Grilled Chicken Thighs are a delicious and easy-to-make meal and packed with flavor. This summer staple is seasoned with a sweet and smokey BBQ seasoning and is also a great option for when you’re short on time. Whether you are cooking for yourself or for a crowd, grilled chicken thighs are a hit.
If you love chicken thigh recipes you can also try this Baked Chicken Thighs, Air Fryer Chicken Thighs, Baked Caprese Chicken and this Chicken and Cauliflower Rice.
If you’re looking for other grilled recipes like this one, you might like grilled shrimp, cajun grilled chicken, grilled corn, or easy grilled fish tacos.
One of the great things about grilled chicken thighs is that they can be seasoned in a variety of ways. Whether you prefer a spicy or sweet flavor, there is a seasoning that will work for you.
They are also a great option for those who are short on time. They only take 8 to 10 minutes to grill on a gas or charcoal grill, making them a perfect choice for a quick and tasty dinner. Whether you are cooking for yourself or for a crowd, grilled chicken thighs are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients To Make Grilled Chicken Thighs
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this chicken thigh recipe:
- Chicken thighs – Look for bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for the best flavor and texture. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer, but they may dry out more easily on the grill.
- BBQ seasoning – This seasoning includes smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, chili powder, ground mustard, kosher salt, and black pepper. You can also add dry oregano and thyme if you prefer.
- Olive oil – I like to use extra-virgin olive oil. You can also use avocado oil if you prefer.
Instructions to Make Grilled Chicken Thighs
- Preheat the grill.
- Oil the grill grates using a brush or paper towel to oil the grill grates with vegetable oil or cooking spray. This will help prevent sticking and ensure that the chicken gets nice and crispy skin.
- Season the chicken with the dry rub (spices) on both sides.
- Grill the chicken skin-side down and cook over direct heat for 5-6 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Use tongs to flip the chicken halfway through cooking.
Recipe Tips
- When it comes to grilled chicken thighs, choosing the right cut of meat is crucial for a delicious and juicy outcome. Like chicken breasts, you can choose bone-in or boneless, skin-on or skinless, or fresh or frozen thighs. If they’re frozen, be sure to thaw them properly before grilling.
- Marinating chicken thighs is another option when making flavorful grilled chicken. Choose your favorite chicken thigh marinade ingredients or buy it from the store. Be sure to allow the chicken to sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes so the flavors penetrate all the way through.
- When grilling chicken thighs, it’s important to use the right grill settings. This will allow the chicken to cook evenly without burning the skin. If using a gas grill, turn off one or more of the burners to create an indirect heat zone. This will help prevent flare-ups and ensure that the chicken cooks through without burning. You can also use a grill pan if you don’t have an outdoor grill.
- Cooking time is an important factor when grilling chicken thighs. Boneless chicken thighs typically take around 6-8 minutes per side to cook through, while bone-in chicken thighs can take up to 10-12 minutes per side. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the thickest part of the meat reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the safe temperature for consuming chicken.
- When grilling chicken thighs, it’s important to turn them at the right time. Wait until the chicken has cooked for about 4-5 minutes on one side before flipping it over. This will help ensure that the skin crisps up nicely and doesn’t stick to the grill grates. Use tongs to turn the chicken, rather than a fork, which can pierce the meat and cause it to dry out.
Recipe Variations
Grilled chicken thighs pair well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Add some grilled Vegetables: Grilling vegetables alongside your bone-in thighs is a great way to add some extra flavor and nutrition to your meal. Try grilling zucchini, bell peppers, and onions for a colorful and tasty side dish.
- Switch up the oil: Instead of using olive oil, you can use avocado oil, vegetable oil, or another seed oil.
- Make it low-carb: If you want to make these thighs low-carb, just remove the brown sugar from the seasoning.
- Spice it up: Add some heat with cayenne pepper or a smokey flavor with chili powder. You can also use Dijon mustard, soy sauce or make a baked BBQ chicken thighs.
How To Store Leftovers
Refrigerate: Keep leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.
Reheat: When you’re ready to reheat the bone-in or boneless thighs, you can do this in the microwave, in a countertop oven like an air fryer, or back on the grill.
Freeze: If you want to save the thighs for even longer, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, put them in a freezer bag, and store them in the freezer for up to three months.
What To Serve With Chicken Thighs
- Serve a cool drink with these thighs on hot summer days like this Brazilian Caipirinha or Paloma Cocktail.
- These are great with a light and refreshing dessert like this summer fruit salad recipe.
- Throw together a potato Salad: A classic potato salad is always a hit at a barbecue. Make it even more flavorful by adding some fresh herbs like parsley or dill.
- Get out the corn on the Cob: Grilled corn on the cob is a summertime favorite and goes really well with grilled chicken thighs.
- Don’t forget a grain side dish like this quinoa salad, whole wheat pasta salad or couscous salad.
- Pair with a crunchy salad like this chicken salad recipe, corn salad, or peach salsa.
Recommended Tools
Grill: For juicy chicken thighs, cook them on medium-high heat on an electric, gas, or charcoal grill.
Tongs: These are perfect for flipping the thigh meat on the grill without getting your hand too close to the heat.
Bowl: Using a bowl is the best way to toss the thighs in a seasoning mix.
More Grilled Chicken Recipes
Frequently Asked Questions
Grilling boneless skinless chicken thighs on a gas grill is a simple and easy process. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400-450 degrees Fahrenheit. Brush your chicken thighs with olive oil and season with salt and pepper or your favorite seasoning blend. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
Grilling bone-in chicken thighs takes a little longer than boneless skinless chicken thighs. Place the chicken on the grill, skin side down, and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, flipping once, until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Grilling chicken thighs on a gas grill versus a charcoal grill can result in slightly different flavors and cooking times. Gas grills are generally easier to use and control the temperature, while charcoal grills impart a smokier flavor. However, both methods can produce delicious grilled chicken thighs. The cooking time may vary depending on the type of grill you are using, so be sure to monitor the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it is fully cooked.
Grilled Chicken Thighs
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Ingredients
- 6 chicken things bone-in and skin-in
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp smoke paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground mustard
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- First, clean the grill and oil it to make it nonstick.
- Then, preheat the grill to high heat. The grill should be around 400 – 425°F.
- While the grill preheats, pat the chicken thighs dry.
- In a large bowl, add chicken thighs, olive oil and all the rest of the ingredients mentioned on the ingredient list above. Toss until coated. Cover and set aside.
- Arrange the chicken thighs directly on the grill, spacing out. Close the lid and grill for about 25 minutes, flipping every 5 minutes, until the chicken reaches 170-175°F on an instant read thermometer.
- Remove from the grill, place them on a serving tray, cover lightly with foil, and allow them to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Tips
- Make sure the chicken is cooked through by using an instant read meat thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh. The chicken is done when the juice runs clear and the temperature reaches 165F.
- After patting the chicken dry with paper towels, drizzle it with olive oil and seasoning. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the seasonings to absorb into the chicken.
- Set the grill heat to medium high to allow the thighs to cook all the way through and get a nice crispy skin on the outside.
- If you’re using frozen thighs, thaw them completely before grilling. You can allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight or heat them with the defrost setting in the microwave being careful not to cook them.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.
Hana says
yummy
Olivia says
Thank you!