Grilled Chicken Thighs - BeCentsational

Grilled Chicken Thighs

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Grilled Chicken Thighs: Your New Favorite Family Dinner Idea

Grilled Chicken Thighs stand as a cornerstone of comfort food, offering a perfect blend of juicy meat, a hint of smokiness, and the harmonious flavors of garlic, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, smoked paprika, dried thyme, rosemary, and oregano.

This dish not only promises a delightful burst of flavors but also the joy of a meal that brings everyone together.

Whether you’re aiming to impress at a holiday dinner or searching for a quick weeknight meal, these chicken thighs served alongside your preferred sides will undoubtedly secure a spot in your culinary rotation.

Grilled chicken thighs resting on a cutting board, allowing juices to redistribute, with grill marks visible on the golden-brown skin.

Why Grilled Chicken Thighs Are a Must-Try

Grilled Chicken Thighs excel as the pinnacle of comfort food, adaptable and ideal for any meal plan, from busy weeknights to festive holiday feasts.

  • Homemade Goodness: Marinated in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and herbs, then grilled to perfection, these chicken thighs encapsulate the essence of homemade barbecue.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Suitable for everything from a simple family meal to dinner for two, or even a dinner party, these chicken thighs are versatile enough to cater to any event, ensuring leftovers are just as delicious the next day.
  • Healthful and Hearty: Thanks to ingredients like chicken thighs and a bevy of herbs, this dish strikes a balance between rich flavors and nutritional benefits, serving as a wholesome option for family meals.
Close-up of succulent grilled chicken showcasing charred exterior and tender interior, ready to be enjoyed at a summer barbecue.

Barbecue Chicken Thighs Ingredients

  • Bone-In Chicken Thighs: The main ingredient, offering juicy, flavorful meat with a richer taste due to the bone.
  • Olive Oil: Provides moisture and helps the seasoning stick to the chicken, ensuring a crispy exterior.
  • Garlic: Minced garlic to infuse the meat with a robust flavor.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a tangy brightness to the marinade.
  • Soy Sauce: For depth and umami.
  • Smoked Paprika: Adds a smoky flavor to the chicken.
  • Dried Thyme, Rosemary, and Oregano: These herbs complement the smoky and savory notes.
  • Salt: Essential for seasoning.
  • Black Pepper: Adds a slight heat and enhances the overall flavor.

Instructions for Grilling Bone-In Chicken Thighs

Marinating the Chicken

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, smoked paprika, dried thyme, dried rosemary, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful marinade.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the bone-in chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for deeper flavor.
Raw chicken thighs soaking in a glass bowl filled with rich, herb-infused marinade, preparing for grilling.

Grilling the Chicken

  1. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium heat, around 350°F to 400°F (177°C to 204°C). If using a charcoal grill, make sure the coals are evenly distributed for consistent heat.
  2. Prepare for Grilling: Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off any excess. If desired, let the chicken sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before grilling to ensure more even cooking.
  3. Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs skin-side down on the grill. Grill for about 10-15 minutes on one side, then flip and grill for another 15-20 minutes on the other side, or until the chicken is cooked through. The total cooking time should be around 30-40 minutes, depending on the size of the thighs and the exact heat of your grill.
  4. Check for Doneness: The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone.
Chicken thighs grilling over glowing charcoal, with smoke rising, showcasing the process of achieving perfect char marks.

Resting and Serving

  1. Rest the Chicken: Once the chicken reaches the correct internal temperature, transfer it to a plate and let it rest for about 5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring your chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful.
  2. Serve: Serve your grilled bone-in chicken thighs hot off the grill with your favorite sides, garnishes, or sauces.

Enjoy your perfectly grilled bone-in chicken thighs, bursting with flavor and cooked to tender perfection!

Grilled chicken thighs resting on a cutting board, allowing juices to redistribute, with grill marks visible on the golden-brown skin.

Tips for Perfect Grilled Chicken Thighs

  • Marinate Overnight: For deeper flavor, marinate chicken thighs overnight in the fridge.
  • Preheat the Grill: Ensure your grill is hot before adding chicken to prevent sticking and achieve perfect grill marks.
  • Check Internal Temperature: Chicken is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temp of 165°F (74°C).
  • Rest Before Serving: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling to redistribute juices for a moister bite.
  • Skin Side Down First: Start grilling skin side down to crisp up the skin.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

  • Refrigeration: Cool the chicken thighs to room temperature and store in an airtight container. They’ll last 3-4 days in the fridge.
  • Reheating: Warm them in a pan over medium heat or in the microwave, ensuring they’re heated through.
Perfectly grilled chicken with crispy skin and juicy interior, served on a white platter garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.

What to Serve with Smoky Chicken Thighs

Grilled chicken thighs are a versatile main dish that pairs beautifully with a wide range of sides.

Close-up of juicy grilled chicken thighs on a plate, showing golden-brown char marks, garnished with fresh herbs.
Yield: 8 Pieces

Grilled Chicken Thighs Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Master the art of grilling with our juicy Grilled Chicken Thighs recipe. Perfect for family BBQs, quick weeknight dinners, and healthy meal prep. Get ready to impress with these easy, delicious, and versatile chicken recipes.

Ingredients

  • 8 Chicken Thighs, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 3 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 4 cloves of Garlic
  • 1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 2 tbsp Soy Sauce
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 1 tsp Dried Thyme
  • 1 tsp Dried Rosemary
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper

Instructions

Marinating the Chicken

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, smoked paprika, dried thyme, dried rosemary, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful marinade.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the bone-in chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for deeper flavor.

Grilling the Chicken

  1. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium heat, around 350°F to 400°F (177°C to 204°C). If using a charcoal grill, make sure the coals are evenly distributed for consistent heat.
  2. Prepare for Grilling: Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off any excess. If desired, let the chicken sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before grilling to ensure more even cooking.
  3. Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs skin-side down on the grill. Grill for about 10-15 minutes on one side, then flip and grill for another 15-20 minutes on the other side, or until the chicken is cooked through. The total cooking time should be around 30-40 minutes, depending on the size of the thighs and the exact heat of your grill.
  4. Check for Doneness: The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone.

Resting and Serving

  1. Rest the Chicken: Once the chicken reaches the correct internal temperature, transfer it to a plate and let it rest for about 5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring your chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful.
  2. Serve: Serve your grilled bone-in chicken thighs hot off the grill with your favorite sides, garnishes, or sauces.

Notes

  • Marinate Overnight: For deeper flavor, marinate chicken thighs overnight in the fridge.
  • Preheat the Grill: Ensure your grill is hot before adding chicken to prevent sticking and achieve perfect grill marks.
  • Check Internal Temperature: Chicken is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temp of 165°F (74°C).
  • Rest Before Serving: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling to redistribute juices for a moister bite.
  • Skin Side Down First: Start grilling skin side down to crisp up the skin.
  • Nutrition Information

    Yield

    8

    Serving Size

    1

    Amount Per Serving Calories 367Total Fat 26gSaturated Fat 7gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 18gCholesterol 187mgSodium 769mgCarbohydrates 2gFiber 1gSugar 0gProtein 35g

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