These grilled chicken thighs are juicy and full of flavor! Marinated in a simple mix of spices, they’re perfect for a summer cookout or a quick weeknight dinner.
I love how easy they are to make. Just toss them on the grill and enjoy the mouthwatering smell! Add a side of veggies, and you’ve got a meal everyone will love.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs are perfect for grilling because they stay juicy and tender. If you have boneless thighs, they will work, but you may need to adjust cooking times to avoid drying them out.
Olive Oil: This adds moisture and helps the marinade stick. If you’re out of olive oil, avocado oil or canola oil make good substitutes. Just use something with a high smoke point for grilling!
Paprika: Regular paprika works great, but if you want a kick, smoked paprika adds a nice depth. If you cannot find paprika, chili powder can be used, keeping in mind it might change the flavor a bit.
Brown Sugar: It balances the spices with a hint of sweetness. If you’re cutting sugar, try using a sugar substitute like honey or maple syrup, adjusting quantities as needed, since these are more liquid.
Fresh Parsley: This not only adds a nice pop of color but fresh flavor too. If you don’t have fresh parsley, dried parsley can work; just remember the flavor will be milder. Basil or cilantro can also be a fun twist!
How Do You Make Sure Your Chicken Thighs Are Tender and Juicy?
To get perfectly grilled chicken thighs, the marinating step is key! Customizing the marinade helps infuse the meat with great flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Mix all marinade ingredients in a bowl, ensuring it’s well blended.
- Add chicken thighs, making sure each piece is fully coated. Cover it tightly and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours, or better yet, overnight. This is where the magic happens!
- When ready, let the chicken sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before grilling. This helps in even cooking.
- Follow grilling times closely to avoid overcooking. Use a meat thermometer to check for that perfect 165°F internal temp. It’s a game changer!
The Ultimate Grilled Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
For the Marinade:
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for extra smokiness)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
For Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus at least 1-2 hours (or preferably overnight) for marinating. Grilling will take around 15-18 minutes. Overall, you can expect to spend about 30 minutes to 1 hour before enjoying your delicious grilled chicken thighs!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, smoked paprika (if you want that extra smokiness), salt, black pepper, and oregano. Stir well to combine all the ingredients into a tasty marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Now, add the chicken thighs to the bowl. Make sure each thigh is well coated with the marinade. Once they are all nicely covered, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours. For even more flavor, marinating overnight is best!
3. Get Ready to Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures that the chicken will get that nice sear and crispy skin.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Take the chicken thighs out of the marinade and let any excess drip off. Remember to toss the marinade since it has touched raw chicken. Place the chicken thighs on the grill, skin-side down. Grill them for about 7-8 minutes without moving them, so they can get crispy and charred.
5. Flip and Continue Grilling:
After about 7-8 minutes, flip the chicken thighs over. Turn the heat down to medium and continue grilling for another 7-10 minutes. Make sure to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear.
6. Rest and Serve:
Once the chicken is cooked, take it off the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to settle, making the chicken extra juicy. Garnish with the chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges for a bright finish. Enjoy your delicious grilled chicken thighs!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs, but the cooking time will be shorter. Grill them for about 5-6 minutes on each side, making sure to check for the internal temperature to reach 165°F (74°C).
What If I Don’t Have Paprika?
If you don’t have paprika, you can use chili powder for some heat or smoked salt if you want that smoky flavor. You might miss the sweetness of paprika, so consider adding a pinch of cayenne or a bit of extra brown sugar for balance!
How Should I Store Leftover Grilled Chicken Thighs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to keep them juicy, or briefly in the microwave if you’re short on time.
Can I Marinate the Chicken for Longer?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken thighs for up to 24 hours for even more flavor. Just be careful not to exceed 48 hours, as the acidity can break down the meat too much, making it mushy.
