If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances rich smoky flavors with finger-licking sweetness, then this Grilled BBQ Chicken with Smoky Marinade Recipe is going to be your new go-to. Tender chicken thighs soak up a vibrant marinade bursting with tomato paste, brown sugar, and a hint of smoked paprika, delivering a mouthwatering combination full of depth and charm. The grilling process caramelizes the sugars, creating a beautifully charred exterior while locking in juicy, flavorful meat inside. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a casual backyard party or simply want to elevate your weeknight dinner, this recipe brings warmth and excitement to your plate every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might seem simple, but each one plays a critical role in crafting that unforgettable smoky, tangy, and slightly sweet profile. Together, they build layers of flavor and texture that make the grilled chicken irresistible.
- 2 lb skinless boneless chicken thighs: Juicy and tender, perfect for soaking up marinade and grilling evenly.
- ¼ cup tomato paste: Adds a rich, concentrated tomato flavor and a thick base for the marinade.
- ¼ cup brown sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a beautiful caramelized crust on the grill.
- 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar: Brings brightness and a tangy depth to balance the sweetness.
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami and complexity to the marinade.
- ½ tbsp Dijon mustard: Contributes a subtle sharpness that enhances all the other flavors.
- 1 tsp sweet smoked paprika: The star that infuses the marinade with that smoky signature taste.
- ½ tsp salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing every ingredient to life.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: A fresh pop of green color and mild herbaceous note when serving.
How to Make Grilled BBQ Chicken with Smoky Marinade Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by whisking together the tomato paste, brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, sweet smoked paprika, and salt until you get a smooth, thick mixture. This marinade is where all the magic happens – the smoky paprika pairs beautifully with the sweet and tangy components to create a flavor bomb. Once combined, add the chicken thighs and toss them well so each piece is generously coated. For the best results, let it marinate for at least one hour or even overnight in the fridge, allowing those flavors to sink deep into the meat.
Step 2: Preheat the Grill
While your chicken marinates, prepare your grill by setting it up for direct heat cooking, but also have indirect heat available. This setup is essential because it gives you the flexibility to sear the chicken quickly over heat while finishing it gently without burning. Preheating ensures you get those coveted grill marks and charred edges that enhance the smoky aroma and flavor.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Place your marinated chicken thighs on the grill, directly over the heat, to get a lovely sear and caramelization. Cook the chicken until it’s beautifully browned and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This typically takes about 15 minutes per batch, depending on your grill and the thickness of the thighs. If pieces begin to char too quickly, move them to indirect heat to finish cooking through without drying out. This step ensures juicy, tender chicken with a perfectly cooked interior and flavorful, smoky exterior.
How to Serve Grilled BBQ Chicken with Smoky Marinade Recipe
Garnishes
To brighten up the rich grilled chicken, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley is perfect. It adds a splash of vibrant green and a subtle herbal note that balances the smoky sweetness exquisitely. Feel free to add a lemon wedge on the side for a fresh squeeze of citrus that lifts all the flavors.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs wonderfully with classic BBQ sides or any fresh salads. Creamy coleslaw, grilled corn on the cob, or even a light cucumber and tomato salad complement the smoky richness of the chicken beautifully. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside garlic mashed potatoes or a simple rice pilaf to soak up every bit of the delicious marinade drippings.
Creative Ways to Present
You can turn this dish into a crowd-pleaser by serving the grilled chicken sliced over a bed of mixed greens or stuffed inside warm pita bread with crisp veggies and a drizzle of ranch or tzatziki. Another fun idea is to chop the chicken and create a BBQ chicken pizza or quesadilla for an exciting twist on weeknight dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover grilled chicken keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The smoky marinade flavors only intensify after resting, so you’ll find the taste even more pronounced when reheated.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Store the cooked chicken in a tightly sealed freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, and it will stay delicious for up to 2 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, use a low oven temperature or a skillet over medium heat to gently warm the chicken without drying it out. You can add a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce to keep it moist. Avoid microwaving if possible to preserve the texture and smoky char.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely, you can swap chicken thighs for breasts if that’s your preference. Keep in mind that breasts cook faster and tend to be leaner, so watch closely to avoid drying out. Marinating them well and grilling on medium heat helps retain juiciness.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least one hour. However, overnight marinating gives the smoky marinade extra time to penetrate deeply, resulting in a more flavorful and tender bite.
Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade in advance and keep it refrigerated for up to 2 days. Just whisk it again before using, as some separation might occur. This is a great time saver for busy days.
Is this recipe suitable for charcoal or gas grills?
This Grilled BBQ Chicken with Smoky Marinade Recipe works perfectly on both charcoal and gas grills. Charcoal can add an extra layer of smokiness, but gas grills give more temperature control, so feel free to use whichever you prefer.
What can I do if I don’t have a grill?
No grill? No problem! You can cook the marinated chicken on a grill pan or in the oven under the broiler. Just watch carefully to achieve similar caramelization and avoid burning.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about savoring tender, smoky, and sweet grilled chicken fresh off the fire, and this Grilled BBQ Chicken with Smoky Marinade Recipe captures that magic beautifully. Its simple ingredients come together to create layers of flavor that transform an ordinary chicken meal into an unforgettable experience. I can’t wait for you to make this recipe your own and enjoy the delicious results with friends and family. Happy grilling!
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Grilled BBQ Chicken with Smoky Marinade Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes plus marinating time
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Grilled BBQ Chicken recipe features tender and juicy boneless chicken thighs marinated in a rich, tangy homemade barbecue sauce with tomato paste, brown sugar, and smoked paprika. Perfectly grilled to achieve a smoky char and bursting with flavor, it’s an easy and satisfying meal for your backyard cookouts or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 lb skinless boneless chicken thighs
Marinade & BBQ Sauce
- 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 smooth. Add the chicken thighs and toss to coat evenly. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least one hour or, for best results, overnight in the refrigerator to infuse it with flavor.
- Preheat the Grill: Set up your grill for direct heat cooking while ensuring you have indirect heat zones available. Preheat until hot, so the chicken sears nicely without sticking.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken thighs over direct heat. Grill each batch for about 15 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is charred and browned on the outside. Use indirect heat if needed to finish cooking through and reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove from the grill once fully cooked.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer grilled chicken to a serving platter and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot with your favorite sides for a delicious meal.
Notes
- Marinating overnight enhances the flavor and tenderness of the chicken.
- Monitor the grill temperature carefully to avoid burning the marinade’s sugars.
- You can substitute chicken breasts if preferred, but thighs are recommended for juiciness.
- To test doneness, use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
