The Best Grilled Chicken Thighs Recipe

This easy grilled chicken thighs recipe is simple, quick, and filled with flavor. The marinade comes together in just minutes with pantry staple spices, then a quick flip-flop on the grill, and dinner is done!

Easy Grilled Chicken Thighs Recipe

• The marinade makes these chicken thighs super tasty and juicy at the same time. With a base of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and brown sugar along with pantry staple spices and dried herbs – this marinade is easy to throw together with things you’ve already got on hand.
• The best part is you can marinate them for as little as an hour or up to 24 hours! So this is the perfect make-ahead meal prep recipe. Marinate the chicken the night before and then when you’re ready for dinner, throw the chicken on the grill!

Ingredients to Make Grilled Chicken Thighs

• Olive Oil: Olive oil is the perfect base for this delicious marinade. While it may seem like there are a lot of ingredients in this marinade, most of them are simple pantry staple spices and herbs!
• Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a subtle sweetness. I typically have light brown sugar on hand but dark brown sugar will work too.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Balsamic vinegar adds the most delicious tang. You could use soy sauce in place of balsamic vinegar if you prefer.
• Italian Seasoning: If you don’t have Italian seasoning, use your favorite blend of dried herbs.
• Garlic Powder: I like to stick with garlic powder instead of fresh garlic when marinating my chicken because it gives you all the flavor without any bits of burned garlic.
• Paprika: Use regular or smoked paprika, just keep in mind that smoked paprika has a much stronger flavor so you may want to use a bit less.
• Kosher Salt: Salt boosts the flavor of the other ingredients in this marinade – don’t skimp on it!
• Onion Powder: Onion powder is a great way to get subtle flavor with very little work!
• Dijon Mustard: Dijon mustard adds a delicious depth of flavor. Feel free to use stone ground or whole-grain mustard in its place.
• Black Pepper: Another simple staple that takes this marinade to another level!
• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will cook more quickly than bone-in. You could also use chicken breast if you prefer.

How to Make Grilled Chicken Thighs

Combine marinade ingredients in a large bowl.

Add chicken and toss to coat evenly.

Cook on the grill for 5-6 minutes, flip, and cook for another 5-6 minutes. Flip and cook for another 5-6 minutes or until the chicken thighs reach 165 degrees internally.

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and enjoy!

Tips for Making Grilled Chicken Thighs

• You can marinate the chicken thighs for up to 24 hours. The longer you marinate them, the more flavor they will have. But even just 30-60 minutes will add a ton of flavor!
• Preheat the grill or grill pan before adding the chicken. The key to getting those beautiful grill marks is a hot surface that creates that delicious crust. I like to heat the grill to high heat and then turn it down just before adding the chicken. I do the same when using a grill pan. A hot grill or pan will ensure that the chicken doesn’t stick.
• Let the chicken rest for a couple minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute so the chicken is super moist.
• Serve with sliced lemons or fresh herbs. An easy way to take these grilled chicken thighs to the next level is to serve them with fresh accompaniments that enhance their flavor and add a bright element.

Perfect Make-Ahead Option

This is one of my favorite make-ahead chicken recipes because it’s super easy to reheat and the breasts stay moist and juicy. You can also prep and marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance so it’s ready whenever you are!

Storing Leftover Chicken Thighs

Store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Freezing Chicken Thighs

Freeze chicken thighs in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating Chicken Thighs

To reheat leftover chicken thighs, add them to a baking dish with a splash of chicken broth in the bottom. Cover with foil and heat in a 350-degree oven until warmed through.

Try these chicken recipes next!

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