Grilled Chicken Thighs

Alright, let's get some delicious grilled chicken thighs on the table! This recipe focuses on maximizing flavor and juiciness.

Recipe: Perfectly Grilled Chicken Thighs

Yields: 4 servings Prep time: 15 minutes (plus at least 30 minutes marinating, ideally longer) Cook time: 20-25 minutes

Ingredients:

• Chicken:
  • 1.5 - 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 8 thighs) or bone-in, skin-on (allow extra cooking time for bone-in)
• Marinade:
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness and caramelization)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
• Garnish (Optional):
  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Lemon wedges

Equipment:

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Resealable plastic bag or airtight container
• Grill (gas or charcoal)
• Meat thermometer
• Tongs

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, honey (if using), smoked paprika, oregano, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Make sure it's well combined.

2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or an airtight container. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated thoroughly. Seal the bag or container, pressing out any excess air. Massage the marinade into the chicken.

3. Marinate Time: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for maximum flavor. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful and tender the chicken will be.

4. Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 350-400°F or 175-200°C). For a charcoal grill, make sure the coals are evenly distributed and have a light ash coating. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.

5. Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off (do not reuse marinade for basting). Place the chicken thighs on the preheated grill, making sure not to overcrowd the grill.

6. Cooking Times:

   • Boneless, Skinless Thighs: Grill for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
   • Bone-In, Skin-On Thighs: Grill for 8-10 minutes per side, then move to a cooler part of the grill to finish cooking without burning the skin. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 175°F (80°C).

7. Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the thigh. Be careful not to touch the bone if using bone-in thighs.

8. Rest: Once the chicken thighs reach the correct internal temperature, remove them from the grill and place them on a clean plate or cutting board. Tent loosely with foil and let them rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.

9. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges (optional). Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Chef's Notes and Tips:

• Marinade variations: Get creative with your marinade! Other additions include garlic powder, onion powder, ginger, chili garlic sauce, or your favorite hot sauce.
• Don't overcrowd the grill: Overcrowding will lower the grill's temperature and cause the chicken to steam instead of sear. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Avoid flare-ups: If using bone-in, skin-on thighs, watch out for flare-ups caused by dripping fat. Move the chicken to a cooler part of the grill if needed.
• Grilling bone-in: For bone-in thighs, consider searing them over direct heat for a few minutes per side, then moving them to indirect heat to finish cooking. This will ensure the skin gets crispy without burning.
• Side Dish Suggestions: Grilled vegetables (asparagus, bell peppers, zucchini), rice pilaf, potato salad, corn on the cob, or a simple green salad.

Enjoy your perfectly grilled chicken thighs! They're sure to be a crowd-pleaser.