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A plate of grilled chicken pieces, charred and glazed, served on a decorative green and white floral-patterned dish under bright lighting—perfect to enjoy before indulging in a refreshing Viral Melon Ice Cream (2 Ingredients) for dessert.
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BBQ Chicken Thighs

Juicy, flavorful BBQ chicken thighs made with a simple BBQ lime marinade and an optional sweet-and-spicy glaze. Cook them on the barbecue or in the air fryer for an easy weeknight meal.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time12 minutes
Total Time22 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: bbq chicken, chicken thighs
Servings: 8 thighs
Author: The Modern Nonna

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, about 8 thighs
  • ½ cup BBQ sauce
  • 2 limes juiced
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Sweet and Spicy Glaze (Optional)

  • 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce
  • 2 teaspoons honey
  • ½ tablespoon sriracha or to taste
  • squeeze of fresh lime juice

Instructions

  • Add the chicken thighs to a large bowl. Pour in the BBQ sauce and lime juice, then add the salt. Toss well until the chicken is evenly coated.
    A close-up of raw chicken pieces in a glass bowl, being drizzled with a dark marinade from a small brass cup on a wooden surface, with sunlight casting shadows—unlike the quick and simple Viral Melon Ice Cream (2 Ingredients) recipes, this dish showcases the rich complexity of savory flavors coming together.
  • To make the optional glaze, mix the BBQ sauce, honey, sriracha, and lime juice in a small bowl. Set aside.
    A paintbrush rests in a bowl of red sauce with shredded bits, placed on a table lit by sunlight. The ornate bowl, reminiscent of those used for serving Viral Melon Ice Cream (2 Ingredients), features a green floral pattern on the rim.

BBQ Method

  • Preheat the BBQ to approximately 400°F, or 200°C. Clean and oil the grill grates well. Place the chicken thighs on the grill and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side. During the final 2 minutes of cooking, brush the chicken with the optional glaze.
    BBQ chicken thighs are being grilled on a barbecue. One piece is being turned with tongs, showing grill marks and a slightly charred, glazed surface. The grill grates and other chicken pieces are visible.
  • Cook until the chicken is golden, lightly charred, and reaches an internal temperature of 170°F to 175°F, or approximately 77°C to 80°C.
    Close-up of marinated bbq chicken thighs sizzling on a grill, with char marks and a shiny glaze visible under bright sunlight.
  • Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
    A close-up of grilled, glazed bbq chicken thighs held by metal tongs over a barbecue with more pieces cooking on the grill.

Air Fryer Method

  • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F, or 200°C, if required by your model. Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until golden and fully cooked.
  • Brush the chicken with the optional glaze during the final 2 minutes of cooking. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 170°F to 175°F, or approximately 77°C to 80°C.

Video

Notes

Too spicy? Reduce or omit the sriracha for a milder version. Adjust the glaze ingredients to taste.
Chicken swap: Chicken breasts may be used instead of thighs. Pound them to an even thickness so they cook evenly. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken.
Air fryer note: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed.
Thermometer tip: Always check the thickest part of the chicken with an instant-read thermometer.
Storage and reheating: Store in the fridge for up to 5 days, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in a 350F oven or microwave in short bursts of 30 seconds until heated through. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1 thigh | Calories: 183kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 107mg | Sodium: 642mg | Potassium: 348mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 87IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 1mg
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