There’s nothing quite like the smell of juicy, flavorful chicken sizzling on the grill on a warm summer evening. It’s one of my favorite things about this time of year. I can still remember the first time I made grilled chicken thighs at home – it was a family gathering, and I was so nervous that I’d mess it up. But as soon as I took that first bite, I knew I had a new go-to recipe that would become a summertime staple.
The key is in the seasoning – a simple blend of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and dried thyme creates an incredible depth of flavor that complements the natural richness of the chicken thighs. And the high-heat sear from the grill gives you that perfect crispy skin that everyone loves. I’ve perfected this recipe over the years, and I’m so excited to share it with you today.
Why This Grilled Chicken Thighs Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Grilled Chicken Thighs
Grilled chicken thighs are one of the most flavorful and forgiving cuts of chicken you can work with. The dark meat stays juicy and tender, even when cooked over high heat. And the skin gets deliciously crispy when you get the grill temperature just right. This recipe uses a simple dry rub that infuses the meat with bold, smoky flavors.
The key is to let the chicken sit with the rub for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This gives the seasonings time to really penetrate the meat. And be sure not to overcrowd the grill grates – you want plenty of room for the thighs to sear and char without steaming. With just a few easy tips, you’ll be grilling up the most amazing chicken thighs that your family and friends will be raving about all summer long.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs – The dark meat stays so juicy and flavorful on the grill. And the skin gets deliciously crispy when cooked over high heat.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – This helps the seasoning rub adhere to the chicken and also promotes even browning on the skin.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Adds a savory, aromatic depth of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder – Complements the garlic and creates a well-rounded seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika – Lends a lovely smoky note that’s perfect for grilling.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme – Earthy and herbaceous, the thyme ties all the flavors together.
- 1 teaspoon salt – Seasons the chicken and helps the rub adhere.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – Provides a little kick of heat.
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges – A spritz of lemon juice at the end brightens up the whole dish.
Step-by-Step Grilled Chicken Thighs Instructions
Preparing Your Grilled Chicken Thighs
Prep time for this recipe is just 10 minutes, and the chicken thighs cook in 20 minutes on the grill. With a total time of 30 minutes, this is the perfect easy weeknight meal or backyard barbecue option. All you’ll need is a grill, tongs, and a basting brush.
1- Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This will help the seasoning rub stick better. In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Rub this flavorful seasoning all over the chicken, making sure to coat both sides evenly.
2- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side down. Grill for about 8-10 minutes per side, basting with the olive oil halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
3- When the chicken is cooked through, transfer the thighs to a clean plate and let them rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat nice and juicy.
4- While the chicken rests, the grill grates should still be nice and hot. Use tongs to carefully add the lemon wedges to the grill, charring them for 2-3 minutes per side.
5- Serve the grilled chicken thighs hot, garnished with the charred lemon wedges. I like to serve this with a fresh green salad or roasted veggies on the side.
6- Enjoy your deliciously juicy, flavor-packed grilled chicken thighs! The crispy skin and smoky-garlic seasoning make this an absolute summertime staple.
Pro Tips for Success
- Don’t be afraid to let the chicken thighs get a nice char on the grill. The high heat will give you that addictive crispy skin.
- Be sure to let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat nice and juicy.
- Try using a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F. This takes the guesswork out of grilling.
- For extra flavor, try brining the chicken thighs for 30 minutes to an hour before seasoning and grilling. The salt in the brine helps the meat stay extra moist.
Serving and Storing Your Grilled Chicken Thighs
Perfect Pairings for Grilled Chicken Thighs
This grilled chicken thighs recipe serves 4 people, making it a great option for a family dinner or small gathering. I love serving it with a fresh, zesty salad like a Greek salad or a simple mixed greens salad with a bright lemon vinaigrette. Roasted or grilled veggies also make a fantastic side – think asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potato wedges. And don’t forget an ice-cold beer or a crisp white wine to complement the bold, smoky flavors of the chicken.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Grilled chicken thighs are incredibly versatile and make excellent leftovers. Once the chicken has cooled completely, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, the cooked chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
To reheat the grilled chicken, you can pop it in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also quickly sear the thighs in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes per side. And if you want to meal prep, you can grill the chicken ahead of time and keep it on hand to add to salads, wraps, or grain bowls throughout the week.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Grilled Chicken Thighs
Creative Grilled Chicken Thighs Variations
While this classic seasoned grilled chicken thighs recipe is delicious as-is, there are plenty of ways to switch it up. Try marinating the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and your favorite herbs before grilling. Or coat the thighs in a spicy rub with cayenne, cumin, and chili powder for a Southwestern flair. You could also baste the chicken with a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce towards the end of cooking for a sticky-finger meal.
For a Mediterranean twist, rub the chicken with oregano, lemon zest, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Serve it with roasted potatoes, feta, and a drizzle of tzatziki sauce. And in the fall, try brining the chicken in apple cider and seasoning it with sage, rosemary, and a touch of maple syrup.
Making Grilled Chicken Thighs Diet-Friendly
This grilled chicken thighs recipe is naturally gluten-free, and you can easily make it keto-friendly by omitting the garlic powder and onion powder (which have a small amount of carbs). Instead, use granulated garlic and onion powder, which are carb-free.
For a dairy-free and vegan version, simply use a plant-based oil instead of olive oil. And if you want to cut down on calories, you can remove the skin from the chicken thighs before grilling. The seasoning will still provide tons of flavor, and the dark meat will stay nice and juicy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: Absolutely! You can easily adapt this recipe to work with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as chicken breasts tend to cook faster than thighs. Grill the breasts for 6-8 minutes per side until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Q: How long do I need to grill the chicken thighs?
A: For this recipe, the total cook time is 20 minutes. Grill the chicken thighs for 8-10 minutes per side over medium-high heat (about 400°F) until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, grilled chicken thighs make excellent leftovers! Once the chicken has cooled completely, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This grilled chicken thighs recipe serves 4 people. The ingredient list calls for 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, which should be enough for a family-sized meal or small gathering.
Q: What if the chicken skin doesn’t get crispy?
A: If you’re having trouble getting that delicious crispy skin, make sure you’re not overcrowding the grill grates. You want plenty of space between the thighs so they can sear properly. You can also try patting the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning to remove any excess moisture.
Grilled Chicken Thighs
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Juicy, flavor-packed Grilled Chicken Thighs are the ultimate summertime dinner. Seasoned to perfection and cooked to crispy, caramelized skin, this easy 30-minute recipe is sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients
– 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 lemon, cut into wedges
Instructions
1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and place in a large bowl.
2. In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the chicken and rub it in with your hands to evenly coat.
3. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Brush the grates with oil.
4. Add the chicken thighs skin-side down and grill for 5-7 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden brown. Flip the thighs and continue grilling for another 8-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. Transfer the grilled chicken thighs to a platter and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top. Serve immediately with the lemon wedges.
Notes
For extra crispy skin, pat the chicken thighs very dry before seasoning. You can also broil the thighs for 2-3 minutes after grilling to further crisp up the skin.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Grilled chicken thighs are an absolute summertime essential in my household. This recipe delivers juicy, flavor-packed chicken with that signature crispy skin that everyone loves. The simple seasoning blend ties everything together perfectly, and the charred lemon wedges add a bright, fresh finishing touch.
I know you and your family are going to fall in love with this easy grilled chicken thighs recipe. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, backyard barbecues, and everything in between. Give it a try and let me know what you think in the comments below! And don’t forget to share your photos – I’d love to see your grilled chicken creations.
