– **Title**: Juicy Grilled Chicken Thighs
– **Ingredients**:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– **Instructions**:
1. In a large bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice to create a marinade.
2. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl, ensuring they are well coated with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
3. Preheat the 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 skin-side down on the grill. Grill for about 6-8 minutes, until the skin is crispy and golden.
6. Flip the chicken thighs and reduce the heat to medium. Continue grilling for another 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the juices run clear.
7. Remove from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. Enjoy your juicy grilled chicken thighs!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs keep the meat juicy while grilling. If you prefer, you can swap for boneless thighs or even chicken breasts, but make sure to adjust cooking time as breasts can dry out quicker.
Olive Oil: This adds richness and helps to develop flavors. For a more neutral taste, you can use canola or vegetable oil. Avocado oil is also a great option for high-heat cooking.
Soy Sauce: The soy adds savory saltiness. If you’re avoiding soy, try tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free alternative. Braggs Liquid Aminos is another good substitute.
Honey: Honey brings sweetness to balance the saltiness. Maple syrup or agave syrup can work in its place if you want a vegan option.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for its robust flavor. If you don’t have fresh, garlic powder will do; just use about 1/2 teaspoon instead of 4 cloves.
How Do I Make Sure the Chicken is Juicy and Flavorful?
To achieve juicy and flavorful chicken, marination is key! Make sure to let the chicken sit in the marinade for at least 1 hour, but overnight is ideal for deeper flavor. The combination of acid from the vinegar and lemon juice helps tenderize the meat.
- After marinating, let excess liquid drip off to prevent flare-ups on the grill.
- Grill the thighs skin-side down first for crispy skin. Pay attention to grill marks—you want that beautiful char!
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness; 165°F (75°C) ensures your chicken is cooked without drying out.
- Let the chicken rest after grilling. This helps keep the juices locked in, making every bite delicious!
How to Make Juicy Grilled Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Marinade:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1 lemon
For The Chicken:
- 4 bone-in chicken thighs, skin-on
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes for prep and marinating, plus around 15-20 minutes of grilling time. For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour or overnight. So, plan for a total of about 1 hour and 35 minutes to 1 hour and 40 minutes if you let it marinate overnight. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Mix it well until everything is combined into a smooth marinade. This will add a ton of flavor to your chicken!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken thighs to the bowl with the marinade. Make sure they are well-coated in that delicious mixture. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate. For best results, let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour. If you have the time, overnight is even better!
3. Set Up the Grill:
When you’re ready to grill, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This will help you achieve that perfect char on the chicken!
4. Grill the Chicken Thighs:
Take the chicken thighs out of the marinade, letting any extra marinade drip off. Discard the leftover marinade to keep things safe and healthy. Place the chicken thighs on the grill, skin-side down. Grill them for about 6-7 minutes until the skin gets crispy and golden. Then, flip them over and grill for another 6-7 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can use a meat thermometer for accuracy!
5. Rest and Serve:
Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep the juices inside and makes for a juicier bite! Finally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for that extra zing. Enjoy your juicy grilled chicken thighs!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs, but adjust the cooking time! Boneless thighs typically cook quicker, so grill them for about 5-6 minutes on each side until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
How Do I Store Leftover Grilled Chicken Thighs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To keep them moist, consider placing a damp paper towel in the container with the chicken to help retain moisture.
Can I Make This Chicken Thigh Marinade Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade up to 3 days in advance. Just keep it in the refrigerator, and when you’re ready to grill, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour as usual.
What Should I Serve with Grilled Chicken Thighs?
These grilled chicken thighs pair wonderfully with sides like grilled vegetables, a fresh garden salad, or roasted potatoes. For a fun addition, consider serving them with a dipping sauce like tzatziki or a spicy salsa!
