These grilled boneless chicken thighs are juicy and full of flavor! With a simple seasoning mix, you get tender chicken that’s perfect for any meal.
Honestly, who doesn’t love the sound of sizzling chicken on the grill? I love serving it with fresh veggies or rice for a nice, yummy dinner. It’s easy to make and always a hit!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Boneless Chicken Thighs: These are juicy and flavorful, making them perfect for grilling. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can substitute with chicken breast, but you might want to marinate them a bit longer to keep them moist.
Olive Oil: This adds richness to the marinade. If you need an alternative, you can use avocado oil or canola oil for a similar flavor. Olive oil is my favorite, but any light oil will work.
Soy Sauce: It brings a salty umami flavor. If you’re avoiding soy, try using coconut aminos or tamari as a gluten-free alternative. I personally enjoy the depth of flavor soy sauce gives.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens up the dish. You can also use lime juice if you want a slightly different tang. Always go for fresh over bottled when you can; it makes a difference!
Spices: The mix of paprika, smoked paprika, onion powder, and cumin creates a great depth of flavor. You can swap smoked paprika for regular paprika if you prefer less smokiness, but keep the rest for a balanced flavor.
How Do You Ensure Juicy Grilled Chicken?
Marinating your chicken is key for juicy grilled chicken. The marinade not only flavors the meat but also helps keep it tender. Here’s how to get it right:
- Combine your marinade ingredients well, making sure everything is mixed to coat the chicken evenly.
- Add the chicken tightly in the marinade, and better yet, let it marinate overnight in the fridge for the best flavor.
- When grilling, make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high. A good sear locks in moisture.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C). This prevents overcooking, which can dry it out.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. It helps redistributes the juices for extra tastiness!
How to Make Grilled Boneless Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1.5 pounds boneless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time, plus at least 1 hour for marinating (or ideally, overnight for the best flavor). Grilling takes an additional 15-20 minutes. So, plan ahead and enjoy this tasty grilled chicken in about 1 to 1.5 hours!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
Start by grabbing a mixing bowl. Add the olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, smoked paprika, onion powder, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Use a whisk or fork to mix everything together until it’s well combined. This mixture will make your chicken super flavorful!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Next, take your boneless chicken thighs and place them in the marinade. Make sure each piece is well coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and pop it in the refrigerator. Let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour—if you can, do it overnight for even more flavor!
3. Preheat the Grill:
While your chicken is marinating, get your grill ready. Preheat it to medium-high heat, around 400°F (200°C). This temperature will give your chicken a nice char while keeping it juicy inside.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Once your grill is hot, take the chicken thighs out of the marinade and place them directly on the grill. Let them cook for about 6-7 minutes until they’re nicely charred on one side. Then, flip them over and grill for another 5-6 minutes. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.
5. Rest and Garnish:
After grilling, take the chicken off the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep the juices in the meat. Before you serve it, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top for a nice touch!
6. Serve:
Now it’s time to dig in! Enjoy your grilled chicken thighs as a main dish with sides like grilled veggies, rice, or a fresh salad. Each bite is sure to be delicious! Enjoy!
Can I Use Bone-In Chicken Thighs Instead of Boneless?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken thighs! Just make sure to adjust the cooking time to about 10-12 minutes on each side to ensure they cook through properly. You’ll want to check the internal temperature, aiming for 165°F (75°C) for safety.
What Can I Substitute for Soy Sauce?
If you’re looking for a soy sauce substitute, you can use tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a slightly sweeter flavor. Both work well in marinades and won’t change the overall taste too much!
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for as little as 1 hour, but if you have time, letting it sit for up to 24 hours will enhance the flavors even more. Just remember to keep it refrigerated during marination!
How to Store Leftover Grilled Chicken?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on the grill for a few minutes until heated through. You can also slice and add them to salads or wraps!
