This recipe for marinated grilled chicken thighs brings juicy flavor to your plate! The easy marinade of herbs and spices makes each bite bursting with goodness.
I love making this dish for summer barbecues. The best part? You can prep it all ahead of time, so all you have to do is fire up the grill and enjoy the compliments!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs are great for juiciness. If you need a leaner option, chicken breast can work, but you’ll lose some of that rich flavor.
Olive Oil: This is ideal for the marinade, but you can substitute with avocado oil or grapeseed oil for a similar effect. Use what you have on hand!
Soy Sauce: If you’re avoiding soy, try using coconut aminos. It has a similar taste with less salt content, making it a great alternative.
Honey or Maple Syrup: Either sweetener adds a touch of sweetness. If you’re vegan, consider agave nectar or a brown sugar blend instead.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the marinade, but you can swap it for apple cider vinegar or even balsamic vinegar if you like a stronger kick.
How Do I Grill Chicken Thighs to Perfection?
Grilling chicken thighs is simple, but a few tips ensure they come out perfectly every time!
- Preheat your grill thoroughly to medium-high heat. This helps achieve that nice char.
- Don’t skip the marinating time! Allow the chicken to soak up the flavors for at least an hour, but longer is better.
- When placing chicken on the grill, don’t overcrowd the grill. Space them out to ensure even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Chicken is safe to eat at 165°F. This prevents drying out.
- Let your chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling. This allows the juices to redistribute for maximum flavor!
By following these tips, you’ll have delicious, juicy grilled chicken thighs everyone will love!
Easy Marinated Grilled Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare plus at least 1 hour for marinating. Depending on how long you choose to let it marinate, you can have it ready to grill after 1 hour or even better, overnight. Cooking on the grill will take about 15 minutes. So, roughly, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours, including marination and cooking time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), lemon juice (or apple cider vinegar), minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried oregano, black pepper, and salt. This creates a flavorful marinade!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. For even better flavor, marinate for 4 hours or overnight.
3. Preheat the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F to 400°F). This helps to get those lovely grill marks on your chicken!
4. Grill the Chicken:
Take the chicken thighs out of the marinade and let any excess drip off. Discard the remaining marinade. Place the chicken thighs on the grill and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes per side. You’ll know they’re done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F and they have beautiful char marks.
5. Let it Rest:
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. This step is important as it keeps the chicken juicy!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
If you like, slice the chicken after resting and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. These marinated grilled chicken thighs taste fantastic served with grilled vegetables, a fresh salad, or rice!
Enjoy your delicious and flavorful chicken thighs that are sure to impress!
FAQ for Easy Marinated Grilled Chicken Thighs
Can I Use Bone-In Chicken Thighs Instead?
Absolutely! Bone-in chicken thighs add extra flavor and juiciness. Just increase the grilling time to about 8-10 minutes per side, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for a minimum of 1 hour, but for best results, aim for 4 hours or even overnight. Just be cautious as prolonged marination can make the chicken too salty due to the soy sauce.
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the marinade a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just add the chicken before you’re ready to grill. This helps in saving time and enhancing the flavors early on.
What Should I Do with Leftover Chicken?
Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s great for meal prep! You can reheat it in the microwave, on the stove, or cold in salads and wraps.
