These marinated grilled chicken thighs are juicy and full of flavor! The easy marinade makes the chicken tender and tasty, perfect for any backyard BBQ or family dinner.
I love how simple this recipe is! Just mix the ingredients, marinate the chicken, and grill away—no fuss! Trust me, you’ll want to make this again and again!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I recommend boneless and skinless thighs for their rich flavor and tenderness. If you prefer, chicken breasts can work too, but they might dry out if overcooked. Bone-in pieces can be juicy but take longer to grill.
Soy Sauce: This is a key player in the marinade, adding saltiness and depth. If you’re looking for a lower-sodium option, use low-sodium soy sauce. For a gluten-free version, tamari is a great substitute. You could also try coconut aminos for a sweeter option.
Honey: Honey gives a nice touch of sweetness. If you’re vegan, use maple syrup or agave nectar. You might find that brown sugar is another good choice, just dissolve it well in the marinade.
Garlic: Fresh garlic enhances the overall flavor beautifully. If you don’t have fresh, garlic powder could work, just use about 1 teaspoon instead of the 3 cloves of fresh garlic.
Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar brightens up the flavor. A nice swap could be rice vinegar for a milder taste. Lemon juice is another alternative for a fresh twist.
How Can I Ensure My Chicken is Perfectly Grilled?
Grilling chicken can be tricky, but a few tips make it easier. First, ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat. This helps achieve those perfect grill marks and keeps the chicken juicy.
- Let the chicken sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before grilling. This helps it cook evenly.
- Use tongs to flip the chicken rather than a fork to avoid piercing the meat and losing juices.
- Grill on each side for 6-7 minutes. If using bone-in chicken, it might need a little longer.
- Always check for doneness! The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling—it helps keep it juicy.
The Best Marinated Grilled Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and at least 2 hours for marinating, but marinating overnight is even better! Plus, you’ll need around 15 minutes for grilling. So, set aside a total of at least 2 hours and 30 minutes to enjoy this delicious dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, olive oil, honey, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper. Mix everything well until it’s nicely combined. This mix will give your chicken a fantastic flavor!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken thighs in a large 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 pop it into the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best flavor.
3. Grill the Chicken:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates using a paper towel dipped in a bit of oil to keep the chicken from sticking. Then, remove the marinated chicken thighs from the bag or dish, letting any excess marinade drip off. Discard the leftover marinade.
4. Cooking Time:
Place the chicken thighs on the hot grill. Grill them for about 6-7 minutes on one side. When they’re nicely charred, flip them over and grill for another 6-7 minutes. Check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F (75°C) to ensure they’re cooked through and safe to eat.
5. Rest and Serve:
Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep it juicy! After resting, slice the chicken thighs and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy this flavorful dish!
Can I Use Bone-in Chicken Thighs Instead?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that bone-in thighs will take a bit longer to cook. Grill them for about 8-9 minutes on the first side, then flip and grill for another 8-9 minutes, checking 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, agave syrup or maple syrup works well. You can also use brown sugar, but dissolve it in a little warm water first to ensure it mixes smoothly with the marinade.
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
The chicken can be marinated for up to 24 hours for optimal flavor. If you’re short on time, even a 2-hour marinade will still yield delicious results! Just be careful not to marinate too long, as acidic ingredients like soy sauce and vinegar can start to break down the chicken and make it mushy.
How Do I Store Leftover Grilled Chicken Thighs?
Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the chicken for longer storage; it will keep well in the freezer for about 2-3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave, but be careful not to overcook it!
