SMOKY GRILLED CHICKEN THIGHS
Smoky Grilled Chicken Thighs is a delicious and easy-to-prepare dish marinated in BBQ sauce, smoked paprika, olive oil, and seasonings. The chicken thighs take on a deep, smoky flavour, perfectly charred on the grill. The juicy, tender chicken paired with the slightly sweet and tangy BBQ sauce creates a rich, flavourful meal that’s ideal for a quick dinner, a BBQ gathering, or a weekend lunch. For a balanced, healthy meal, serve with grilled vegetables or a fresh salad.
RECIPE CATEGORY
Lunch, Dinner, Snack, Entrée
SERVING SIZE
1 serving
CUISINE
American, BBQ, Southern
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
Marinate, Grill, Quick & Easy
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
Backyard BBQ, Family Gathering, Summer, Weekend Meal, Potluck, Picnic, Fourth of July
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
Low Carb, High Protein, Gluten-Free, Quick & Easy, Dairy-Free
DISH TYPE
Grilled Main Dish, BBQ Chicken, Low-Carb Dish
INGREDIENTS
- 100g chicken thigh, boneless
- 1 tbsp BBQ sauce
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper, to taste
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: 200
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fibre: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
PREPARATION
- Marinate The Chicken: In a small bowl, mix the BBQ sauce, smoked paprika, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken thigh evenly with the marinade and let it sit for at least 15 minutes.
- Preheat The Grill: Set the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill The Chicken: Place the marinated chicken thigh on the grill. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F).
- Serve: Remove from the grill and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Serve hot, with your choice of sides, such as grilled vegetables or a fresh salad.
PREP TIME
15 minutes (including marinating)
COOKING TIME
10-12 minutes
TIPS
- Marinating Time: For deeper flavour, marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours before grilling.
- Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 75°C (165°F).
- Grill Marks: For those perfect grill marks, don’t move the chicken too much while it’s cooking. Let it sear properly on each side.
VARIATIONS
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the marinade for a tangier flavour.
- Honey BBQ Twist: Mix 1/2 tsp of honey with the BBQ sauce for a sweeter glaze.
- Herb Marinade: Replace the smoked paprika with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a herby flavour.
PREPPING AND STORAGE
- Fridge Storage: Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the marinated or cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before grilling or reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat the chicken in a grill pan or oven to retain its juicy texture. Avoid microwaving to prevent dryness.