flipping, baste the other side with BBQ sauce, cover, and cook for another 12-15 minutes, rotating once more for grill marks. Ensure the chicken is done by cutting into the thickest part; clear juices indicate readiness. Flip the chicken again, coat with more BBQ sauce, and allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Preheat your oven to 400?F. Arrange the chicken thighs flat, smooth side up, on a large baking dish in a single layer.
- Bake the chicken at 400?F for 30 minutes. Then, increase the temperature to 450?F, remove the chicken to brush with BBQ sauce on the tops and sides, and return to the oven for 5 more minutes, until the glaze has set slightly.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds (approximately 10 pieces) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon Mrs. Dash Seasoning, plain or garlic, or your preferred seasoning blend
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 medium onion, sliced thickly
- Barbecue sauce (homemade or Stubb’s Original is recommended)
FAQ
- How long should I marinate the chicken thighs for optimal flavor?
- It’s recommended to marinate the chicken thighs for at least 6 hours, but letting them marinate overnight will yield the best results.
- What ingredients are needed for the marinade?
- You will need sea salt, pepper, Mrs. Dash Seasoning (or your preferred seasoning), garlic powder, mayonnaise, and thickly sliced onion for the marinade.
- What is the best way to grill the chicken thighs?
- Preheat the grill and oil the grill plates. Place the chicken thighs smooth side up, cover, and grill for 12-15 minutes. Baste with BBQ sauce before flipping, then grill for another 12-15 minutes. Ensure the chicken is cooked through by checking that the juices run clear.
- How can I bake the chicken thighs instead of grilling them?
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Arrange the chicken thighs smooth side up on a baking dish and bake for 30 minutes. Increase the temperature to 450°F, coat the chicken with BBQ sauce, and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
- How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
- The chicken is done when the juices run clear when you cut into the thicker part of the thigh.
Tips
- For optimal flavor, allow the chicken thighs to marinate for at least 6 hours, but ideally overnight, to ensure the meat absorbs all the seasonings.
- When grilling, preheat the grill and oil the grates well to prevent sticking. Adjust the heat to low and place the chicken thighs with the smooth side facing up for even cooking.
- To achieve beautiful criss-cross grill marks, rotate the chicken once during each grilling phase. Remember to baste with BBQ sauce before flipping for an enhanced glaze.
- If baking, after the initial cooking period, increase the oven temperature to 450°F and apply BBQ sauce generously. This will help the glaze adhere to the chicken, enhancing both flavor and appearance.
Equipment
- Grill – If you plan to use the grilling method and don’t already have a grill, you might consider purchasing one.
- Grill Brush – Useful for cleaning and oiling the grill plates.
- Large Rimmed Baking Dish – If you plan to use the baking method and don’t have a suitable dish, this might be needed.
