If you’re craving a dish that bursts with rich, smoky flavors and tender, juicy chicken, you absolutely have to try this Grilled BBQ Chicken with Smoky Marinade Recipe. It’s a beautiful harmony of sweet, tangy, and smoky notes all wrapped up in perfectly grilled chicken thighs that are so tender they’ll simply melt in your mouth. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe is a guaranteed winner that brings that irresistible BBQ vibe right into your backyard or kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of these ingredients fool you—each one plays a vital role in creating the magic of this Grilled BBQ Chicken with Smoky Marinade Recipe. From the sweetness of brown sugar to the depth of balsamic vinegar and the smoky hint of paprika, every element adds layer and balance to the final taste and texture.
- 2 lb skinless boneless chicken thighs: The perfect choice for juicy, tender meat that grills beautifully without drying out.
- ¼ cup tomato paste: Provides a rich, concentrated base that adds depth and color to the marinade.
- ¼ cup brown sugar: Adds sweetness that caramelizes beautifully on the grill for that signature BBQ char.
- 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar: Brings tanginess and a subtle sweetness that balances the smoky flavors.
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Introduces a savory umami kick to enrich the marinade.
- ½ tbsp Dijon mustard: Adds a slight sharpness that brightens and lifts the other flavors.
- 1 tsp sweet smoked paprika: The star smoky ingredient that gives this recipe its distinct BBQ personality.
- ½ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and seasons the chicken perfectly.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: Adds a fresh, vibrant touch and a pop of color to the finished dish.
How to Make Grilled BBQ Chicken with Smoky Marinade Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
This is the heart of the recipe where all the flavors come together beautifully. In a large dish, whisk the tomato paste, brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, sweet smoked paprika, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Then add your chicken thighs and toss everything together until each piece is generously coated. Let the chicken soak up all those gorgeous flavors by marinating it for at least one hour, or even better, overnight in the refrigerator.
Step 2: Preheat the Grill
A well-preheated grill is key to achieving that perfect smoky sear and juicy interior. Set up your grill for direct heat cooking but make sure you have some indirect heat space as well. This setup allows you to sear the chicken initially and then cook it through gently without drying it out, giving you the best texture and flavor.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Place your marinated chicken thighs on the grill over direct heat to start—this creates that beautiful char and caramelized crust you want. Cook until the chicken is nicely browned, then move it to indirect heat to finish cooking slowly. The goal is to reach an internal temperature of 165°F, which usually takes about 15 minutes per batch. This step ensures the chicken stays juicy and tender while soaking up all that amazing smoky marinade flavor.
How to Serve Grilled BBQ Chicken with Smoky Marinade Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh parsley over the grilled chicken just before serving to add a fresh herbal note and vibrant color contrast that makes the dish pop visually and adds a little brightness to every bite.
Side Dishes
This grilled BBQ chicken pairs beautifully with classic sides like creamy coleslaw, grilled corn on the cob, or a fresh green salad with a zingy vinaigrette. For heartier options, consider roasted sweet potatoes or a smoky baked bean dish to keep the BBQ vibe going strong.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this chicken sliced over a bed of fluffy rice or tucked into warm tortillas for a flavorful BBQ chicken taco night. You can also pile slices onto toasted buns with crispy onions and pickles for an irresistible grilled chicken sandwich that everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, place the grilled chicken in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken in freezer-safe bags or containers. Just make sure to remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. Frozen cooked chicken will retain its flavor for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat your chicken gently in the oven or on a grill over medium heat to keep it juicy and flavorful. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to dry out the meat. Adding a splash of water or covering with foil can help retain moisture when reheating in the oven.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
You can, but chicken thighs are preferred for this Grilled BBQ Chicken with Smoky Marinade Recipe because they stay more tender and juicy when grilled. If you use breasts, watch the cooking time closely to avoid drying out the meat.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
Ideally, marinate the chicken for at least one hour to let the flavors infuse properly. For the best results and deeper flavor penetration, marinating overnight in the refrigerator is highly recommended.
Is it possible to make this recipe without a grill?
Absolutely! You can use a grill pan on the stovetop or bake the marinated chicken in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through. While you won’t get the same smoky char, the marinade will still deliver fantastic flavor.
What does the smoked paprika do in this recipe?
Smoked paprika is the secret weapon that adds a distinctive smoky flavor without needing a smoker. It complements the balsamic vinegar and brown sugar perfectly to create that classic BBQ flavor profile.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, this Grilled BBQ Chicken with Smoky Marinade Recipe scales up beautifully. Just be sure to use a big enough container for marinating and give the chicken enough space on the grill for even cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled BBQ Chicken with Smoky Marinade Recipe has quickly become one of my absolute go-to dishes because it’s simple, bursting with flavor, and always a crowd-pleaser. The balance of smoky, sweet, and tangy notes paired with juicy chicken is just irresistible. I can’t recommend enough giving this recipe a try—you’ll wonder how you ever BBQ’d without it!
Print
Grilled BBQ Chicken with Smoky Marinade Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (including marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Grilled BBQ Chicken recipe features tender, juicy skinless boneless chicken thighs marinated in a flavorful blend of tomato paste, brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika. Perfectly grilled to perfection, this dish is ideal for a satisfying, savory meal with a smoky barbecue twist.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 lb skinless boneless chicken thighs
Marinade
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp sweet smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large dish, whisk together tomato paste, brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, sweet smoked paprika, and salt until well combined and smooth. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, tossing them thoroughly to coat every piece evenly. Cover and refrigerate, allowing the chicken to marinate for at least one hour or ideally overnight to enhance the flavor.
- Preheat the Grill: Prepare your grill by setting it up for direct heat cooking and ensure indirect heat zones are ready for temperature control. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, approximately 375°F to 450°F, to achieve a perfect sear on the chicken.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken thighs on the grill over direct heat. Cook each batch for about 15 minutes, turning occasionally to promote even browning. Monitor the internal temperature with a meat thermometer, aiming for 165°F to guarantee the chicken is fully cooked and juicy. If flare-ups occur, move the chicken to indirect heat to avoid charring while finishing the cooking process. Once cooked, remove from the grill.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the grilled chicken to a serving platter and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a bright, fresh finish. Serve immediately with your choice of sides for a delicious barbecue meal.
Notes
- Marinating overnight intensifies the flavor and tenderness of the chicken.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Control flare-ups on the grill by using indirect heat when necessary.
- Fresh parsley adds a vibrant touch to the finished dish but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Skinless boneless thighs keep the chicken juicy and allow for faster cooking on the grill.
