Grilled Chicken Thighs
This grilled chicken thighs recipe delivers juicy, tender, and flavorful meat with a simple, smoky marinade. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or meal prep, it balances rich spices with fresh lemon to create a versatile and delicious dish everyone will love.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Marinade
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until well mixed to create a flavorful marinade base.
- Marinate the Chicken Thighs: Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour in the marinade. Ensure each piece is coated evenly. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
- Preheat Your Grill: Set your grill to medium-high heat. It should be hot enough to sear the skin but not so hot that the chicken burns before cooking through.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken thighs skin-side down on the grill. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, flipping once, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the skin is crispy and caramelized.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is tender and juicy.
Notes
- Use bone-in, skin-on thighs for juicier meat and crispier skin.
- Don’t skip resting the chicken after grilling to lock in moisture.
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure doneness.
- Brush grill grates with oil before cooking to prevent sticking.
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes; up to 4 hours intensifies flavor without toughening.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: grilled chicken thighs, easy chicken recipe, juicy chicken, barbecue chicken, gluten free chicken, quick dinner, meal prep chicken