For the tastiest seasoned Grilled Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs, this easy recipe is simply perfect. The flavorful dry rub uses pantry staples for a sweet, spicy, and bold. So fire up your grill and in 15 minutes these tender juicy chicken thighs are ready for dinner.
Why this Easy Grilled Chicken Thigh Recipe is Amazing: Unlike other recipes this one has a seasoning blend for a punch of flavor and is made without a marinade; no need to plan ahead or waiting. This is the best last minute simple & quick meal.
This grilled chicken thigh recipe is great for summer, especially holiday cookouts, tailgating on game day, or camping. But it is so yummy and easy to make that it should be part of your regular meal rotation all year long.
If you love to grill chicken, you will also love my recipe for Boneless Skinless BBQ Chicken Breasts. Both come out tender & moist & go great with a Simple Spinach Salad. Ok, now we grill!
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Ingredients for Grilled Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
This grilled chicken thigh recipe only calls for 4 ingredients, plus some salt & pepper. There is no sauce or marinade for this recipe, just a simple homemade seasoning blend with Mediterranean flavors. I told you, EASY!
I love this recipe for a crowd since thighs are an inexpensive protein 7 more budget friendly compared to breasts or steaks. Plus it is high-protein, low-carb, keto, diabetic-friendly & paleo (see recipe tips for substitutions & nutritional facts in recipe card)
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs - pat them dry so the spice blend will stick.
- Brown Sugar - for sweetness & caramelization.
- Paprika - smokey flavor and color.
- Garlic Powder - a bold aromatic that is great on any chicken dish.
- Salt & Black Pepper - classic spices.
See the recipe card for quantities.
How Long to Grill Boneless Chicken Thighs
Ok, I know what you are thinking... "what is so special about BBQing chicken thighs - looks boring?" Nope, not at all. This basic grilling recipe is ideal for beginners.
Begin by preparing your charcoal grill or preheating your propane/gas grill. You want the grill to be at 350° when you put the chicken on to the barbecue. Here is how to make this recipe:
- Make the Spice Rub
- Grill the Chicken Thighs
- Rest & Slice
1 - Make the Spice Rub
Make sure the chicken is dry so the spices will stick. Pat them dry on both sides with a paper towel.
Add brown sugar to the 4 spices. Stir to combine into a sweet & spicy dry rub.
Press the sprinkled-on seasoning blend so it coats and sticks to both sides of the chicken thighs.
2 - Grill the Chicken Thighs
Boneless skinless chicken thighs cook quickly on the grill. If the grill holds a steady 350°, they are done in 10-12 minutes.
We are grilling these with two different steps. Trust me, this is how to do it for the best chicken - not overcooked & won't be dry!
Place chicken on the hot grill. Over direct heat, sear for 3 minutes on each side & leave the lid on the grill open.
Move them to the side & cook over indirect heat for another 3-5 minutes with the lid now closed.
They are done when the internal temp is 165°. I use a quick-read instant thermometer to check and my favorite one is listed below - it's magnetic too so I never lose it!
Hint: let the grill run for 5 minutes to burn off any remnants, then clean it. I like to use this bristle-free barbecue brush for cleaning the grill.
To make grilling uncomplicated no matter what you are cooking, check out, Grilling with the Lid on or Off - all you need to know.
3 - Rest & Slice
Let the chicken thighs rest for a few minutes before slicing. This will let the juices settle and not just run out of the meat when cut.
Serving & Storing
I love this recipe for meal planning to enjoy different ways & leftovers for lunches. Boneless skinless meat is fun for making rice bowls, adding to salads, enjoy in a sandwich or wrap - the possibilities are endless.
What to Serve with BBQ Chicken Thighs : what season, what events etc to serve this. Serve with a side dish like homemade sweet potato fries.
Recipes Tips & Behind the Scenes
Here's my recipe for success - including what I learned when testing, fun stories, recipe history, and more.
- #1 TIP - Add spices to chicken pieces that have been patted dry.
- ALWAYS Sear the chicken first over direct heat with the lid open and then finish it with the lid closed over indirect heat.
- Bring your grill to 350° before adding the chicken to get the crust that seals in the juices for moist meat every time.
- Do not over cook or you will have dry chewy & difficult to eat chicken.
- These grilled thighs are gluten-free, low-calorie, dairy-free, & nut-free.
- For low-carb, keto, or paleo; use coconut sugar or use golden monk fruit instead of the brown sugar
- Cut the salt in half for a low-sodium version.
- Spicy version - add ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
- If you only have bone-in thighs, here is any easy way to debone them.
- I have been making for almost 30 years. I started making this in 1995, tailgating at Oakland Raider games for a quick cook so I didn't miss kickoff.
This recipe works on any type of grill -charcoal, propane, gas, or electric.
FAQ
Depending on your dietary goals and situation, chicken can be a healthy part of a complete diet. For those on a low-fat diet, chicken thighs that are skinless are a good option.
However, for those on a keto or high-fat diet, chicken thighs with skin are preferred. But thighs are fattier than breasts with twice the amount.
I love making a big batch of these ahead of time to enjoy all week for lunch or dinner. They are perfect for adding to wraps, sandwiches, soups, and salads like my Broccoli Apple Salad. Or make a bowl with some Chicken Broth Rice & Steamed Frozen Veggies.
RECIPE NOTE: this recipe was originally published June 2024. It has been updated to include similar recipes, substitutions & serving suggestions, additional photos, concise steps, and meal planning tips for republishing in 2026.
Grilled Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
Equipment
- grill
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika sweet or smoked or combo of both
Instructions
- Prepare the charcoal, gas, or propane grill. The grill should be at 350° before starting to cook.
- First, mix the brown sugar and the spices in a small bowl.
- Once combined, sprinkle it on both sides of the chicken. Using your hands, pat the seasoning blend so it sticks to the chicken.
- Place the boneless skinless chicken thighs on the hot grill. Leave the lid open and sear each side for 3 minutes.
- Once each side is seared, move them to the side or top rack for indirect heat. Now close the lid to finish cooking them for another 3-5 minutes.
- Using an instant-read thermometer, check for an internal temperature of 165°.
- Remove from the grill to a serving platter. Enjoy!
Notes
- Store the grilled chicken in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. They will be good for 3-4 days.
- Freeze for up to 30 days.
- Enjoy cold in salads or sandwiches. Reheat in the microwave, air fryer or oven until warm.
- Make sure to cook until 165°F internal temperature only. Do NOT overcook or they will be dry.
- Omit the brown sugar or use monkfruit for a low-carb/keto/sugar-free version.
- Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper to the spice blend for a SPICY kick of heat.
Nutrition
More Easy Chicken Thigh Recipes
If you love simple boneless chicken thigh recipe, try these similar favorites here on the blog:
- CRANBERRY CHICKEN THIGHS
- MEDITERRANEAN CHICKEN THIGHS
- CREAMY LEMON BUTTER DILL CHICKEN
- CREAMY COCONUT LIME CHICKEN
This recipe is a favorite on my list of Best 30-Minute Low-Carb Chicken Recipes.
Ami says
Angela, great looking chicken thighs! Nice and juicy! Gonna try this tomorrow can't wait looks delicious 😍😍😍