Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs With Creamy Curry Peanut Sauce

Introduction

These grilled BBQ chicken thighs with creamy curry peanut sauce bring together smoky heat and bold, comforting flavors. Perfect for anyone searching for a simple but impressive grilling recipe, this dish blends charred barbecue notes with a velvety, spiced sauce that pairs beautifully with chicken. Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue or just craving something new for dinner, this recipe is easy to follow and packed with crowd-pleasing flavor.

The combination of juicy chicken thighs and a Thai-inspired curry peanut sauce creates a balanced mix of sweet, savory, and mildly spicy elements. It’s a great way to elevate everyday grilling while keeping the process simple and accessible.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 6 bone-in or boneless chicken thighs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup your favorite BBQ sauce

For the Curry Peanut Sauce

• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/4 cup coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon red curry paste
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• Warm water to thin, as needed

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken thighs dry and place them in a large bowl.
2. Rub with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Set aside while preheating your grill.

Step 2: Heat the Grill

1. Preheat your grill or flat-top grill to medium-high heat.
2. Lightly oil the cooking surface to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

1. Place chicken thighs on the grill skin-side down.
2. Cook 5–6 minutes per side until grill marks form.
3. Brush with BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
4. Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 4: Make the Curry Peanut Sauce

1. In a bowl, whisk peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, red curry paste, and ground ginger.
2. Add warm water a tablespoon at a time until it reaches pourable consistency.

Step 5: Serve

1. Plate the grilled chicken thighs.
2. Drizzle with curry peanut sauce and serve extra sauce on the side.

Tips

For the best texture and flavor, try marinating the chicken with the dry seasoning for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This helps the spices fully absorb into the meat. If you prefer a thicker curry peanut sauce, skip the added water; for a thinner drizzle, add water slowly until the desired consistency is reached. Cooking the chicken over medium-high heat ensures a smoky char without drying out the meat.

• Use bone-in thighs for extra juiciness.
• Let the chicken rest 5 minutes before serving.
• Taste the sauce and adjust sweetness or acidity.

Variations

This recipe is easy to adapt depending on your taste preferences. You can adjust the spice level, swap ingredients, or change the cooking method to suit what you have on hand. Each variation brings its own personality to the final dish while keeping the core flavors intact.

• Use almond butter instead of peanut butter.
• Add chili flakes for extra heat.
• Swap BBQ sauce for teriyaki glaze.
• Use chicken breasts instead of thighs.
• Grill on cedar planks for smoky aroma.

Best pairings

This flavorful dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides that enhance its savory, smoky, and slightly spicy profile. Light, refreshing sides work especially well to balance the richness of the peanut sauce and the charred BBQ flavors.

• Coconut rice
• Grilled vegetables
• Cucumber salad
• Sweet potato wedges
• Chilled white wine or a citrus cocktail

Conclusion

These grilled BBQ chicken thighs with curry peanut sauce offer a bold, satisfying twist on classic grilled chicken. The combination of smoky char and creamy, aromatic sauce creates a meal that feels both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re cooking for family, guests, or a relaxed evening at home, this recipe delivers reliable flavor and easy preparation.

With its simple ingredient list and flexible variations, it’s a dish you’ll come back to often. Enjoy exploring the flavors and making it your own.