Grilled Chicken Thighs with Easy Marinade

There’s something undeniably satisfying about the sizzle of chicken hitting a hot grill on a warm summer evening. If you’ve been searching for a foolproof way to achieve juicy, flavor-packed chicken thighs with minimal effort, you’re in the right place. This grilled chicken thigh recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right in your backyard with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.

What makes this recipe a standout? It’s all about the marinade – a simple yet powerful blend that transforms ordinary chicken thighs into a memorable meal. Best of all, the process couldn’t be easier: mix your marinade, let the chicken soak up those amazing flavors, and then grill to perfection. No complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients required!

Why Grilled Chicken Thighs are Great: Perfectly Grilled Chicken Thighs

When it comes to grilling chicken, thighs deserve the spotlight for several compelling reasons:

Naturally Juicy: Unlike chicken breasts, which can dry out quickly on the grill, thighs contain more fat that melts during cooking, keeping the meat incredibly moist and tender. Even if you happen to overcook them slightly, they’ll still remain juicy.

Flavor Absorption: The slightly higher fat content in thighs makes them perfect for marinades. They readily absorb and hold onto flavors, resulting in chicken that’s seasoned through and through, not just on the surface.

Quick Cooking Time: Boneless chicken thighs grill up in just 10-14 minutes total, making them perfect for weeknight dinners when time is of the essence.

Versatile for Any Grill: Whether you’re working with a gas grill for convenience or charcoal for that distinctive smoky flavor, this recipe performs beautifully on both. The marinade creates a beautiful caramelization regardless of your heat source.

With chicken thighs as your canvas and this marinade as your paintbrush, you’ll create a meal that’s sure to impress without hours of preparation or professional culinary skills.

The Chicken

For this recipe, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are my top recommendation. They cook quickly and evenly while remaining tender and juicy. A typical package of boneless skinless thighs contains 6-8 pieces, perfect for feeding a family of four.

If you prefer bone-in, skin-on thighs, they work wonderfully too! Just remember they’ll need a bit more time on the grill (about 7-9 minutes per side), and you’ll want to start them skin-side down to render some of the fat and create crispy skin. Check out my BBQ chicken recipe for more specific tips on grilling bone-in chicken.

The Marinade

The magic of this recipe lies in its simple yet powerful marinade. The base combines:

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

What makes this marinade so versatile is that it follows a simple formula that you can customize based on what you have available. The formula includes:

Oil – Helps transfer fat-soluble flavors into the meat and promotes even browning Acid – Tenderizes the meat by breaking down tough proteins Sweetness – Promotes caramelization and balances flavors Bold Flavors – Garlic, herbs, and spices that infuse the chicken

Feel free to substitute with ingredients you have on hand. For example:

• Swap white vinegar for lemon juice, lime juice, or apple cider vinegar
• Use honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar
• Try different mustards like whole grain or honey mustard
• Add smoked paprika, Italian herbs, or red pepper flakes for different flavor profiles
• Use bottled Italian dressing as a quick shortcut when you’re really pressed for time

The beauty of chicken thighs is their forgiveness – they’ll taste great with almost any flavor combination!

Instructions: How to Grill Chicken Thighs

Preparing the Marinade and Chicken

1. Whisk the marinade ingredients together in a medium bowl until well combined. The mixture should look slightly emulsified, with the oil incorporated into the other ingredients.
2. Place your chicken thighs in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Make sure each piece is well-coated by massaging the bag gently or turning the pieces in the dish.
3. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, though 2 hours will yield even better flavor. You can marinate for up to 4 hours, but I don’t recommend going much longer as the acid in the marinade can start to change the texture of the chicken, making it mushy rather than tender.

Grilling the Chicken

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-450°F). Whether using gas or charcoal, make sure the grates are clean and heated thoroughly before cooking.
2. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Discard the remaining marinade.
3. Place chicken thighs directly over the heat source and grill for approximately 5-7 minutes per side. The total cooking time will be around 10-14 minutes, depending on the size of your thighs.
4. Check for doneness using an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and has a beautiful golden-brown color with light char marks.
5. Transfer to a clean plate and allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful.

Serving Suggestions

These grilled chicken thighs pair beautifully with so many sides, making them extremely versatile for any occasion. Here are some perfect companions to complete your meal:

From the Grill

• Grilled vegetable skewers with zucchini, bell peppers, and red onions
• Grilled corn on the cob brushed with herb butter
• Foil packet potatoes with garlic and herbs

Cold Sides

• Classic creamy potato salad
• Crisp garden salad with vinaigrette
• Refreshing cucumber and tomato salad

Warm Sides

• Garlic bread (toss it on the grill for the last few minutes for added smoky flavor)
• Rice pilaf with herbs
• Sautéed green beans with almonds

For a complete summer feast, serve the chicken alongside grilled corn, potato salad, and garlic bread. The combination of smoky, savory chicken with sweet corn, creamy potatoes, and buttery bread creates a satisfying meal that showcases the best of outdoor cooking.

Tips for Grilling Chicken Thighs

Achieving that perfect combination of juicy interior and crispy, caramelized exterior isn’t difficult with these pro tips:

Time Management: Boneless chicken thighs cook considerably faster than chicken breasts or bone-in pieces. They’re usually done in just 10-14 minutes total, making them perfect for when you need dinner on the table quickly.

Prepare Your Grill: Always start with clean grates to prevent sticking. Just before placing the chicken down, oil the grates by dipping a folded paper towel in vegetable oil and using tongs to rub it across the hot surface.

Heat Control: Maintain a steady medium-high direct heat (375-450°F). If using a charcoal grill with hot spots, be prepared to move the chicken around to ensure even cooking. For gas grills, preheat with all burners on high, then reduce to medium-high just before cooking.

Patience Pays Off: When you first place the chicken on the grill, it might stick slightly. Resist the urge to force-flip it – when the protein has developed a proper sear, it will release naturally from the grates.

Visual Cues: Look for a caramelized, golden-brown color with light char marks. The chicken should have a slightly firm feel when pressed with tongs.

Temperature Confirmation: Always verify doneness with an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh. The magic number is 165°F – at this temperature, the chicken is safe to eat while remaining perfectly juicy.

Rest Before Serving: Allow the chicken to rest for about 5 minutes after grilling. This brief pause allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat instead of running out when you cut into it.

Storing Leftovers

One of the best things about these grilled chicken thighs is how versatile the leftovers are! Properly stored, they maintain their juicy texture and can be repurposed into multiple different meals.

Storage: Cool the chicken completely, then place in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For best quality, consume within 3-4 days, though they’ll remain safe for the full 5 days.

Reheating: There are several ways to reheat without drying out the meat:

• Microwave: Use 50% power and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through
• Oven: Wrap in foil with a tablespoon of water or broth and heat at 325°F for about 10 minutes
• Air fryer: 350°F for 3-4 minutes – this method restores some of the exterior crispness
• Skillet: Slice and quickly warm in a skillet with a splash of water or broth

Leftover Ideas: Transform yesterday’s chicken into entirely new meals:

• Slice for sandwiches or wraps with avocado and greens
• Chop and toss into pasta salad or green salads
• Dice and add to quesadillas or tacos
• Slice and lay atop a homemade pizza
• Shred and mix with BBQ sauce for easy sliders

A professional tip: When reheating, brush with a little BBQ sauce or the original marinade (freshly made, not the batch used for raw chicken) to refresh the flavor and add moisture.

More Grilled Chicken Recipes

Once you’ve mastered these chicken thighs, expand your grilling repertoire with these equally delicious chicken recipes:

Grilled Chicken Fajitas: Marinated chicken strips grilled alongside peppers and onions for a sizzling Tex-Mex feast. Serve with warm tortillas and all the fixings for a crowd-pleasing meal.

Grilled Chicken Sandwich: Juicy grilled chicken breast topped with bacon, avocado, and garlic aioli on a toasted brioche bun. Perfect for summer lunches or casual dinner gatherings.

Grilled BBQ Chicken: Bone-in chicken pieces slathered with tangy barbecue sauce and slow-grilled to smoky perfection. The quintessential summer cookout classic.

Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs: Chicken chunks marinated in sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, then skewered with colorful vegetables and grilled until caramelized. A fun, interactive dinner option.

Each recipe uses similar grilling techniques but offers unique flavor profiles, ensuring your summer meals never get boring!

Perfectly Grilled Chicken Thighs with Easy Marinade

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Marinate Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 4

Equipment

• Instant Read Thermometer
• Grill

Ingredients

Chicken

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 6-8 thighs)

Marinade

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together all marinade ingredients until well combined.
2. Place chicken thighs in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour marinade over them, ensuring all pieces are well coated.
3. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
4. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (375-450°F) and lightly oil the grates.
5. Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off, and discard remaining marinade.
6. Place chicken thighs directly over heat and grill for 5-7 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F and chicken has nice grill marks.
7. Transfer to a clean plate and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• To reheat, microwave on 50% power, warm in a 325°F oven wrapped in foil with a splash of water, or quickly heat in an air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes.
• Always ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
• For bone-in, skin-on thighs, increase cooking time to 7-9 minutes per side and start with skin side down.

Nutrition Information (per serving, estimated)

• Calories: 310
• Protein: 29g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fat: 19g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 142mg
• Sodium: 650mg
• Potassium: 352mg
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 4g

Course: Chicken, Dinner, Entree, Main Course
Cuisine: American

Chicken Thighs with Easy Marinade

Juicy, flavorful grilled chicken thighs made with a simple marinade using pantry staples. This easy, foolproof recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right from your backyard.

Type: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keywords: grilled chicken, chicken thighs, summer grilling, backyard BBQ, marinade recipe, easy dinner, quick chicken recipe, barbecue, outdoor cooking, juicy chicken

Recipe Yield: 4 servings

Calories: 310 kcal per serving (estimated)

Preparation Time: PT15M

Cooking Time: PT15M

Total Time: PT1H

Recipe Ingredients:

• Chicken 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 6–8 thighs)
• Marinade
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Recipe Instructions: Recipe Instructions: In a medium bowl, whisk together all marinade ingredients until well combined. Place chicken thighs in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour marinade over them, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (375–450°F) and lightly oil the grates. Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off, and discard remaining marinade. Place chicken thighs directly over heat and grill for 5–7 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F and chicken has nice grill marks. Transfer to a clean plate and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Editor's Rating:
4.9