Grilled boneless chicken thighs are juicy and full of flavor! They cook up quickly on the grill, making them perfect for a sunny day with family or friends.
Honestly, who can resist the smell of grilled chicken? I love serving these with a side of veggies or tossing them in a salad. They’re so tasty, you might even want to make extra! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Boneless skinless chicken thighs are juicy and forgiving to cook, making them ideal for grilling. If you prefer another cut, boneless chicken breasts work too, but they may dry out more easily.
Olive Oil: This adds richness and helps to keep the chicken moist. If you’re looking for alternatives, avocado oil or canola oil can be good substitutes, offering similar benefits.
Soy Sauce: Soy sauce adds a wonderful umami flavor. If you’re avoiding gluten, you can use tamari, which is a gluten-free soy sauce. Coconut aminos are another great alternative that are a bit sweeter and lower in sodium.
Honey: Honey gives a sweet touch that balances the flavors. If you’re looking for a vegan option, maple syrup or agave nectar would work well.
Spices: Smoked paprika and cumin bring warmth and depth to the dish. If you’re out of smoked paprika, regular paprika will do, but for an extra smoky flavor, you might try adding a touch of liquid smoke.
How Do I Get Perfectly Grilled Chicken Thighs?
Grilling chicken thighs can be simple but requires a bit of attention to detail. First, marinating is essential for flavor and tenderness. The longer you marinate, the better, so ideally go for overnight if you have time.
- Start your grill on medium-high heat for a good sear.
- Don’t forget to oil your grill grates. This keeps the chicken from sticking.
- Cook each side for about 5-7 minutes. Check doneness using a meat thermometer—it should read 165°F (75°C).
- After grilling, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making each bite deliciously moist.
How to Make Grilled Boneless Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and at least 1 hour for marinating. Once marinated, grilling will take around 15 minutes. So, you can enjoy your delicious grilled boneless chicken thighs in about 1 hour and 25 minutes, including marinating time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Create the Marinade:
Start by taking a medium bowl and whisking together the olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, honey, minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. This will be your tasty marinade that gives the chicken lots of flavor!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Place the boneless chicken thighs into a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure all the pieces are well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and put it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, or if you have the time, overnight for the best flavor!
3. Preheat the Grill:
When you are ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. To prevent the chicken from sticking, oil the grill grates lightly with some olive oil.
4. Prepare the Chicken for Grilling:
Take the chicken thighs out of the marinade and let any excess marinade drip off. Be sure to discard the leftover marinade as it has raw chicken juices in it.
5. Grill the Chicken:
Place the chicken thighs on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side. You’re looking for a nice golden color and grill marks. The chicken is done when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Use a food thermometer to check if in doubt!
6. Rest and Serve:
Once the chicken is grilled, take it off the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps keep the chicken juicy and flavorful.
7. Garnish and Enjoy:
If you like, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. Serve your delicious grilled boneless chicken thighs warm. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken breasts if that’s what you prefer! Just keep in mind that chicken breasts tend to cook faster, so check for doneness around the 4-6 minute mark on each side, aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What Can I Substitute for Honey in the Marinade?
If you’re looking for a substitute for honey, maple syrup or agave nectar works well! You can also use brown sugar, but dissolve it in a bit of warm water to maintain the marinade’s consistency.
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
For best flavor and tenderness, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but you can marinate it for up to 24 hours. Just be cautious not to exceed that time, as it can start to break down the meat too much.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Grilled Chicken?
Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, use the microwave or warm it gently on the stovetop. You can also slice it and toss it in salads or wraps for a quick meal!
