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Grilled Chicken Thighs

These grilled chicken thighs are made with boneless, skinless chicken thighs tossed in sweet and tangy simple marinade. They are juicy, tender and perfect for summertime!

Love grilling recipes? Make grilled chicken breasts, grilled steak kabobs or grilled pork chops, next!

A pile of grilled chicken thighs on a white plate.
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Why I Love This Recipe

  • Tender and flavorful: These grilled chicken thighs are extra juicy due to a simple chicken marinade! Marinate for 30 minutes or up to 12 hours for maximum flavor.
  • Easy to make: Just prep the marinade in minutes and grill chicken thighs in about 10-12 minutes! It’s so easy. You can use a gas grill, charcoal grill or even grill pan.
Grilled chicken thigh ingredients on counter.

Substitutions and Variations

  • Switch up the marinade: Experiment with your blend of an oil, an acid (like vinegar or citrus juice), and herbs or spices for seasoning. You can also use Italian dressing!
  • Add a sauce: During the last few minutes, baste with BBQ sauce for a quick grilled BBQ chicken.
  • Oven baked: If the weather isn’t conducive to grilling, make these baked chicken thighs instead!

How to Grill Chicken Thighs

Combine all of the marinade ingredients in a large zip-top bag or large bowl. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel, place in the marinade and seal the bag or cover the bowl. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes up to 12 hours.

Grilled chicken thighs in a bowl with marinade.

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat to prevent sticking. Place the chicken on the grill for 5 – 6 minutes per side until cooked through or until a digital thermometer reads 160°F to 165°F. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes then serve.

Grilled chicken thighs on the grill.

Storage

  • Store: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
  • Reheat: To reheat, place the grilled chicken thighs in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

More Grilled Chicken Recipes

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Chicken thighs cooking on the grill.

Grilled Chicken Thighs

5 from 8 votes
↑ Click stars to rate now!
Author: Jamielyn Nye
These grilled chicken thighs are made with boneless, skinless chicken thighs tossed in sweet and tangy simple marinade. They are juicy, tender and perfect for summertime!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Marinate Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4

Video

Ingredients 

  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • ¼ cup balsamic vinegar , or lite soy sauce
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons Kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • Juice from 1 lemon , optional
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Instructions

  • In a zip-top bag or large bowl, mix together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and lemon juice, if using.
  • Add the chicken to the marinade and seal or cover. Marinate in the refrigerator at least 30 minutes or up to 12 hours.
  • Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Place chicken on the grill 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until a digital thermometer reads 160°F to 165°F and the center is no longer pink. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Grilling tip: When flipping the chicken, do not pull it if it is sticking. It will naturally release after 1 to 2 minutes.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 5 days. 

Nutrition

Calories: 279kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 144mg | Sodium: 738mg | Potassium: 394mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 38IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 22mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

Course: Condiment
Cuisine: American

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