Grilled Chicken Thighs
Summer-friendly Grilled Chicken Thighs are juicy and flavorful thanks to the simple rub. They’re quick, easy & spectacularly delicious!
Basic doesn’t have to mean boring, and our recipe for tender, succulent Grilled Chicken Thighs is proof! Boneless, skinless thighs with a 6-ingredient marinade of olive oil, tangy Italian seasoning, sweet brown sugar, paprika, garlic, and salt cook perfectly on the grill. The flavor is incredible!
Chicken Thighs vs. Chicken Breasts
Chicken breasts are great, okay? They’re versatile, healthy, and nutritious…but also easy to overcook and dry out.
But chicken thighs? Well, they’re versatile, healthy, and nutritious, too, AND they’re also more economical. While they are slightly higher in calories and fat than chicken breasts, they are much juicier and tastier! In addition, these Grilled Chicken Thighs will bathe in a scrumptious marinade, guaranteeing lightly charred edges with a perfectly moist, meaty, tender bite. Add your favorite BBQ sides, and dinner can be on the table in 12 minutes!
Other Recipes to Serve with Grilled Chicken
- Bacon Broccoli Slaw and Homemade Baked Beans are the perfect pair of sides for a casual grilled chicken meal!
- Or dress up this chicken with Lemon Spaghetti and a glass of wine for the perfect date night dinner!
Ingredients
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs make this recipe irresistibly moist and tasty! Of course, you can always use chicken breasts or bone-in thighs, but the cooking time must be adjusted.
Marinade: This simple, lip-smacking marinade comprises olive oil, Italian seasoning, light brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and sea salt.
How to Make Grilled Chicken Thighs
STEP ONE: Add the chicken thighs to a large bowl or plastic baggie. Cover them with the oil and the other marinade ingredients.
STEP TWO: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or seal the bag. Marinate the chicken in the fridge for at least 1 hour or overnight.
STEP THREE: Preheat the grill to 400 degrees F. Cook the chicken thighs on the preheated grill for 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway. When the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F, remove the thighs to a platter before serving warm.
Tips for Success
- Marinating is the key! Allow at LEAST an hour (or as long as overnight) for perfect, juicy grilled thighs.
- When grilling, if the meat “sticks” when you try to flip it, wait another 30 seconds or so. It will release easily when it’s ready.
- Always use an internal meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches at least 165°F to be safely cooked.
- Always let the chicken “rest” for 5 minutes between cooking and serving.
- If you can’t grill, cook these thighs on a stovetop grill pan or even a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. (Baste with the marinade while cooking.)
How Long Should Chicken Marinate?
Ideally, poultry should marinate for 6-12 hours. The smaller the cuts, the less time it takes. Most chefs will tell you that 2 hours is the minimum needed for the flavors to absorb, and an overnight marinating time is ideal. I like to marinate chicken thighs in a large baggie first thing in the morning and put them in the fridge. By dinner time, they’re PERFECT! But remember, you CAN marinate too long. After 24 hours, the meat fibers start to break down, leaving the texture of the chicken soft and mushy.
How Do You Keep Grilled Chicken from Being Dry?
To get juicy, tasty grilled chicken, ensure it is properly marinated. (If your recipe doesn’t call for a specific marinade, a simple soak in saltwater will do!) Grill the chicken over medium-high heat and baste with the marinade while cooking. Leave the grill lid closed to allow the heat to circulate evenly. Don’t flip the meat too often – once halfway is usually enough. Remove the chicken from the grill when the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Then allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before eating. Following these six simple steps should result in perfectly cooked chicken every time!
Other Glorious, Golden Grilled Chicken Recipes!
- Tequila Lime Grilled Chicken
- Grilled Teriyaki Chicken
- Grilled Chicken Fajita Skewers
- Harissa Chicken
- Grilled Honey Lime Chicken
- Grilled BBQ Chicken Legs
- Grilled Caprese Chicken
Grilled Chicken Thighs
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 8 thighs)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ½ tablespoon light brown sugar packed
- ½ tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Add the chicken thighs to a large mixing bowl. Pour in the oil and toss to coat. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, brown sugar, paprika, salt, and garlic powder over the chicken and toss until evenly coated.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let marinate for 1 hour to overnight in the fridge. (see note)
- Preheat the grill to 400 degrees F.
- Cook the chicken on the hot grill for 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through (165 degrees F internal temp). Remove from the grill to a platter and serve warm.
