Juicy barbecued chicken thighs made with a simple marinade and grilled or baked to perfection. This easy BBQ chicken recipe uses boneless skinless thighs, flavorful seasoning, and your favorite barbecue sauce. Great for cookouts, weeknight dinners, or meal prep.

Table of Contents

Ingredients

3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 10 pieces)
1 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp ground black pepper (or to taste)
1 tsp Mrs. Dash seasoning (plain or garlic blend, or your favorite seasoning)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 Tbsp real mayonnaise
1 medium onion, thickly sliced
BBQ sauce of choice

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

Place chicken thighs in a large bowl or dish.
Season both sides with sea salt, pepper, Mrs. Dash, and garlic powder.
Add mayonnaise and toss to evenly coat the chicken.
Add thick onion slices and mix to combine.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight for best flavor.

2. Grilling Method

Preheat the grill and oil the grates well.
Lower heat to medium-low and place chicken thighs smooth-side up.
Cover and grill for 12–15 minutes, rotating once for crosshatch grill marks.
Brush the tops with BBQ sauce before flipping.
Flip the thighs, baste the other side, and continue grilling for another 12–15 minutes.
Check for doneness: juices should run clear, and internal temperature should reach 165°F.
Optionally flip and baste one last time before removing from the grill.
Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.

3. Oven-Baked Method

Preheat oven to 400°F.
Arrange marinated chicken thighs smooth-side up in a single layer in a rimmed baking dish.
Bake for 30 minutes.
Increase oven temperature to 450°F.
Brush tops and sides generously with BBQ sauce.
Return to oven for 5 more minutes until the glaze is set and slightly caramelized.

Tips

Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness (165°F internal temp).
Don’t skip the marinating time—this step adds flavor and tenderness.
Mayo helps lock in moisture and gives the chicken a great texture when grilled or baked.
Slice onions thick to prevent burning on the grill or in the oven.

Variations and Substitutions

Spicy version: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the marinade.
Sweet twist: Mix honey or brown sugar into the BBQ sauce for a sweeter glaze.
Seasoning alternatives: Try Cajun spice, smoked paprika, or Italian seasoning.
No grill? The baking method delivers equally juicy results.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken thighs?
Yes, but increase cook time by 5–10 minutes and always check for doneness.

Is mayonnaise necessary?
It helps with moisture and flavor, but you can substitute with Greek yogurt or olive oil.

Can I freeze marinated chicken?
Absolutely. Place the marinated chicken in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with grilled vegetables, coleslaw, or potato salad.
Pair with corn on the cob or baked beans for a classic BBQ meal.
Slice leftovers for sandwiches, wraps, or salads.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These barbecued chicken thighs are tender, flavorful, and easy to make with simple ingredients. Perfect for summer grilling or baked any time of year, this recipe is versatile, meal-prep friendly, and packed with smoky BBQ flavor the whole family will ask for again.