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5 from 1 vote

Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs

These Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs are a favorite in our household. They’re incredibly easy to make and perfect for everything from weeknight family dinners to weekend backyard barbecues.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Turkish
Diet: Gluten Free
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 536kcal
Author: Ayla Clulee

Ingredients

  • 2 ⅕ lbs bone in skin on chicken thighs (1 kilo)
  • 2 tablespoon plain natural yogurt
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme or oregano
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon chili flakes
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, thyme (or oregano), paprika, and chili flakes. Mix well to create a smooth marinade.
  • Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl with the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
  • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
  • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F or 190-200°C). Lightly grease the grill grates with oil to prevent sticking.
  • Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Place the thighs skin-side down on the grill over direct heat.
  • Grill for 5-7 minutes per side, or until you have a nice char on the outside.
  • Move the chicken thighs to indirect heat and continue grilling for another 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  • Remove the chicken thighs from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Start by grilling the thighs over direct heat to give them a nice char, then move them to indirect heat to cook through without burning.
  • Always brush the grill grates with oil before grilling to avoid sticking.
  • To ensure your chicken is cooked perfectly, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
  • Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after grilling. This helps keep the meat juicy.
  • If you prefer boneless, skinless chicken thighs, reduce the cooking time by a few minutes, as they will cook faster than bone-in, skin-on thighs.

Nutrition

Calories: 536kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 43g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 20g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 209mg | Sodium: 752mg | Potassium: 466mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 238IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 34mg | Iron: 2mg