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← BlogJune 30, 2026
SK
Su Kumar · DishBloom Editor

How to Make the Perfect Grilled BBQ Chicken

American · Easy · 40 minutes min · 4 servings

Grilled BBQ Chicken

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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