Name: Grilled Boneless Chicken Thighs
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs chicken thighs (boneless, skinless); 1.5 tbsp BBQ rub; 2 tbsp BBQ sauce; 1 tbsp olive oil (for the grill)

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Easy grilled boneless chicken thighs ready in under 20 minutes! This beginner-friendly recipe uses a simple BBQ rub and sauce for juicy, flavorful chicken every time.

See how to make this BBQ grilled boneless chicken thighs recipe…

Table of Contents

WHY YOU’LL LOVE MY GRILLED BONELESS CHICKEN THIGHS

Ready in under 20 minutes – Perfect for busy weeknights when you still want something grilled and delicious.
Super juicy every time – Boneless chicken thighs stay tender and flavorful, even over high heat.
Beginner-friendly – Simple BBQ rub + sauce + an easy two-zone grilling method.
Minimal ingredients – Just a handful of pantry staples you probably already have.
Versatile for leftovers – This chicken is just as good the next day in bowls, tacos, and more.

Try my easy St Louis ribs in oven.

INGREDIENTS

1.5 lbs chicken thighs, boneless, skinless
1.5 tbsp BBQ rub
2 tbsp BBQ sauce
1 tbsp olive oil (for the grill)

Also try these 15-minute grilled BBQ chicken kabobs.

POPULAR SUBSTITUTIONS & ADDITIONS

Swap the sauce – Use buffalo, honey mustard, or teriyaki instead of BBQ for a totally different flavor.
Add a quick marinade boost – Mix in crushed garlic, chili flakes, or hot sauce to the marinade for a little heat.

Also see my guide to grilled bone-in chicken thighs.

For another easy grilled chicken recipe, try make this smoky 3 ingredient grilled Mexican chicken marinade.

HOW TO GRILL BONELESS CHICKEN THIGHS

Here’s the step-by-step recipe…

Scroll to the bottom for a printable recipe.

**Step 1 –** Season the chicken. Pat chicken dry with a paper towel. Then coat with BBQ rub all over. Drizzle with BBQ sauce, rub it in, and marinate for 30 minutes up to overnight in the fridge. Optional: insert a wireless BBQ thermometer before grilling to cook them perfectly.

**Step 2** – Preheat the grill to ~500°F and safely brush grill grates with olive oil if desired to prevent sticking. Set up two grill zones: direct heat (flame on) and indirect heat (no flame).

**Step 3 –** Place boneless skinless chicken thighs over direct heat (right over the flame). Close the grill lid and cook for 4–5 minutes until grill marks form and chicken pulls up from the grates easily.

**Step 4 –** Flip the chicken (still over direct heat). Grill another 3–4 minutes with the lid closed.

**Step 5 –** Check temperature and pull any chicken that is done cooking to 172 degrees F. To prevent burning the outside while the thicker pieces of chicken finish cooking internally, move thighs to the indirect heat area of the grill until they all reach 172 degrees F.

**Step 6** – Remove grilled boneless skinless chicken thighs from the grill, rest 5-10 minutes, and enjoy.

De-licious!

TIPS FOR MAKING THE BEST GRILLED BONELESS CHICKEN THIGHS

Don’t skip the 30-minute marinade. Even a quick 30 minutes lets the BBQ rub and sauce soak in for better flavor and juicier chicken (overnight is even better).
Grill hot, then finish indirect. Start over high heat for grill marks, then move to indirect heat so the inside cooks through without burning the outside.
Cook to temp, not time. Pull at ~172°F for super tender, juicy thighs every time with no guesswork.

WHAT TO SERVE WITH CHICKEN THIGHS

Appetizer: BBQ Chicken Potato Skins
Salad: Make-ahead Mexican Salad or Summer Fruit Salad with Burrata
Side: Healthy Greek Pasta Salad
Dessert: Viral 2 Ingredient Cheesecake with Biscoff

Can’t wait to hear what you think!

I’d love to know how your version turned out! Drop a rating and leave a comment below to help the Sip Bite Go community. And if you snapped any photos, tag me on Instagram—I love sharing reader pics in my Stories!

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