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Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs provide great flavor and juiciness. If you prefer leaner meat, you can use boneless, skinless thighs, or even chicken breasts, but adjust cooking time as they cook faster.
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds richness to the marinade. If you’re out, vegetable or canola oil is a good alternative. For a different flavor, try avocado oil.
Smoked Paprika: This adds a lovely smoky flavor. If you don’t have it, regular paprika works, but you might miss that smokiness. You can also use a dash of liquid smoke for a similar effect.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives a bold flavor. If you want a milder taste, you can use garlic powder—about half a teaspoon for each clove. Adjust to your preference!
Chili Powder: This is optional if you want a kick. For heat, consider using cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. If you prefer no heat, simply skip it.
What’s the Best Way to Marinate Chicken for Flavor?
Marinating chicken is key for flavor and tenderizing your meat. Start with an oil base (like olive oil), as it helps to distribute the seasonings and keep moisture locked in. Here’s how to do it right:
- Combine all marinade ingredients in a bowl.
- Add your chicken thighs into a resealable bag or a shallow dish.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken and coat well. Seal or cover, ensuring air is out.
- Marinate for at least 1 hour, but overnight in the fridge will give you the best taste!
- Don’t forget to shake off excess marinade before grilling for a nice sear.
Allowing the chicken to marinate longer not only enhances the flavor but also results in a more tender bite. Just remember: the acid (if you add vinegar or lemon juice) is essential for tenderizing, but too much can make the meat mushy if left for too long.
How to Make Grilled Chicken Thighs?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for heat)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep, plus at least 1 hour for marinating (overnight is best). The grilling itself will take around 15 minutes. So, in total, plan for about 1 hour and 30 minutes if you’re marinating the chicken for an hour, or even longer if you decide to marinate overnight!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and chili powder (if you like a bit of spice). Stir everything together until it’s well mixed. This marinade is going to give your chicken so much flavor!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Take your chicken thighs and place them in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each thigh is coated nicely. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and pop it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, or better yet, overnight for a deeper flavor.
3. Preheat the Grill:
When you’re ready to grill, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Aim for about 400°F (200°C). It’s important to clean the grill grates and give them a light oiling so that your chicken doesn’t stick while cooking.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Take the chicken out of the marinade and shake off any extra marinade that might drip. Place the chicken thighs on the grill, skin-side down. Grill them for about 6-7 minutes, or until the skin is wonderfully crispy and golden brown.
5. Flip and Continue Cooking:
Carefully flip the chicken thighs over. Now, reduce the heat to medium and continue grilling for another 6-8 minutes. You want to cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the juices run clear. A meat thermometer can be handy here!
6. Rest the Chicken:
Once the chicken is done cooking, take it off the grill and let it rest on a plate for about 5 minutes. This step is important! It allows the juices to redistribute, keeping your chicken moist and delicious.
7. Serve:
Finally, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley over the chicken for a pop of color and flavor. Serve your grilled chicken thighs with your favorite sides, and savor every bite!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Absolutely! If you prefer boneless chicken thighs, just adjust the cooking time. Boneless thighs may take about 4-5 minutes on each side, depending on their thickness. Always check that they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure they’re safely cooked.
How Long Should I Marinate the Chicken?
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken thighs for at least 1 hour, but overnight is ideal! If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes will help, but longer marination will deepen the flavors.
Can I Grill Chicken Thighs Indoors?
Yes, you can! If you don’t have an outdoor grill, use a grill pan on the stovetop. Preheat the pan over medium-high heat, and follow the same cooking instructions. You may want to cook them in batches if your pan is small to avoid overcrowding.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover grilled chicken thighs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on the grill over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Enjoy the leftovers in salads or wraps!
