You and your family will love my Grilled Chicken Thighs recipe! It is easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for summer cookouts, busy weeknights, or meal prep. The chicken turns out juicy and tender, with a savory lemon-garlic flavor in every bite.
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If you want an easy main dish that everyone will love, give these grilled chicken thighs a try. The quick homemade marinade uses simple pantry staples, and you can cook them quickly on an outdoor grill or a grill pan.
These grilled chicken thighs are simple to prepare, always come out well, and taste delicious. The marinade combines fresh lemon, garlic, herbs, smoky paprika, and a touch of brown sugar for sweetness.
Chicken thighs are easy to grill because they stay juicy and tender, even if you leave them on a little too long. That makes them great for beginner grillers, busy nights, or casual gatherings.
I provide a basic recipe, but you can use the same cooking method while seasoning these a million different ways. Adding fresh herbs or a spice blend like Italian seasoning, chili powder, or garlic powder can enhance the flavors even further. Consider pairing with side dishes that complement the chicken’s rich, savory flavor, such as potato salad or a simple green salad dressed with Dijon mustard and olive oil.
How to make chicken thighs on the grill
First, gather your ingredients.
Ingredients
For best taste, always use the highest quality ingredients you have access to.
To make this grilled chicken thigh recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Lemon juice
- Dried oregano or dried parsley
- Kosher salt
- Ground black pepper
- Paprika
- Brown sugar
Here are some easy ways to change up these grilled chicken thighs! You can swap the olive oil for avocado oil, or use fresh herbs in place of dried oregano or parsley. For a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade.
You can also change the flavor profile by using lime juice instead of lemon juice, smoked paprika instead of regular paprika, or honey in place of the brown sugar. This recipe works well with boneless skinless chicken breasts, too, but keep an eye on the cooking time since they can dry out more quickly than thighs.
Cooking Grilled Chicken Thighs
Grilled Chicken Thighs are a simple recipe that can be made in just a few steps. Here is how to make it.
Grilled chicken thighs are a simple recipe that can be made in just a few simple steps. The key to success lies in the marinade, cooking temperature, and timing. Let’s dive into the process:
In a large bowl, whisk together the oil, garlic, lemon juice, oregano, salt, pepper, paprika, and brown sugar.
This flavorful marinade will infuse the chicken with amazing flavor and ensure juicy grilled chicken thighs every single time.
Trim any excess fat off the chicken thighs and pat them dry with paper towels. This step helps with achieving crispy skin and preventing flare-ups on the grill.
Add the chicken to the marinade and mix until well coated.
Marinate covered in the fridge for at least 30 minutes but no more than 4-6 hours to avoid the meat breaking down too much.
Remove the bowl of marinated chicken from the fridge 15 minutes before grilling to bring it to room temperature, which promotes even cooking.
To cook on a stovetop, use a cast-iron grill pan over medium-high heat, around 5 to 7 minutes on each side, depending on the size of your chicken thighs.
For outdoor grilling, preheat your gas or charcoal grill to about 425°F, then cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side. Cooking times will vary slightly depending on your method, but the goal is to reach an internal temperature of 170°F to 185°F measured with a meat thermometer at the thickest part of the thigh.
Transfer grilled chicken to a clean plate and allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving (at least 5 minutes, up to 10).
This step helps redistribute the juices, ensuring that each bite is moist and flavorful.
The versatility of this dish allows for various cooking methods, whether on a gas grill, a charcoal grill, or even a stovetop grill pan. Remember, the secret to juicy grilled chicken thighs lies not just in the marinade but also in letting the chicken rest before serving, ensuring every bite is as delicious as the last.
Leftovers
Store leftovers in a covered container in the fridge for 2-3 days.
Always use common sense and good judgment when it comes to leftovers, though! If something looks or smells funky, don’t eat it.
I hope y’all enjoy this easy grilled chicken thigh recipe! Let me know if you try it.
More Chicken Thighs Recipes
- Crock Pot Chicken Thighs
- Braised Chicken Thighs: A Cozy Favorite
- Baked Chicken Thighs
- Air Fryer Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Thighs
- Instant Pot Chicken Thighs
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Grilled Chicken Thighs
Here is how to make the perfect grilled chicken thighs every time! This recipe is your ticket to juicy, tender, and flavorful chicken.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (6 chicken thighs)
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil (can sub avocado oil, or oil of choice)
- 3 cloves garlic peeled and minced
- 3 Tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano or dried parsley
- 2 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
Instructions
-
In a large bowl, whisk together the oil, garlic, lemon juice, oregano, salt, pepper, paprika and brown sugar.
- Trim any excess fat off the chicken thighs. Pat chicken thighs dry with a paper towel.
-
Add the chicken to the marinade and mix together until well coated. Allow to marinate covered in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Do not let the marinated chicken sit for more than 4-6 hours since the meat will start to break down from the lemon juice acidity.
- Remove the bowl of marinated chicken from the fridge 15 minutes before grilling.
For cooking on a grill pan
-
Cook on a cast-iron grill pan on the stovetop: Heat a cast iron grill pan on the stovetop over medium-high heat. Brush the pan with some oil using a paper towel or pastry brush. Once the pan is hot, add enough chicken thighs to cover the pan without overcrowding (likely working in 2 batches). Cook the chicken on each side for 5-7 minutes. The chicken should register around 170°F to 185°F on a meat thermometer once cooked through.
For cooking on an outdoor grill
-
Preheat the grill for about 15 minutes until it reaches about 425oF (220°C). Place chicken on the grates and close the lid to the grill. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side.
- Transfer grilled chicken to a plate and allow to cool 8 minutes before eating.
Recipe Notes
Nutritional information is approximate and was calculated using a recipe nutrition label generator.
jack says
Absolutely delicious! Grilled chicken thighs are my go-to for a quick, flavorful meal.
Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy says
Glad you are enjoying it, Jack!