Mastering Bbq Chicken Thighs: Techniques For Succulent Results

BBQ chicken thighs are a juicy, delicious, and easy meal to make any time of the year. They can be grilled or oven-baked, and the recipe can be adapted to suit your taste preferences. The key to this dish is in the preparation and cooking method, which ensures the chicken is tender and flavoursome. The chicken thighs can be marinated in a dry rub or sauce, and then grilled to perfection. The result is a tasty, juicy, and tender chicken dish that can be served with a variety of sides.

Choosing the right chicken thighs

When selecting your chicken thighs, look for thighs with a nice amount of fat and skin. This will help to keep the meat moist and juicy during cooking. However, you will need to trim any excess fat or skin before placing the thighs on the grill, as these can burn or cause flare-ups.

If you are using bone-in chicken thighs, it is also a good idea to look for thighs with a nice, thick layer of meat. This will help ensure that the meat stays moist and juicy during cooking.

Once you have selected your chicken thighs, be sure to blot them with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This will help the skin to get nice and crispy while the inside stays tender and juicy.

Preparing the chicken

Trimming and Seasoning:

Start by trimming any excess fat or skin from the chicken thighs. This step is important to prevent burning or flare-ups on the grill. After trimming, season the chicken generously on all sides. You can use a store-bought seasoning blend or make your own. A basic seasoning mix typically includes salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and chilli powder. You can also add brown sugar to the mix for extra caramelisation and a touch of sweetness. Don't be afraid to experiment with different spices to find your perfect blend.

Marinating:

Place the seasoned chicken thighs in a large bowl. If using a dry rub, add it to the bowl and mix well, ensuring each piece of chicken is evenly coated. For a more intense flavour, you can add a liquid marinade. A simple marinade can be made by combining soy sauce, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, and Worcestershire sauce. Alternatively, you can use store-bought BBQ sauce as a marinade. Once the chicken is coated, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavours to penetrate the meat.

Bringing to Room Temperature:

About 30 minutes before grilling, remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. This step is important for achieving tender meat. While the chicken is coming to room temperature, preheat your grill to a medium-high heat, around 400°F for boneless thighs and 450°F for bone-in thighs. Clean the grill grates to ensure they are ready for the chicken.

Grilling:

Place the chicken thighs on the hot grill, with the skin side down if they have the skin on. For boneless, skinless chicken thighs, grill for 3-4 minutes on each side. For bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, grill for 4-6 minutes on each side. If you are using a charcoal grill, you can create a two-zone fire by arranging the coals on one side of the grill, allowing for both direct and indirect cooking. This gives you more control over the cooking process and helps prevent flare-ups.

Adding BBQ Sauce:

Once the chicken is almost cooked through, it's time to add your favourite BBQ sauce. You can brush or baste the sauce onto the chicken. If you are using a grill with a lid, close it after adding the sauce to allow the sauce to absorb into the chicken and finish cooking. For bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, the total cooking time will be around 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. For boneless, skinless chicken thighs, the cooking time will be slightly shorter, around 15-20 minutes. Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it is cooked thoroughly.

Resting:

Once the chicken is cooked to the desired temperature, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring juicy and tender chicken.

Remember, when it comes to seasoning and sauces, feel free to experiment with different combinations to find your perfect BBQ chicken thigh recipe. Enjoy!

Cooking methods

There are several ways to cook BBQ chicken thighs, whether you're using a grill, an oven, or an air fryer.

Grilling

If you're grilling your chicken thighs, you'll want to start by trimming any excess fat or skin from the thighs, as these can burn or cause flare-ups. Then, pat the thighs dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, which will help the skin get crispy while keeping the insides tender and juicy.

Next, you'll want to season your chicken. You can use a store-bought seasoning blend or make your own by combining spices like brown sugar, kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and chilli powder. Massage the seasoning into the thighs and let them sit for at least 30 minutes to infuse them with flavour.

When you're ready to grill, preheat your grill to between 350°F and 450°F. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down over direct heat and grill for 4-6 minutes to get that nice, crispy skin. Then, flip the chicken and cook for another 4-5 minutes. Finally, flip the chicken one last time, move it to indirect heat, and add your BBQ sauce. Cook for another few minutes to caramelise the sauce, then remove from the grill and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Oven-Baking

To oven-bake your BBQ chicken thighs, start by trimming any excess fat from the thighs. Then, combine your chicken with your chosen seasoning blend and mix until the chicken is evenly coated. Place the chicken in an airtight container and marinate in the fridge for at least 4 hours or up to overnight.

When you're ready to bake, preheat your oven to 400°F-425°F. Place the chicken thighs in a single layer on an aluminium foil-lined rimmed baking sheet, making sure they are evenly spaced apart. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F-190°F for dark meat or 165°F for white meat.

For an extra caramelised or charred exterior, you can turn on the broiler for the last few minutes of cooking. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.

Air Frying

While specific instructions for air frying BBQ chicken thighs were not found, air frying is mentioned as a possible cooking method. Air frying likely requires a shorter cooking time and lower cooking temperature compared to oven baking.

Sauces and marinades

When it comes to sauces and marinades, there are plenty of options to choose from when preparing BBQ chicken thighs. You can opt for a store-bought BBQ sauce or make your own. Here are some ideas for sauces and marinades to accompany your BBQ chicken thighs:

BBQ Sauce Options

You can choose from a variety of store-bought BBQ sauces or make your own homemade sauce. Some popular store-bought options include Stubb's Original BBQ Sauce or your favourite BBQ sauce. If you prefer to make your own, you can try a recipe that includes ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, regular or smoked paprika, and other spices. This homemade sauce can be prepared in just a few minutes and adds a unique flavour to your chicken.

Dry Rub or Marinade

Before grilling your chicken thighs, you can enhance their flavour by applying a dry rub or marinade. A dry rub typically consists of a combination of spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chilli powder, chipotle powder, and salt and pepper. You can also create your own custom blend by experimenting with different spices. It is recommended to let the chicken sit for at least 30 minutes after applying the dry rub to allow the flavours to infuse the meat.

Alternatively, you can opt for a marinade, which is a mixture of sauces and spices that the chicken is soaked in for a longer period of time, typically a few hours or overnight. A simple marinade could include olive oil, soy sauce, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, and Worcestershire sauce. You can also experiment with additional ingredients such as hot sauce, honey, or dijon mustard to create a unique flavour profile.

Serving suggestions

BBQ chicken thighs are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most of this delicious meal:

Side Dishes

BBQ chicken thighs can be served with a range of side dishes to create a balanced and tasty meal. Some options include:

• Grilled vegetables: Try asparagus, Brussels sprouts, corn on the cob, sweet potatoes, or potato wedges.
• Salads: A strawberry spinach salad or a classic potato salad can complement the chicken well.
• Baked goods: Bake some biscuits, such as Meme's Honey Butter Biscuits, or a side of Southern Jiffy Cornbread Dressing.
• Beans and pulses: Try some dressed-up baked beans or a black-eyed pea dip as a side dish.

Main Course or Sandwich

The chicken thighs can be the star of the show, served as the main course with a simple side of corn on the cob or a big salad. Alternatively, get creative and use the chicken to build a wonderfully messy BBQ chicken sandwich.

Leftovers

If you have any leftover BBQ chicken thighs, there are plenty of ways to repurpose them:

• Chicken salad: Shred the chicken, discard the bones, and mix with mayonnaise, onion, celery, and your choice of herbs.
• BBQ chicken pizza: Use a store-bought crust and add your favourite toppings.
• BBQ pulled chicken: Shred the chicken, add extra BBQ sauce, and serve on a bun.

Customisation

BBQ chicken thighs can be customised to your taste preferences. For a sweeter flavour, use a BBQ sauce that is heavy on the brown sugar or honey. If you prefer a spicy kick, opt for a sauce with chipotle powder, sriracha, or hot sauce. You can also experiment with different dry rubs and marinades to find your favourite combination.

Frequently asked questions