There’s just something about BBQ marinated chicken that makes my mouth water before it even hits the grill. It’s smoky, juicy, a little bit tangy, and packed with flavor. I’ve tried dozens of versions over the years, tweaking spices and experimenting with marinades, but this recipe is hands-down my favorite. It’s the one I reach for when I want to impress at cookouts or just bring some serious flavor to a weeknight dinner.
Whether you’re firing up a backyard barbecue or simply using a stovetop grill pan, this BBQ marinated chicken never disappoints. The marinade is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky, and it tenderizes the chicken beautifully. If you’ve been looking for a go-to BBQ chicken recipe that’s easy but doesn’t compromise on flavor, you’re in the right place.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Chicken thighs (boneless, skinless): I prefer chicken thighs because they’re more flavorful and juicy than chicken breasts. The dark meat holds up really well to grilling and stays tender after marinating.
BBQ sauce: Choose a high-quality BBQ sauce you love—whether it’s smoky, sweet, or spicy. This is the backbone of the flavor, so pick one that you wouldn’t mind licking off your fingers.
Soy sauce: This adds a salty, umami depth to the marinade. It balances out the sweetness of the BBQ sauce and helps tenderize the chicken.
Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic adds a nice bite and brings an aromatic kick to the marinade. Don’t skip it—jarred garlic works in a pinch, but fresh is always best.
Honey: A little honey enhances the caramelization during grilling and adds a gentle sweetness that complements the tang of the BBQ sauce.
Smoked paprika: This spice boosts the smoky flavor and gives the chicken that extra BBQ edge, even if you’re not cooking over wood or charcoal.
Black pepper: A few cracks of black pepper round out the flavor with just the right amount of heat and sharpness.
Olive oil: Helps the marinade coat the chicken evenly and keeps it from sticking to the grill.
Ingredients List
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
How to Make BBQ Marinated Chicken
Step 1: Make the Marinade
In a medium bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, honey, smoked paprika, black pepper, and olive oil until everything is well combined. The mixture should be smooth and slightly thick.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken thighs in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure every piece is thoroughly coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours—overnight is even better for maximum flavor.
Step 3: Preheat Your Grill
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Oil the grates lightly to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Place it on the grill and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). The chicken should have a nice char and sticky glaze.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Transfer the grilled chicken to a plate and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This keeps the juices locked in and makes for a more tender bite.
Tips for Making This Recipe
- Don’t rush the marinating time. Give it at least 2 hours for the flavors to really soak in.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked without drying it out.
- Double the marinade if you want to brush some extra on while grilling—just make sure to reserve it before adding it to raw chicken.
- Experiment with BBQ sauce flavors—chipotle, bourbon, or Carolina-style mustard BBQ sauces all work beautifully.
- If using chicken breasts, consider pounding them slightly to even thickness so they cook evenly.
- Let the grill heat properly before adding the chicken. This gives it that nice sear and prevents sticking.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Just be aware that chicken breasts cook faster and can dry out more easily. Marinate well and don’t overcook.
Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?
Yes! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for about 25–30 minutes, or until the internal temperature hits 165°F.
How long can I marinate the chicken?
You can marinate it for up to 24 hours. Beyond that, the texture may start to change too much.
Can I freeze the chicken in the marinade?
Definitely! Just combine the chicken and marinade in a freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before cooking.
Is it okay to use store-bought BBQ sauce?
Of course! Store-bought BBQ sauces are great time-savers. Just pick one you love the taste of, since it’s the star of the dish.