Description
Juicy, flavorful grilled chicken thighs boneless skinless that’s easy to make and perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This step is crucial as it helps the seasonings adhere better and promotes better browning on the grill.
- Make the marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, lemon juice, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using) until well combined.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each thigh is well-coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
- Preheat the grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400-450°F). Clean the grates thoroughly and oil them lightly to prevent sticking.
- Grill the chicken: Place the chicken thighs on the grill, making sure not to overcrowd the grill. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of your thighs. You’ll know it’s time to flip when you see nice grill marks forming and the chicken releases easily from the grates.
- Check for doneness: The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F on a meat thermometer. The juices should run clear when pierced with a knife, and the meat should be opaque throughout.
- Rest the chicken: Transfer the grilled chicken thighs to a plate and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.
Notes
- Don’t skip patting dry: Removing excess moisture from the chicken surface is essential for getting that beautiful sear on the grill.
- Control the heat: If your grill runs hot, reduce the heat to medium to prevent the outside from burning before the inside is cooked through.
- Use a meat thermometer: This is the most reliable way to know when your chicken is perfectly cooked without overdoing it.
- Don’t press down: Resist the temptation to press down on the chicken with your spatula while it’s cooking. This precious juice needs to stay inside the meat.
- Let it rest: The resting step is non-negotiable for juicy chicken. Don’t skip it!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Chicken recipes
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: grilled chicken thighs boneless skinless