These easy to make Grilled Chicken Thighs are marinated in ingredients like soy sauce, garlic powder, and herbs before being cooked to perfection! The skin on the outside is crispy and flavorful while the thigh meat is tender and mouthwatering.
Marinated Grilled Chicken Thighs Recipe
The marinade can really make or break any grilled meat. That’s why this recipe is so downright delicious – the marinade that the chicken thighs soak in prior to grilling is a combination of savory and sweet ingredients that compliment the chicken perfectly!
Besides being beyond flavorful, this chicken thigh recipe is also incredibly simple. By following these easy steps, you’ll have tender and crispy thighs every single time! So, fire up the grill and give the burgers and ribs a break. Instead, make these unbelievably satisfying grilled chicken thighs.
Chicken thighs are criminally underrated! As much as I adore wings and breasts, thighs are just as tasty, especially when you follow one of my favorite recipes. If you love thighs too, try out my Spanish Chicken and Rice and Chicken Fricassee recipes!
Why You’ll Love this Grilled Chicken Thighs Recipe:
- Flavorful: This marinade combines sweet ingredients like brown sugar and savory ingredients like herbs and soy sauce to create a seriously flavorful grilled chicken thigh recipe.
- Easy: Grilling chicken thighs is quick and easy, especially when you follow these simple steps.
- Inexpensive: Chicken thighs are one of the less pricey cuts of chicken meat, so enjoy this grilled dinner while still staying within your budget!
How to make Juicy Grilled Chicken Thighs with easy marinade
Be sure to see the recipe card below for full ingredients & instructions!
- Toss the chicken thighs and marinade in a large Ziploc bag.
- Make sure to really coat the chicken thighs fully with the marinade.
- Allow the thighs to marinade in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat the grill.
- Place the chicken thighs skin side down on the hot grill.
- Cook the thighs for 6-10 minutes per side.
- Allow the thighs to rest before serving.
- Garnish with parsley, plate, serve, and enjoy!
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Always use a meat thermometer when grilling chicken! It’s the most certain way to ensure that the meat is fully cooked.
Once the meat thermometer reads 165°F, the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
Why do I need to let the chicken thighs rest before serving?
They are going to be HOT when coming right from the grill! If you don’t allow the thighs to rest for a little bit, you’re going to possibly burn your mouth.
Also, you’re going to want the chicken to rest for a few minutes after grilling so it’s perfectly juicy. When you allow the meat to rest, the juices have time to redistribute themselves throughout the meat.
How long will grilled chicken thighs stay fresh?
Any leftovers you have will stay fresh in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat your leftover chicken thighs, you can pan sear them for a few minutes on each side over medium heat until they’re warmed all the way through.
Avoid using the microwave, as it will diminish both the texture and flavor of the chicken thighs!
Recipe Tips and Notes
- Make sure your grill is between 350-400°F. Too cold, and you chicken won’t cook through, if at all. Too hot, and the outside will burn while the inside remains raw.
- Marinate the chicken for 30-60 minutes. It doesn’t need to marinate any longer than an hour.
- This recipe will work for both boneless and bone-in chicken thighs. However, boneless thighs will likely cook a lot fast than bone-in thighs, so be cautious of that.
This simple recipe for marinated grilled chicken thighs is easy, inexpensive, and SO mouthwateringly full of flavor!
More grilled chicken recipes we love
- Grilled Chicken Breast
- Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa
- Grilled BBQ Chicken
- Grilled Buffalo Chicken
If you’ve made this recipe, please be sure to let us know by leaving a star rating or a comment below. Enjoy!
Marinated Grilled Chicken Thighs Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 Chicken thighs bone in, skin on
- 3 Tablespoons olive oil
- 3 Tablespoons lemon juice about one large lemon or two small lemons
- 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 ½ Tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ¾ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoons dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Minced parsley optional garnish
Instructions
- Put the four chicken thighs into a large gallon-sized Ziploc bag.
- Place the olive oil, lemon juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, dried basil, cumin, dried rosemary, dried thyme, and pepper into the bag with the chicken thighs.
- Slosh the chicken around in the bag to thoroughly coat all sides of the chicken thighs and to make sure all the ingredients are combined.
- Let marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Heat the grill up to medium high heat (350-400 degrees F) and then place the chicken thighs skin side down on a greased grill.
- The chicken thighs will need to cook on each side for about 6-10 minutes depending on their size. Be sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit before removing it from the grill.
- Let the thighs rest for 5- 10 minutes before serving. Top with minced parsley (optional), plate and serve.
Beth Nuccio says
Refreshing taste and perfect for chicken. Also easy to put together
Becky Hardin says
Thanks for sharing, Beth!