Name: Grilled BBQ Chicken That Nails Easy Grilled Chicken Recipes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs; 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Let’s be honest. When summer hits, I want to be outside with a drink in hand—not stuck babysitting a complicated dinner. That’s where this grilled BBQ chicken steps in. It’s smoky, juicy, a little charred in all the right places, and sweet where it counts. No dry, sad chicken breasts here. We’re talking thighs with enough flavor to make your neighbor lean over the fence ‘just to chat.’ I use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs because they’re practically foolproof on the grill. They soak up the marinade like champs and crisp up beautifully without turning into rubber. And hey, even if you accidentally wander off mid-cook, the forgiving fat content gives you a little grace. This recipe checks all the boxes: easy grilled chicken recipes, quick and easy recipes, air fryer easy recipes (yep, you can adapt it), easy chicken dinner recipes, and even sweet easy recipes if you lean into that honey glaze. Whether you’re meal-prepping or just avoiding the stove, this one’s for you. Let’s get our grill on—without the drama.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Grilled BBQ Chicken Recipe
3) Ingredients for Grilled BBQ Chicken
4) How to Make Grilled BBQ Chicken
5) Tips for Making Grilled BBQ Chicken
6) Making Grilled BBQ Chicken Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Grilled BBQ Chicken
8) Try these Grill recipes next!
9) Grilled BBQ Chicken
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

Learn how to make easy grilled chicken recipes without babysitting the grill
Get a step-by-step guide to the juiciest BBQ chicken thighs
Discover tips on storing, reheating, and prepping ahead for max flavor
Perfect for weeknight dinners, summer cookouts, or meal prep

2) Easy Grilled BBQ Chicken Recipe

It’s a summer evening. The sun’s hanging low, and you’ve got friends in the backyard. The last thing you want is to be stuck inside juggling twenty steps just to get dinner on the table. That’s where this grilled BBQ chicken comes in. It’s straightforward, it’s flavorful, and it practically runs itself once it hits the grates. If you’ve ever stared down a pack of chicken thighs and thought, “Now what?” — this is your answer.

The magic lies in the balance of ease and flavor. We’re not marinating overnight or building complex rubs. Instead, we’re keeping it tight with pantry staples and a reliable BBQ sauce. The skin crisps, the meat stays juicy, and that sweet glaze caramelizes just enough to make every bite sing. It falls squarely in the camp of easy grilled chicken recipes that don’t sacrifice flavor for convenience.

Whether you’ve got a gas grill or charcoal, or even want to experiment with your air fryer, this method adapts beautifully. It’s also one of those quick and easy recipes that makes weeknight cooking feel like a small win. Keep this one on rotation — you won’t get tired of it, and neither will your dinner guests.

3) Ingredients for Grilled BBQ Chicken

Chicken Thighs (2 lbs, bone-in, skin-on): These are the real MVP here. They hold up better to grilling than breasts, and the bone adds flavor while the skin keeps the meat juicy. Bonus: they’re forgiving if you’re chatting a little too long at the grill.

BBQ Sauce (1 cup): Whether you make your own or pour from a bottle, choose a sauce you love. Sweet, tangy, smoky — whatever hits the spot. This is where that classic BBQ flavor comes from, and it’s what’ll get your neighbors wandering over to ask what smells so good.

Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): A quick rub-down before grilling helps the seasonings stick and the skin crisp. It’s like giving your chicken a little massage before the main event.

Smoked Paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds depth and that slightly earthy heat without overwhelming the other flavors. It’s optional, but it really rounds things out.

Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Because garlic always has your back. It gives a mellow kick that plays nice with the sauce.

Onion Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Like garlic’s quieter cousin, onion powder adds warmth and background savoriness.

Salt (1/2 teaspoon): A little goes a long way in making the flavors pop. You want just enough to lift everything without going overboard.

Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Brings a gentle bite that cuts through the sweetness of the BBQ glaze. Ground fresh if you can swing it.

4) How to Make Grilled BBQ Chicken

Step 1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat — around 400°F. Don’t rush this. Let it get nice and hot so you get that sear right away.

Step 2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. This is a small move that makes a big difference in helping the skin crisp instead of steaming.

Step 3. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this all over the thighs. Get under the skin too if you can — flavor underneath makes each bite better.

Step 4. Place the chicken skin-side down on the grill. Grill for about 5 to 6 minutes. You’re looking for that first golden-brown char that screams summer.

Step 5. Flip the chicken and brush with BBQ sauce. Close the lid and let it cook another 5 to 7 minutes. Try not to open it too much — you want the heat to work its magic.

Step 6. Flip once more, brush the other side with sauce, and cook another 3 to 4 minutes. Use a thermometer to check that it hits 165°F inside.

Step 7. Let the chicken rest for five minutes. Grab a drink, breathe, and let the juices settle before diving in.

5) Tips for Making Grilled BBQ Chicken

Start with room temperature chicken. Pull it from the fridge about 20 minutes before grilling. Cold meat straight on the grill can seize up and cook unevenly. Room temp chicken cooks more evenly and retains its juices better.

Use indirect heat if you’re working with charcoal or have a hot grill. You don’t want flare-ups or burnt sugar from the sauce. Start with high heat to sear, then move the chicken to a cooler zone and let it finish there.

Don’t drown the chicken in sauce too early. The sugars in BBQ sauce can burn fast. That first layer of seasoning helps it cook through. Then add the sauce when it’s almost done, so it can caramelize without turning bitter. It’s one of the hallmarks of easy grilled chicken recipes — knowing when to wait and when to sauce.

6) Making Grilled BBQ Chicken Ahead of Time

If you’re anything like me, the thought of prepping ahead sounds good… until you’re halfway into dinner and realize you forgot to thaw the chicken. But for once, this dish makes planning ahead almost effortless.

Season and rub the chicken in advance — even a day before grilling. The spice blend soaks in beautifully, giving the meat a deeper flavor. Store the prepped thighs in the fridge in an airtight container, and they’ll be ready to hit the grill when you are.

You can even partially cook them using indirect heat, then finish on high when you’re ready to eat. It’s a neat trick for hosting, and lets you play the cool, calm grill master instead of sweating over hot coals when guests show up. And yes, this trick fits right in with easy grilled chicken recipes you’ll use all summer.

7) Storing Leftover Grilled BBQ Chicken

Let the chicken cool completely before packing it up. If you rush it into containers while it’s hot, condensation collects and makes the skin soggy. Nobody wants that.

Wrap leftovers in foil or store in a shallow, airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, use the oven or a quick stint in the air fryer to keep that outer crisp. The microwave works too — just don’t expect that crispy snap.

This also makes a solid base for lunch the next day. Slice the chicken over salads, stuff it into wraps, or mix it with leftover roasted veggies. One easy grilled chicken recipe, lots of ways to stretch it. That’s what I call a good deal.

8) Try these Grill recipes next!

9) Grilled BBQ Chicken