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
Scale
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).
