Boneless grilled chicken thighs are one of the easiest ways to get smoky, savory flavor with minimal effort. A simple spice rub creates a lightly crisp, seasoned exterior, while the inside stays juicy and tender - served with a creamy, tangy white barbecue sauce for a little extra flavor and zest.

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The backstory.
Grilled chicken is one of those things I come back to again and again - especially when I want something simple that still tastes really good. After trying different marinades and methods, I found that a good dry rub and a hot grill is the perfect combination. It's easy, flexible, and doesn't require much planning, which is exactly what I need most days.
xoxo Kori
It's a must-make.
Boneless grilled chicken thighs are one of those recipes that quietly become part of your regular rotation once you try them.
- Lots of flavor. A quick grilled chicken seasoning rub builds layers of smoky, savory flavor.
- Juicy and tender every time. Chicken thighs are forgiving on the grill, making it easy to avoid dry chicken.
- Healthy and satisfying. High protein, low carb, and made with simple ingredients. Adding the white barbecue sauce, with 34.2 grams of fat, 2.9 grams of net carbs, and 7.3 grams of protein, this is a perfect keto chicken recipe!
- Easy to prep ahead. The dry rub for chicken thighs can be added hours in advance, making grilling even easier.
Good grilled chicken doesn't need much - just a simple rub and a little time on the grill.
Let's talk texture and flavor.
These dry rubbed chicken thighs come off the grill with a lightly crisp, smoky exterior and a juicy, tender center. The spice rub grilled chicken creates a savory crust that locks in moisture, while the white barbecue sauce adds a creamy, tangy contrast that keeps each bite balanced and flavorful.
What you'll need.

Here's what your going to need to make dry rub grilled chicken thighs with white barbecue sauce.
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Naturally juicy and perfect for grilling without drying out.
- Seeking Good Eats Dry Rub For Chicken: A quick grilled chicken rub that builds flavor fast with a smoky, savory blend.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base for the white barbecue sauce.
- Sour cream: Adds tang and lightens the sauce just a bit.
- Lemon juice: Brightens everything up with fresh acidity.
- Horseradish: Gives the sauce a subtle kick.
- Ground pepper: Adds depth and a little heat.
- Dijon mustard: Brings tang and balance.
- Paprika: Adds a hint of smoky warmth.
- Salt: Adjust to taste to bring everything together.
Chicken thighs are one of those ingredients that never get boring. Switch things up with Boneless and Skinless Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs for a sweet-savory twist, or go for Crispy Air Fryer Bone-in Chicken Thighs when you want that golden, crispy texture. A Chicken Thigh Marinade Recipe is great for building flavor ahead of time, and Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs are always there for an easy, hands-off dinner.
Customize it your way.
Grilled boneless chicken thighs with dry rub are easy to tweak depending on what you're in the mood for.
- Add a little brown sugar to the chicken rub for grill if you want a touch of sweetness.
- Swap in smoked paprika or chipotle powder for a deeper smoky flavor.
- Slice and toss into salads, wraps, or grain bowls for a different spin.
Flexible dietary swaps.
These juicy boneless grilled chicken thighs are naturally flexible, so you can easily adjust based on your needs.
- Dairy-free: Swap the sour cream in the sauce for a dairy-free alternative or use all mayo.
- Lower fat: Use a light mayonnaise and light sour cream to reduce richness.
- Gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free - just double-check your spice blend.
- Lower sodium: Use a low-sodium chicken seasoning for grilling and adjust salt in the sauce.
How to make grilled boneless chicken thighs with dry rub.
Boneless grilled chicken thighs come together fast once the grill is hot.
- Mix all ingredients for white barbecue sauce together until blended. Refrigerate until ready for use.
- Liberally sprinkle both sides of chicken with the dry rub. Cover chicken in plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours - or longer if needed.
- Heat your grill to medium-high so you get a nice sear.
- Place the seasoned chicken on the grill and cook for 4 to 5 minutes.
- Flip and cook another 4 to 5 minutes until fully cooked through.
- Check that the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees, then remove and rest briefly before serving.

How to serve them.
These boneless grilled chicken thighs with dry rub are incredibly versatile and easy to build a meal around.
- Slice and serve with grilled veggies for a simple, balanced plate.
- Add to salads or bowls with greens, grains, and a drizzle of that zesty white barbecue sauce.
- Tuck into sandwiches or wraps with crunchy slaw for a quick meal.
- Serve alongside roasted potatoes or corn for a classic grilling spread.
Kori's tips.
- Let the chicken rest after grilling. Juices redistribute and keep it extra juicy.
- Don't skimp on the seasoning. A generous spice rub grilled chicken makes all the difference.
- Preheat the grill properly. A hot grill gives you that perfect sear and smoky flavor.
- Make the sauce ahead. It gets even better after chilling for a bit.
FAQ's
Store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. Keep the sauce separate if possible.
Reheat gently to keep it juicy. Warm in a skillet over medium-low with a splash of water, or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through. Add the white barbecue sauce after reheating.
Yes, you can - just increase the cooking time since bone-in pieces take longer to cook through.
Yes. Freeze cooked chicken thighs in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
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📖 The recipe.

Dry Rub Grilled Chicken Thighs With White Barbecue Sauce
Ingredients
Dry Rub Grilled Chicken
- 8 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- ⅓ cup Seeking Good Eat's Dry Rub For Chicken
White Barbecue Sauce
- 1 ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon horseradish
- ½ tablespoon ground pepper
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Make the white barbecue sauce by mixing all ingredients together in a bowl. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

- Rinse chicken and pat dry with paper towel. Brush olive oil over chicken on both sides. Liberally sprinkle dry rub over both sides of chicken. Place chicken in a dish and cover with plastic. Refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, or up to the day the before.

- Heat grill to medium high. Cook chicken thighs for approximately 4-5 minutes per side until internal temperature has reached 165 degrees. If using bone-in chicken adjust time accordingly.

- Serve with white barbecue sauce and enjoy! Delicious with grilled, roasted, or steamed veggies.
Nutrition
© 2025 Seeking Good Eats™
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Lori
Delicious recipe! The spices and the sauce work so well together! This will go into my favorites and will make a regular appearance at my dinner table. Couldn’t be easier. Yummy - thank you!
seekinggoodeats
Thank you so much! I'm so glad you loved the recipe 🙂 This is by far my favorite way to grill chicken. The sauce is addicting! It is really good on pork too. Have a great day!
Kayla
So delicious! A must make! Recipe was so easy to follow. The sauce is amazing!
seekinggoodeats
I'm so glad you loved it! Try the sauce on pork or steak too! YUM
Nicolialia Pizzeria
Everyone loves it whenever people get together and share views.
Great website, stick with it!