Nothing says summer like the smell of succulent barbecue chicken thighs sizzling away on the grill. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or just want to make a delicious dinner for your family, learning how to master the art of making perfect BBQ chicken thighs is essential.
Using this guide, you can learn everything from seasoning and marinating your chicken to cooking them perfectly on either a smoker or charcoal grill. With these simple steps, you’ll be able to turn out juicy and flavorful restaurant-quality barbecue every time! So let’s get started with mastering that grill!
Overview of BBQ chicken thighs
What are the BBQ chicken thighs?
BBQ chicken thighs are a popular and delicious meal choice for many people. They are easy to prepare, require minimal ingredients, and can be cooked on an outdoor grill or in the oven.
Chicken thighs, which come from the lower part of the chicken’s body, are darker than white meat cuts and have more fat. This makes them incredibly juicy and flavorful when cooked properly.
Nutrition of BBQ chicken thighs
1. BBQ chicken thighs are a great source of protein, providing about 27 grams per serving.
2. The fat content of grilled chicken thighs is about 13 grams per serving, with 4.5 grams coming from saturated fat and 3.2 grams from polyunsaturated fat.
3. The cholesterol content in BBQ chicken thighs is approximately 96 milligrams per serving and the sodium content is 127 mg per serving.
4. Grilled chicken thighs are an excellent source of niacin and selenium, providing 12% and 27% of the recommended daily values respectively.
5. Additionally, they provide significant amounts of vitamin B6 and phosphorus, each supplying 7% of the recommended daily value per serving.
6. Barbecued chicken thighs also contain notable amounts of iron (7%), zinc (8%), riboflavin (12%) and vitamin B12 (9%).
7. A single serving also supplies 8% of the recommended daily value for thiamin, as well as 5% for folate and pantothenic acid; all three B vitamins play important roles in energy metabolism within cells.
8 Grilled chicken thighs are also a good source of dietary fiber; one serving provides 1 gram or 4% of the recommended daily value for this important macronutrient.
Time to cook BBQ chicken thighs
How long to cook BBQ chicken thighs in oven?
Generally, when cooking BBQ chicken thighs in an oven, it will take anywhere from 25-35 minutes depending on the size of the thighs and the temperature of your oven.
Anything less than 25 minutes and the chicken might not be cooked through properly, while anything longer than 35 minutes can cause them to dry out and get tough.
How long to bake BBQ chicken thighs at 425?
Depending on how thick the chicken thighs are, it should take between 25-35 minutes to bake them until they are golden brown and cooked through. To ensure that the chicken is cooked thoroughly, use a thermometer to test that it has reached an internal temperature of 165°F.
Cooking the BBQ chicken thighs to perfection
How to bake BBQ chicken thighs?
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Prepare the BBQ sauce for the chicken. In a bowl, combine 1/4 cup of ketchup, 1/4 cup of honey, 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of white vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Mix all ingredients together until well combined.
Step 3: Place the chicken thighs on a baking sheet. Rub some oil onto the skin side to prevent it from sticking to the pan. Season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Once finished seasoning the chicken, pour half of your BBQ sauce over the thighs and spread it out evenly using a silicone brush or spoon. Make sure all sides are fully coated in sauce.
Step 5: Place the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes or until juices run clear when pierced with a fork. If you’d like extra crispiness on your chicken skin, turn up the heat to 400°F (200°C) for an additional 10 minutes at the end of baking time – just keep an eye on it so that it doesn’t burn!
Step 6: After 25 minutes have elapsed take out the baking sheet from the oven and brush the remaining BBQ sauce over the chicken thighs. Put back in the oven for 5-10 more minutes or until sauce starts bubbling around edges – this will help create that delicious caramelized bbq flavor we all love!
Step 7: Now that you’ve got yourself some perfectly cooked bbq chicken thighs it’s time to enjoy them! Serve as is or pair with other sides such as coleslaw, cornbread or roasted potatoes for a complete meal. Enjoy!
Broiled BBQ chicken thighs in oven – What to do?
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the chicken thighs on a baking sheet and season with salt, pepper, and your favorite BBQ seasoning.
Step 2: Broil the chicken in the oven for 10 minutes, then flip them over and broil for an additional 10 minutes. Check the temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to make sure it’s cooked through—the internal temperature should be 165°F.
Step 3: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and brush each piece of chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce. Return to the oven and continue to broil for an additional 5 minutes, or until golden brown and glazed with sauce.
Step 4: Take out of the oven; let cool slightly before serving and enjoy!
How to make grilled chicken thighs in oven?
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Place chicken thighs in an oiled baking dish. If you are using skinless, boneless chicken, you may need to brush the pieces with a little oil to help keep them moist.
3. Sprinkle salt and pepper over the chicken thighs and rub it into the meat lightly. You can use other seasonings if desired, such as garlic powder, cumin, paprika or herbs like rosemary or thyme.
4. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil on medium high heat in a skillet on the stovetop until it is hot enough that it starts to shimmer lightly but not smoke or burn.
5. Carefully place the seasoned chicken thighs in the hot skillet and sear each side for about 3 minutes until they have a nice golden brown color and some of their fat has begun to render out into the pan creating a flavorful base for grilling the chicken later in the oven.
6. Once seared, transfer the chicken thighs to your preheated baking dish and place in center of oven rack so they will cook evenly all around.
7. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes then turn your oven up to 425°F for an additional 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F when tested with an instant read thermometer probe inserted into thickest part of thigh away from bone (if you’re using bone-in chicken).
8. When done, remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes before serving to ensure juices stay within tender meat rather than running out onto cutting board when slicing into it with knife or fork (a shorter resting period is okay if short on time). Enjoy!
How to cook BBQ chicken thighs in oven 400?
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.
Step 2: Prepare the BBQ rub or marinade. Whisk together a teaspoon each of garlic powder, smoked paprika, and dried oregano, along with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Place chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Rub the prepared BBQ rub or marinade over each thigh, ensuring that all sides are evenly coated.
Step 4: Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes have passed, use a cooking thermometer to check the temperature at the thickest part of the thigh – it should read 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). If not, continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes until done.
Step 5: Remove from oven and let rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Serve hot with your favorite sides and enjoy!
How do you grill chicken thighs without drying it out?
Step 1: Gather your supplies. You will need a gas or charcoal grill, tongs, a thermometer, chicken thighs, and any seasonings you would like to use.
Step 2: Preheat the grill to medium heat (about 375-400°F). Make sure the flame does not come up over the sides of the grates.
Step 3: Clean your grill grates with a wire brush. This will help ensure that your chicken doesn’t stick to the grates as it cooks.
Step 4: Pat dry each side of the chicken thighs with paper towels. This will remove any excess moisture that could cause flare ups on the grill.
Step 5: Rub each thigh with olive oil and then sprinkle generously with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you would like to use. If marinating ahead of time, place them in a large plastic bag with 3/4 cup of Italian salad dressing (or another marinade of choice) and let sit in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before cooking on the grill.
Step 6: Place chicken thighs onto preheated and cleaned grill grates. Cover and cook for 10 minutes over medium heat without flipping them over.
Step 7: Flip each thigh over using tongs and continue cooking uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until an inserted thermometer reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit internally or juices run clear when pierced with a knife. For extra flavor and color, brush lightly with barbecue sauce during last few minutes of cooking time if desired.
Step 8: Remove from heat once cooked through properly and let rest for 5 minutes before serving or cutting into smaller pieces for salads or sandwiches etc.. Enjoy!
Do you put BBQ sauce on chicken before baking?
The answer to this question depends largely on personal preference and the type of dish that you are making. Generally speaking, if you are preparing a dish with a slow-cooking method such as baking, then it is usually recommended to apply the BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
This gives the sauce an opportunity to thoroughly coat the chicken and for its flavors to really penetrate into the meat.
Serving delicious BBQ chicken thighs
1. Preparing delicious BBQ chicken thighs requires marinating them in a savory blend of spices, such as paprika, garlic powder, thyme, and cumin.
2. Before cooking, add a bit of extra virgin olive oil to the chicken thighs to promote browning and crispiness during the grilling process.
3. For best results, fire up your grill or smoker to around 400 degrees Fahrenheit and place the chicken thighs directly over the heat source.
4. Close the lid of your grill or smoker and let the chicken cook for approximately 15 minutes until you see it turning golden brown on top.
5. Flip each piece over onto its opposite side; then close the lid again and let them cook for another 10-12 minutes until done through and through.
6. Use a meat thermometer to ensure your BBQ chicken is cooked safely all the way through; it should read 165°F when inserted into its thickest part before being taken off the grill or smoker.
Leftover BBQ Grilled chicken thighs – what to do?
Leftover BBQ Grilled Chicken Thighs are a great way to enjoy a tasty and nutritious meal without having to spend hours in the kitchen. There are many different ways to incorporate leftover BBQ grilled chicken thighs into your meals, from salads and sandwiches to casseroles and tacos.
- For a more filling and delicious meal, turn those leftovers into an easy pizza night. Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Take two whole wheat pitas or tortillas, top them with some marinara sauce, and add grilled chicken thighs, chopped bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese has melted and the crust is golden brown. Enjoy your homemade pizza loaded with protein-packed grilled chicken!
What is the best way to store BBQ chicken thighs?
The best way to store BBQ chicken thighs is to start with proper preparation.
- Begin by washing the chicken under cold water and patting it dry with a paper towel. Once the chicken is completely dry, season it with your favorite spices or marinade. For those who prefer a sweeter flavor, try adding some brown sugar or honey.
- Next, place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with foil and bake for about 40 minutes in an oven preheated to 375°F (190°C).
- Check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the thigh; it should be at least 165°F (74°C). As soon as they are cooked through, take them out and let them cool down before storing them.
- Once cooled down, transfer the cooked thighs into an airtight container or plastic bag. If you’re using plastic bags, make sure to press as much air out of them as possible before sealing it shut.
- When properly stored, your BBQ chicken thighs can last up to four days in the refrigerator and two months in the freezer if wrapped securely in plastic wrap or foil.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to store your BBQ chicken thighs properly and enjoy them later on! Not only will this help keep their taste and texture intact but also ensure that they are safe to eat after being reheated.
TIPS for cooking amazing BBQ chicken thighs
1. Before you even fire up the BBQ, make sure to properly season your chicken thighs. You can do this by rubbing the chicken with different spices, such as garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper. This will give it a delicious smoky flavor that everyone will love.
2. When cooking BBQ chicken thighs on the grill, make sure to cook them over medium-high heat with the lid closed for about 10 minutes to ensure they are cooked through and evenly browned on both sides. Don’t forget to flip them halfway through cooking.
3. To ensure your chicken thighs don’t stick to the grill grates and burn, be sure to oil or butter the grates before adding the chicken to the grill. You can also wrap each thigh individually in foil with a little bit of butter or olive oil inside for extra moisture.
4. Baste your BBQ chicken thighs frequently while they are cooking using a brush or spoon – this helps keep them moist and prevents burning or drying out on the outside while still keeping them juicy on the inside. A combination of melted butter and BBQ sauce is especially flavorful!
5. Avoid overcooking: As soon as your chicken thighs reach an internal temperature of 165F (74C), remove them from the heat as any more time could dry them out and give them an unpleasant texture.
6. Letting your BBQ chicken thighs rest for 5-10 minutes after taking off of heat allows all of those tasty juices to settle back into the meat so that it is tender, juicy, and succulent when served!
FAQs
What temperature should I cook BBQ chicken thighs?
For beef and poultry, the FDA recommends cooking it to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This means that you’ll need to heat your barbecue grill up to around 350-425 degrees Fahrenheit before starting.
Why you don’t apply the sauce too early in bbq chicken thighs?
1. Applying the sauce too early on a BBQ chicken thigh can cause the flavor of the sauce to be overwhelming and mask some of the natural flavors of the chicken thigh.
2. Applying the sauce too early can also cause it to burn, resulting in an unpleasant charred or bitter taste.
3. If applied too early, the sauce’s sugars can caramelize and form a thick coating on the chicken thigh which will prevent any further penetration of the marinade or seasonings into the meat.
4. If you apply your sauce too early, it may not have enough time to reach its full flavor potential as it needs time to sit and absorb all its own ingredients for optimal taste and texture.
5. Applying your sauce too soon can also lead to an imbalance in flavors as each ingredient in your marinade is contributing something different – so if one takes longer than another, there won’t be a harmony of flavors at all!
6. Another problem with applying your sauces too soon is that they can make your chicken very dry by trapping moisture within their sugars and starches – when this happens, moisture from the inside of the chicken is drawn out making it tough and chewy instead of juicy and succulent!
7. Lastly, applying sauces or marinades too soon can lead to unevenly cooked chicken since marinades are meant to be protective barriers between food and heat sources – so they should be added after cooking has already begun in order for them to do their job properly!
Conclusion
And that’s it! You’ve now made the most delicious BBQ chicken thighs. Be sure to enjoy them with your family and friends. thanks for following along, and we hope you had as much fun making this recipe as we did. If you try any of our other recipes, be sure to let us know how they turned out in the comments below. Happy cooking!