These juicy grilled chicken thighs are perfect for a summer barbecue or a quick weeknight dinner. Marinated in a flavorful blend of spices and herbs, they deliver a deliciously tender and moist bite every time.
The recipe is simple and can be easily adjusted to suit your taste preferences. Serve these chicken thighs with your favorite sides for a complete meal.
Creating the Perfect Marinade
To achieve juicy grilled chicken thighs, the marinade is essential. A blend of olive oil, garlic, and spices brings out the best flavors in the chicken.
Start by whisking together olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, dried thyme, and fresh lemon juice. This mixture not only adds flavor but also helps to tenderize the meat.
Once combined, the chicken thighs should be coated thoroughly in the marinade. This step can be done in a resealable bag or a shallow dish, allowing the chicken to soak up all those delicious flavors.
Marinating for Maximum Flavor
For optimal taste, marinate the chicken thighs for at least 30 minutes, but if time allows, letting them sit for up to 4 hours will enhance the flavor even more.
During this time, the spices and herbs penetrate the meat, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor.
After marinating, it’s important to remove the chicken from the marinade and discard it. This prevents any potential food safety issues while grilling.
Grilling Techniques for Perfectly Cooked Chicken
Preheating the grill is a crucial step in the grilling process. Aim for medium-high heat to achieve that perfect char on the chicken thighs.
Place the chicken skin-side down on the grill, allowing it to cook for about 6-7 minutes. This initial sear locks in moisture and creates a beautiful crust.
After flipping, continue grilling for another 6-7 minutes, monitoring the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C).
Serving Suggestions
Once grilled to perfection, let the chicken thighs rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite remains moist and tender.
For a vibrant summer meal, serve the chicken alongside a colorful salad and grilled vegetables.
The combination of fresh greens, bright veggies, and the smoky flavor of the grilled chicken creates a visually appealing and satisfying plate.
Creating the Ideal Outdoor Setting
Setting the scene for your meal can enhance the overall experience. A sunny outdoor setting with a grill in action adds warmth and invites a relaxed atmosphere.
Consider using outdoor seating and tableware that complements the vibrant colors of your meal.
Fresh herbs as a garnish not only add flavor but also elevate the presentation, making your grilled chicken thighs the star of the show.
Nutrition and Serving Size
This dish serves 4 people, making it perfect for family gatherings or casual get-togethers.
Each serving contains approximately 280 calories, with 20g of fat and 24g of protein, providing a satisfying and nutritious option for any meal.
With its simple preparation and delicious results, this grilled chicken recipe is sure to become a favorite for summer barbecues and weeknight dinners alike.
Easy Juicy Grilled Chicken Thighs Recipe
This recipe features chicken thighs marinated in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and spices, then grilled to perfection. The cooking process takes about 30 minutes and serves 4 people.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, and lemon juice.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for more flavor.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down on the grill. Cook for about 6-7 minutes, then flip and cook for another 6-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy with your favorite sides.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Marinating Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 280kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 0g