Grilled Chicken Thighs (2024)

Proof that going back to basics doesn’t have to taste basic: Grilled Chicken Thighs. Lightly charred outside and spectacularly juicy within, this is a speedy, lip-smacking dinner you’ll pull out all summer long.

Why You’ll Love This Smoky Grilled Chicken

• Juicy. Historically, I’ve been a Grilled Chicken Breast kind of girl, but in the last few years, I’ve seen the light that is chicken thighs. Chicken thighs are inherently juicier than chicken breast, making them much more difficult to dry out. Plus, these chicken thighs are marinated, meaning they’re extra juicy.
• Flavorful. Dark meat has a richer flavor than white meat. It’s one of the reasons Mr. Well Plated will pick Air Fryer Chicken Thighs (yes, you can cook chicken thighs in an air fryer!) over Air Fryer Chicken Breast every single time. (Braised Chicken Thighs are also delish!)
• Healthy. Chicken thighs are healthy! While they do have more fat than chicken breast (why they are juicier and more flavorful), they are still an excellent, lean source of protein that deserves to be in your diet. And, chicken thighs contain more vitamins and minerals than chicken breasts.
• Fast. If you’ve stayed away from chicken thighs because you think they take a long time to cook, prepare to be shocked. It only takes 8 to 10 minutes to grill boneless chicken thighs on a gas grill or charcoal grill (flip chicken thighs once halfway through grilling). They’re perfect for a fast and tasty dinner!

Grilled chicken enthusiasts, you’ll want to check out my Chicken Kabob recipe.

How to Make Grilled Chicken Thighs

The Ingredients

• Chicken Thighs. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a healthy, flavorful, and quick protein option. Using skinless thighs helps to keep the chicken thigh calories low.

• Marinade. The key to grilling chicken thighs that are tender, juicy, and flavorful. Whether you choose to use one of my delicious homemade marinades, a spicy grilled chicken thighs marinade, or any other marinade is up to you.
• Oil. Oiling your grill grates helps ensure that the chicken does not stick.

The Directions

1. Marinate the Chicken. At least 30 minutes or up to 12 hours.
2. Prep the Grill. Clean and oil your grates and preheat the grill (375 to 400 degrees F is the cooking temperature for grilled chicken thighs).

3. Grill the Chicken. Chicken thighs need about 8 to 10 minutes at medium-high heat.

4. Flip the Chicken Halfway Through. Yes, you do flip chicken thighs on the grill so you have even cooking and nice char marks.

5. Rest. Let chicken rest for at least 5 minutes. Finish with herbs and lemon or lime juice. ENJOY!

Storage Tips

• To Store. Refrigerate leftover chicken in an airtight storage container for up to 4 days.
• To Reheat. Rewarm chicken in a baking dish in the oven at 350 degrees F or in the microwave.
• To Freeze. Freeze leftovers in an airtight, freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What to Serve with Grilled Chicken Thighs

• Salad. Perfect for Grilled Chicken Salad. Swap the chicken in this Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad for diced grilled chicken thighs. For a delicious grilled combo, pair these thighs with Grilled Corn Salad.
• Potatoes. Keep it classic cookout with Potato Salad or use the grill to make Grilled Potatoes.
• Rice. Serve this chicken thighs recipe with a side of Lemon Rice or brown rice for a tasty meal.
• Pasta. Pasta Primavera or Sun Dried Tomato Pasta would be delicious with grilled chicken thighs.
• Veggies. Grilled chicken thighs would pair well with Oven Roasted Vegetables, Roasted Broccolini, or Grilled Corn (a cookout dream!).
• Homemade Salsa. Swap in chicken thighs for the grilled chicken breasts in this Grilled Chicken Breast with Strawberry Avocado Salsa.

• Grill Pan. An easy way to grill chicken recipes inside.
• Tongs. Perfect for grilling recipes.
• Instant Read Thermometer. A meat thermometer is the best way to check the internal temperature of your meat.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• Choose Your Own Marinade. You can use any marinade you like. This Chicken Thigh Marinade with soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and olive oil and this Chicken Marinade with lemon juice and spices are two excellent options, but feel free to use your favorite (even store-bought salad teriyaki sauce or salad dressing).
• Marinating Matters. Now that we’ve discussed the different marinade options, it’s also important to discuss how long to marinate. I recommend marinating chicken for at least 30 minutes, but even 15 minutes will work. If you’re able to refrigerate your chicken and let it marinate longer, I think 5 to 6 hours is the perfect amount of time. The marinade helps add flavor and keeps it from drying out on the grill, so don’t skip it!
• Use a Thermometer. If you’re planning to grill a lot and you don’t own an instant read thermometer, I highly recommend grabbing one. Aside from following the recommended cook time, they are the absolute best way to check for doneness and ensure you don’t overcook your chicken.