– **Title**: Grilled Boneless Chicken Thighs
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 ½ pounds boneless chicken thighs
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– Juice of 1 lemon
– Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
– **Instructions**:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, soy sauce, honey, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice to create the marinade.
2. Add the boneless chicken thighs to the marinade and ensure they are evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for more flavor.
3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
4. Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade and let any excess marinade drip off.
5. Place the chicken thighs on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and are nicely charred.
6. Remove from the grill and let rest for about 5 minutes before slicing.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm with your choice of sides.
Enjoy your grilled chicken thighs!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Boneless Chicken Thighs: These are great for grilling because they stay juicy and flavorful. If you can’t find thighs, boneless chicken breasts can work, but they might dry out faster.
Olive Oil: This is perfect for marinating because it adds richness. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could use avocado oil instead. Both have high smoke points suitable for grilling.
Soy Sauce: It brings a nice umami flavor to the marinade. If you’re gluten-free, try tamari instead. Coconut aminos is another great alternative, with a slightly sweeter taste.
Smoked Paprika: This gives the chicken a wonderful smoky flavor. If you don’t have it, regular paprika or even cayenne pepper can substitute, but they will alter the flavor profile a bit.
Fresh Parsley: This adds a nice color and freshness as a garnish. You can use other herbs like cilantro or basil if you prefer a different flavor.
How Do I Marinate Chicken for Great Flavor?
Marinating is key to infusing flavor into your chicken. Start by mixing all the marinade ingredients in a bowl. Ensure you coat the chicken thighs well. Cover the bowl and refrigerate. For the best results, let it marinate overnight. However, even 30 minutes will improve the taste!
- Mix olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, garlic, and spices in a bowl.
- Add chicken and mix to coat.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).
Remember to discard the leftover marinade—it’s not safe to reuse! Enjoy your flavorful grilled chicken!
How to Make Grilled Boneless Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious grilled chicken recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and requires at least 30 minutes to marinate. So, overall, set aside around 40 minutes, or up to overnight if you want the chicken to soak in even more flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed. This flavorful marinade is what will make your chicken taste amazing!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the boneless chicken thighs to the marinade, making sure each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or if you have time, overnight is even better for maximum flavor!
3. Grill the Chicken:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Make sure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent the chicken from sticking. Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade and discard any leftover marinade.
4. Cooking Time:
Place the marinated chicken thighs on the grill. Cook them for about 6-7 minutes on the first side until nice grill marks form. Then, flip the chicken over and cook for another 5-6 minutes. You want to make sure the chicken is fully cooked—look for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and a beautiful char on the outside!
5. Finishing Touches:
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it sit for a few minutes to rest. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the chicken tender and juicy. Finally, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a lovely garnish and serve with your favorite sides, like grilled vegetables or a fresh salad. Enjoy your delicious grilled boneless chicken thighs!
Can I Use Bone-In Chicken Thighs Instead?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that bone-in chicken thighs will take longer to cook. You’ll want to grill them for about 10-12 minutes on the first side, then flip and continue cooking for another 8-10 minutes. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
What Can I Substitute for Soy Sauce?
If you need a soy sauce substitution, try using tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option. Alternatively, you can make a quick mix of balsamic vinegar and water (1:1 ratio) for a different flavor profile, though it will taste a bit different!
How Should I Store Leftover Grilled Chicken Thighs?
Store any leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you’d like to freeze them, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Can I Cook These Chicken Thighs in the Oven Instead?
Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This method will give you juicy chicken thighs without the grill!
