Try these easy and flavorful Grilled Chicken Thighs Recipe if you’re looking for a delicious recipe for the summer. They are marinated in bold fresh and dry spices, making them both delicious and juicy. These chicken thighs will be a staple at family barbecues! Your family is going to love these grilled chicken thighs recipe and there are so many different sides that go well with them!

grilled chicken thighs on white plate with potato salad
Your family will love these juicy and tender Grilled Chicken Thighs.

How to Make This Grilled Chicken Thighs Recipe

This is a great alternative to traditional burgers and hot dogs. The chicken thighs get that grilled flavor along with the sweetness from the brown sugar and a pop of citrus from the lemon juice. I love switching it up on a hot summer night and this recipe is easily prepared ahead of time so all you have to do is cook and enjoy them. Plus, they get that irresistible crispy skin that’s so crunchy and delicious. It’s definitely my favorite part.

The most important part of this recipe is the marinade. It infuses all of the delicious flavors into the chicken thighs and also helps tenderize them so you get the juiciest result straight off the hot grill. I love fresh herbs, especially the smell of fresh basil. All of the seasonings put together smell incredible and get you even more excited to enjoy those grilled chicken thighs.

It’s also a very inexpensive recipe. Most of the seasonings needed are likely in your pantry right now, and I can usually get a great deal on family packs of chicken thighs. It’s a great recipe to make extra of and store leftovers for other nights during the week.

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Related: Grilled Hobo Foil Packets

ingredients needed to make grilled chicken thighs
Ingredients you will need to make Grilled Chicken Thighs

Ingredients Needed to Make Chicken Thighs on the Grill

Instructions for Grilling Chicken Thighs Recipe

Step 1

Combine all of your ingredients for the marinade in a large bowl. Whisk together until well combined.

Step 2

In a zip-top bag, add your chicken thighs. Pour the marinade over top and seal it.

Tip: Make sure to squeeze out any excess air for optimal marinating.

Step 3

Shake the bag to fully coat the chicken thighs. Place in the refrigerator for a minimum of 8 hours and up to 24 hours. The longer the better!

Step 4

When you’re ready to grill, remove the bag of chicken thighs from the refrigerator and then preheat your grill to 425 degrees F.

Step 5

Remove the chicken thighs from the bag and place them on the grill skin side down.

Tip: Don’t forget to throw away the bag with any extra marinade to avoid cross-contamination.

Step 6

Cook for 2-3 minutes or until you get a good sear. Flip the chicken thighs and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Step 7

Move the chicken thighs to an area of the grill that isn’t lit and continue to cook until the internal temperature reaches at least 165 degrees F. Flip as needed.

Step 8

Remove the cooked thighs from the grill and allow them to rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Tip: Resting your chicken allows the juices to redistribute instead of running out when you slice the chicken. This keeps them nice and juicy.

Step 9

Your finished grilled thighs should have beautiful grill marks and crispy skin. Serve immediately after resting and store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

grilled chicken thighs on white platter with fresh herb and lemon slices
These Grilled Chicken Thighs are a great make-ahead meal with marinating overnight.

How Long Do You Grill Chicken Thighs?

One of the most important parts about grilling meat is getting a nice sear. Color adds a lot of flavors. The first portion of the grilling process should be over direct heat to get those gorgeous grill marks. It only takes about 2-4 minutes per side to get the perfect sear. Once that happens, you will want to move the chicken thighs to indirect heat to ensure they are cooked through but don’t burn. Use a thermometer to make sure they are cooked to 165 degrees F before they are removed from the grill.

grilled chicken thighs on white platter with potato salad in bowl
What would you serve with your Grilled Chicken Thighs?

More Grilling and Summer Recipes from Kids Activities Blog

Do you love cooking on the grill? Let us know what you think about this recipe for grilled chicken thighs in the comments below.

Yield: 6-8

Grilled Chicken Thighs

grilled chicken thighs on white platter with potato salad in bowl

These easy and flavorful Grilled Chicken Thighs are marinated in bold fresh and dry spices, making them both delicious and juicy. These chicken thighs will be a staple at family barbecues!

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Additional Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 25 minutes

Ingredients

  • 8-10 chicken thighs, bone-in
  • Marinade
  • ½ cup fresh lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, minced or 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, minced and lightly packed or 4 teaspoons dried parsley
  • ¼ cup fresh basil, minced and lightly packed or 4 teaspoons dried basil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

    1. Combine marinade ingredients into a medium bowl and whisk together.
    2. Add the thighs to a large zip top bag and pour in the marinade 
    3. Seal the bag and shake to coat all around. Refrigerate for 8 hours, up to 24 hours.
    4. After marinating, remove chicken thighs from the refrigerator while you preheat your grill to 425° F. Discard marinade 
    5. Place chicken thighs skin side down on a hot grill and grill 2-3 minutes until you get a good sear. Flip and sear the other side for another 2-3 minutes
    6. Move the chicken to an unlit area of the grill and cook until they reach an internal temperature of 165° F, flipping occasionally.
    7. Remove from the grill and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
    8. Store leftovers in refrigerator



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