Grilled Chicken Thighs

I’ll never forget the first time I tried this recipe for Grilled Chicken Thighs. It was a warm summer evening, and my friends had invited me over for an impromptu backyard BBQ. As soon as I stepped out onto their patio, the mouthwatering aroma of sizzling chicken hit me, and I knew I was in for a real treat.

When they served up those perfectly charred, juicy Grilled Chicken Thighs, I was blown away. The flavors were so bold and complex, yet the chicken itself was incredibly tender and succulent. I couldn’t believe how easy it was to make something so delicious. From that moment on, this recipe became a summertime staple in my household – it’s the kind of dish that always brings people together and leaves everyone feeling satisfied.

Why This Grilled Chicken Thighs Recipe Will Become Your Go-To

The Secret Behind Perfect Grilled Chicken Thighs

The key to this Grilled Chicken Thighs recipe is all in the seasoning and technique. By combining a simple blend of pantry spices like garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and dried thyme, you create a flavor profile that’s both bold and incredibly versatile. The smoky, savory notes pair beautifully with the natural richness of the chicken thighs, resulting in a dish that’s truly crave-worthy.

But the real secret lies in how you prepare and grill the chicken. By starting with bone-in, skin-on thighs, you ensure that the meat stays juicy and flavorful, even after being exposed to the high heat of the grill. And by using a two-zone cooking method – searing the chicken over direct heat and then moving it to the cooler side of the grill to finish cooking – you get that signature char on the outside while keeping the interior perfectly cooked through. It’s a simple technique that makes all the difference.

Essential Ingredients You’ll Need

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: The thigh meat is naturally more tender and flavorful than breast, and the skin helps keep the chicken moist and juicy during grilling.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: This helps the seasoning adhere to the chicken and also prevents sticking on the grill grates.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a savory, aromatic flavor that complements the chicken perfectly.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder: Provides a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Lends a delightful smoky note that’s essential for that classic grilled taste.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Brings an earthy, herbaceous element to the seasoning blend.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Seasons the chicken and helps the other flavors pop.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Provides a gentle kick of heat and balances the other spices.

Step-by-Step Grilled Chicken Thighs Instructions

Preparing Your Grilled Chicken Thighs

With just 10 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes on the grill, this Grilled Chicken Thighs recipe is the perfect easy, weeknight meal. All you need is a grill (gas or charcoal), a pair of tongs, and a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked to perfection.

1- Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and placing them in a large bowl. Drizzle with the olive oil and sprinkle with the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to rub the seasoning all over the chicken, making sure it’s evenly distributed.

2- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, creating a two-zone fire with one side hotter than the other. Place the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side down on the hot side of the grill and sear for 5-7 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown.

3- Flip the chicken thighs and move them to the cooler side of the grill. Cover and cook for an additional 12-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F when tested with a meat thermometer.

4- The chicken thighs should be cooked through with a nice char on the outside and juicy, tender meat on the inside. Transfer them to a clean cutting board and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

5- Once rested, the Grilled Chicken Thighs are ready to be enjoyed. You can serve them whole or slice them up – they’re delicious on their own or paired with your favorite sides.

6- Serve the Grilled Chicken Thighs hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy the perfectly cooked, flavor-packed chicken that’s sure to become a new summertime staple in your household.

Pro Tips for Success

1. Let the chicken come to room temperature before grilling for even cooking. This will help the interior cook through without drying out the exterior.
2. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This is the safe minimum for poultry.
3. Don’t be afraid to get a nice char on the skin – the caramelized bits add tons of flavor.
4. If you’re using a charcoal grill, allow the coals to burn until they’re covered in a light gray ash before cooking. This ensures even, high heat.
5. Resist the urge to move the chicken too much while grilling. Let it sear and develop that tasty crust before flipping.
6. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat extra moist and tender.

Serving and Storing Your Grilled Chicken Thighs

Perfect Pairings for Grilled Chicken Thighs

This Grilled Chicken Thighs recipe serves 6 and pairs beautifully with all sorts of side dishes. For a classic summer BBQ spread, try serving it alongside grilled corn on the cob, a fresh green salad, and some creamy coleslaw. You could also go for roasted sweet potato wedges, garlic-herb roasted potatoes, or a vibrant fruit salad.

And don’t forget the beverages! This chicken would be delicious with an ice-cold beer, a refreshing sangria, or even a citrusy summer cocktail. No matter what you choose, your guests are sure to be impressed.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Leftover Grilled Chicken Thighs will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container. To reheat, simply place the chicken on a baking sheet and warm it in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

For longer-term storage, the cooked chicken thighs can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Let them cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen chicken to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. Reheat frozen chicken in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes.

This recipe also lends itself well to meal prep. You can grill the chicken thighs ahead of time and keep them refrigerated or frozen, then quickly reheat them as needed for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Grilled Chicken Thighs

Creative Grilled Chicken Thighs Variations

While this basic Grilled Chicken Thighs recipe is fantastic as-is, there are plenty of ways to switch it up and make it your own. Try marinating the chicken in a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, and Italian herbs for a brighter, Mediterranean-inspired flavor. Or rub the chicken with a Cajun or Tex-Mex seasoning blend for a kick of heat and smoky notes.

You could also get creative with the way you serve the grilled chicken. Slice it up and toss it into a hearty salad, stuff it into tacos or burritos, or shred it and mix it into a pasta dish or fried rice. The possibilities are endless!

Making Grilled Chicken Thighs Diet-Friendly

This Grilled Chicken Thighs recipe is naturally gluten-free, and it can be easily adapted for other dietary needs as well. For a low-carb or keto-friendly version, simply omit the seasoning blend and rub the chicken with a salt-free all-purpose seasoning instead. You can also skip the skin if you’re watching your fat intake.

To make this dish vegan or vegetarian, substitute the chicken thighs with extra-firm tofu or portobello mushroom caps. The same seasoning blend will work beautifully, and you can grill the tofu or mushrooms using the same method. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times as needed.

No matter how you choose to enjoy these Grilled Chicken Thighs, I’m confident they’ll become a summertime staple in your household, just like they are in mine. The bold flavors, tender texture, and easy preparation make this recipe an absolute winner. Grab your tongs and get grilling!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: While chicken breasts will work in this recipe, we highly recommend using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. The thigh meat stays much juicier and more flavorful when grilled, and the skin helps keep the chicken moist.

Q: How long does it take to grill the chicken?
A: This Grilled Chicken Thighs recipe has a total cook time of 30 minutes – 10 minutes for prep and 20 minutes on the grill. The key is using a two-zone cooking method to sear the skin first, then move the chicken to the cooler side of the grill to finish cooking through.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The cooked Grilled Chicken Thighs will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Simply reheat the chicken in the oven when ready to serve.

Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This Grilled Chicken Thighs recipe serves 6 people. If you need to feed a larger crowd, you can easily scale up the ingredients and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q: What’s the best way to avoid dry, overcooked chicken?
A: The key is to use a meat thermometer and pull the chicken off the grill as soon as it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Letting the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving also helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat nice and moist.

Print

Conclusion

There’s just something about the smoky, savory flavors of Grilled Chicken Thighs that make them an absolute summertime staple. This recipe checks all the boxes – it’s quick, easy, and endlessly versatile, with a seasoning blend that packs a serious punch of flavor.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or looking for a simple weeknight dinner, I guarantee these Grilled Chicken Thighs will become your new go-to. The perfectly charred exterior and juicy, tender interior are sure to impress everyone who tries them. So fire up that grill, gather your friends and family, and get ready to enjoy a meal that’s truly worthy of the season.

And don’t forget to let me know how your Grilled Chicken Thighs turn out! I’d love to hear your thoughts and see any photos you’re willing to share. Enjoy!