Homemade Healthy BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe features juicy chicken thighs marinated in a smoky barbecue sauce, grilled or baked to perfection serves 4 and takes about 45 minutes from start to finish making it a perfect dish for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.
Try More Chicken Recipes:
🧡 Why You’ll Love This Homemade Healthy BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe:
- Smoky Flavor: Packed with smoky BBQ goodness, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavors.
- Juicy and Tender: The marinade ensures each bite is succulent and flavorful.
- Quick and Easy: Simple to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight meals or summer barbecues.
- Customizable: Adjust spices and toppings to suit your preferences, creating a personalized dish every time.
❓ What Is BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe?
BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe is a flavorful dish featuring chicken thighs marinated in barbecue sauce, grilled or baked to perfection. This recipe is ideal for smoky, juicy chicken lovers and perfect for casual dinners or festive gatherings.
🍗 Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup chopped nuts (optional, for topping)
- Salt to taste
🧆 Instructions:
- Combine BBQ sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt in a bowl. Mix well.
- Coat chicken thighs with the marinade and let them sit for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
- Preheat grill to medium heat or oven to 375°F (190°C).
- For Grilling: Grill chicken thighs skin-side down for 7–8 minutes. Flip and cook for another 7–8 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- For Baking: Place chicken on a baking sheet lined with foil. Bake for 25–30 minutes, basting with extra BBQ sauce halfway through.
- Sprinkle chopped nuts over the cooked thighs for added crunch and flavor. Let rest for 5 minutes and serve hot with your favorite sides.
📍 Recipe Tips
- Choose High-Quality BBQ Sauce: Use a flavorful BBQ sauce that complements the smoky and sweet profile of the dish. Homemade sauces work great too.
- Marinate for Flavor: Allowing the chicken to marinate for several hours enhances the depth of flavor. Overnight marination is ideal.
- Check the Internal Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Prevent Burning: When grilling, cook on medium heat and avoid placing chicken directly over high flames to prevent burning.
- Add Smokiness: For an extra smoky flavor, use a charcoal grill or add wood chips to your grill.
🥙 What To Serve With BBQ Chicken Thighs?
Serve BBQ Chicken Thighs with creamy coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread for a classic BBQ meal pair with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for a lighter option that complements the smoky flavors perfectly.
🎚 How To Store Leftover BBQ Chicken Thighs?
- Refrigerate: Place cooled leftover bbq chicken thighs in an airtight container store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Wrap each leftover bbq chicken thigh in foil place in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
🥵 How To Reheat Leftover BBQ Chicken Thighs?
- In The Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) place leftover bbq chicken thighs on a baking sheet cover with foil and heat for 5 minutes until warmed through.
- In The Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe dish leftover bbq chicken thighs covered for 2–3 minutes flipping halfway. Add a splash of water or sauce to keep moist.
FAQs
How do I ensure my BBQ Chicken Thighs remain juicy and tender?
To keep BBQ Chicken Thighs juicy and tender, marinate them for at least 30 minutes to overnight. Cooking them over medium heat and avoiding overcooking are key. Adding a glaze of BBQ sauce during cooking also locks in moisture.
Can I make BBQ Chicken Thighs without marinating them?
Yes, you can make BBQ Chicken Thighs without marinating, but the flavor may not be as intense. Consider brushing them generously with BBQ sauce during cooking for a quick flavor boost.
Are BBQ Chicken Thighs healthy?
BBQ Chicken Thighs can be part of a healthy meal when paired with nutritious sides like roasted vegetables or a salad. Opt for homemade BBQ sauce to control sugar and sodium levels.
What’s the difference between grilled and baked BBQ Chicken Thighs?
Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs have a smoky, charred flavor, while baked thighs are more tender and evenly cooked. Both methods are delicious and depend on your preference and available equipment.
Can I cook BBQ Chicken Thighs in a cast-iron skillet?
Yes, a cast-iron skillet is ideal for cooking BBQ Chicken Thighs. Sear the thighs skin-side down first, then finish cooking in the oven or on the stovetop with a lid to retain moisture.
How do I prevent BBQ sauce from sticking to the grill when making BBQ Chicken Thighs?
To prevent BBQ sauce from sticking, lightly oil the grill grates before cooking BBQ Chicken Thighs. Apply the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking to avoid excessive caramelization.
More Chicken Recipes:
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 284
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fats: 15g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fiber: 1g
Homemade Healthy BBQ Chicken Thighs
Description
Homemade Healthy BBQ Chicken Thighs Recipe features juicy chicken thighs marinated in a smoky barbecue sauce, grilled or baked to perfection serves 4 and takes about 45 minutes from start to finish making it a perfect dish for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine BBQ sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt in a bowl. Mix well.
- Coat chicken thighs with the marinade and let them sit for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
- Preheat grill to medium heat or oven to 375°F (190°C).
- For Grilling: Grill chicken thighs skin-side down for 7–8 minutes. Flip and cook for another 7–8 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- For Baking: Place chicken on a baking sheet lined with foil. Bake for 25–30 minutes, basting with extra BBQ sauce halfway through.
- Sprinkle chopped nuts over the cooked thighs for added crunch and flavor. Let rest for 5 minutes and serve hot with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Choose High-Quality BBQ Sauce: Use a flavorful BBQ sauce that complements the smoky and sweet profile of the dish. Homemade sauces work great too.
Marinate for Flavor: Allowing the chicken to marinate for several hours enhances the depth of flavor. Overnight marination is ideal.
Check the Internal Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Prevent Burning: When grilling, cook on medium heat and avoid placing chicken directly over high flames to prevent burning.
Add Smokiness: For an extra smoky flavor, use a charcoal grill or add wood chips to your grill.