How to Make the Perfect Grilled BBQ Chicken
American · Easy · 40 minutes min · 4 servings

Juicy grilled chicken thighs coated with a zesty barbecue sauce.
Why this recipe works
This Grilled BBQ Chicken recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 40 minutes minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 250 calories with 28g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 15 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 4 pieces chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.5 cup bbq sauce
- 0.5 lemon juice
- 0.5 cup water
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 clove garlic
- 0.5 cup fresh cilantro
- 1 cup corn on the cob
- 1 cup sliced bell peppers
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Prepare Chicken
Pat chicken thighs dry and place in a bowl.
Step 2: Make the Marinade
Mix olive oil, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Rub over chicken.
Step 3: Prepare BBQ Sauce
In a bowl, combine BBQ sauce, lemon juice, water, honey, and minced garlic.
Step 4: Preheat Grill
Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
Step 5: Grill Chicken
Cook chicken thighs for 6-7 minutes on each side, basting with BBQ sauce during the last 5 minutes.
Step 6: Serve
Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with corn and bell peppers.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- Chicken thighs → Chicken breasts
- BBQ sauce → Teriyaki sauce
- Fresh cilantro → Parsley
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not preheating the grill.
- Overcooking the chicken, making it dry.
- Using sauce too early, which can cause burning.
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 250 calories, 28g protein, 8g carbs, 12g fat, 0g fiber.
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