Day: August 14, 2025

How to Grill Chicken Thighs to Perfection

Make **perfectly grilled chicken thighs** using this fast marinade that ensures juicy, flavorful results with every batch! This recipe, tested by families, is suitable for both bone-in and boneless thighs and is destined to become your favorite summer grilling essential.

Introducing your new favorite meal: succulent grilled chicken thighs! Alex and I aimed to discover the ideal method for grilling thighs, and this is the outcome. I’m referring to a dish that will have your whole family messaging you for the recipe! The magic is in my special quick marinade that delivers an outstanding mix of tangy, savory, and smoky tastes.

You can prepare either grilled boneless chicken thighs or bone-in with this recipe or a combination of the two. Recently, I thought to pair this with creamy [tzatziki sauce](https://www.acouplecooks.com/tzatziki-sauce/) and [pickled red onions](https://www.acouplecooks.com/pickled-red-onions/) and *wow* it made for an exceptional summer meal. Here are all my tips and tricks for achieving the best grilled chicken thighs ever!

## Grilled chicken thighs: boneless vs bone-in

To grill chicken thighs, you’ll need 8 large or 12 small for 4 servings. Many chefs and specialists believe that chicken thighs offer the finest cut of chicken, so you’re in for a delight! They’re richer than chicken breasts, providing a deeper, more intense flavor compared to white meat. This recipe is suitable for both grilled boneless chicken thighs and bone-in, skin-on thighs:

– **Bone-in, skin-on thighs have the richest flavor.** Cooking chicken with the bone enhances the flavor, allowing the essence from the bone to infuse the meat, resulting in a more robust taste. The skin also turns crispy and seasoned.

– **Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are also a great choice and easier to handle.** They cook wonderfully on the grill and require a bit less time to prepare.

## My groundbreaking marinade

My [chicken thigh marinade](https://www.acouplecooks.com/chicken-thigh-marinade/) distinguishes these thighs from anything you’ve tasted before. Rather than a conventional liquid marinade that can easily slip off the chicken, I developed a thicker, paste-like mixture that adheres well. Here’s what makes it unique:

– **Dijon mustard** serves as both a flavor booster and natural tenderizer, helping the other spices adhere to the chicken.

– **Worcestershire sauce** contributes essential umami depth that leads people to inquire, “what IS that incredible flavor?”

– **Fresh lemon juice** lifts the flavor profile and aids in breaking down the proteins for maximum tenderness.

– A spice mix of **smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme** layers flavors that enhance the chicken’s natural richness without overwhelming it. I’ve found that this blend works wonderfully whether accompanying Mediterranean dishes like my [Greek salad](https://www.acouplecooks.com/greek-salad/) or leaning towards an American barbecue theme with [coleslaw](https://www.acouplecooks.com/best-coleslaw-recipe/) and [potato salad](https://www.acouplecooks.com/potato-salad/).

## Pro tip

When applying the marinade to skin-on thighs, use your fingers to work some of the mixture under the skin. This way, the flavors penetrate the meat directly, resulting in incredibly well-seasoned chicken all the way through.

## How long to grill chicken thighs

The grilling time for chicken thighs relies on their size and whether they are bone-in or boneless. **At medium-high heat, small chicken thighs require 9 to 11 minutes to grill, while large ones take 10 to 13 minutes,** with boneless pieces at the shorter end of each timeframe. Here’s how to grill chicken thighs:

1. Preheat a grill to medium-high heat (375°F to 450°F).

2. Grill the thighs smooth side down until grill marks show and they release from the grates, about 5 to 6 minutes for small thighs and 6 to 8 for large ones. Flip and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 4 to 5 minutes.

3. Transfer to a serving platter and cover with foil. Let rest for 5 minutes for optimal juiciness.

## A note on organic chicken

For this recipe, you’ll need 8 large or 12 small chicken thighs to generously feed 4 people. I always opt for organic chicken when available—not only does it taste superior, but according to [USDA standards](https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2012/03/22/organic-101-what-usda-organic-label-means#:~:text=As%20for%20organic%20meat%2C%20

Genuine and Tasty Tzatziki Sauce Recipe

This genuine tzatziki sauce recipe includes Greek yogurt, cucumber, and fresh garlic for an exceptionally creamy dip! Ideal for Mediterranean-style dishes, falafel, grilled chicken, and vegetables.

I’ve been refining this homemade tzatziki recipe for years, and I can assert with confidence that it competes with what you’ll enjoy at restaurants! Following an unforgettable trip to Greece, Alex and I devised a version to encapsulate the essence of our experience with this traditional dip.

This recipe has resided on our website for years, and when I recently presented it alongside my grilled chicken thighs for a dinner gathering, people couldn’t stop praising it. Alex’s meat-and-potatoes uncle even proclaimed it “Incredible.” Alex and I have featured this at countless dinner parties, and it consistently shines. Whether you’re dipping pita chips or spreading it on a sandwich, I am sure you’ll adore this one!

Essential tzatziki components

Tzatziki is a yogurt and cucumber sauce prevalent in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, particularly Greek and Turkish dishes. It is commonly served as a side with pita or vegetables or as a dressing for gyros or falafel.

There are numerous perspectives regarding this dip, especially concerning what constitutes the most authentic tzatziki recipe! We don’t have Mediterranean or Middle Eastern roots, so we respect the rich tradition of this cuisine (here’s an authentic recipe from a Greek chef). Here are the typical components found in tzatziki:

– Full-fat Greek yogurt: Utilizing full-fat yogurt is crucial to achieve the desired creaminess!
– Grated cucumber: Just the right amount to maintain the creamy texture. English cucumbers are best as they don’t need peeling or seeding!
– Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must; avoid jarred minced garlic.
– Olive oil: Oil is vital for flavor and texture.
– Red wine vinegar: A hint of acid adds some zing. While some opt for lemon, our findings indicate that vinegar is the most authentic choice.
– Fresh dill (optional): Fresh dill isn’t always included in traditional Greek tzatziki, but we appreciate how the herbal flavor enhances the dip.
– Salt: Salt is crucial for proper seasoning.

Pro tips for tzatziki sauce

There’s just one key to tzatziki sauce: otherwise, it’s simply dump and mix! Cucumbers are full of water, so it’s essential to extract as much excess as possible before incorporating it into the dip. Here’s what you should know:

– Peel and grate the cucumber, then salt it and allow it to rest for 10 minutes. This helps to draw out the liquid.
– Squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible with your hands. This step is vital; otherwise, the dip will be too runny.
– Combine! Then mix the cucumber with the Greek yogurt, garlic, olive oil, and seasonings.

Opt for an English cucumber

This tzatziki sauce is best when using an English cucumber over a regular one, but either will suffice! English cucumber offers a sweet flavor and imperceptible skin and seeds, making it easy to utilize in this recipe.

You can use a regular cucumber, but be sure to seed and peel it first, as the skin is quite bitter and the seeds are large. Persian cucumbers can also be used; they are akin to an English cucumber but smaller!

Vegan tzatziki sauce alternative

Recently, I spent hours experimenting with a vegan tzatziki sauce alternative, since my son avoids dairy. I tested various substitutes (cashew cream, tahini, etc.), but nothing proved effective. Ultimately, I prepared it with coconut yogurt, and it turned out wonderfully!

I chose Cocojune coconut yogurt, which is thick and tangy. I realize brands can differ, so try to find one that is plain, thick, and tangy. Please leave a comment below if you have a preferred brand!

Tasty ways to enjoy tzatziki

This adaptable sauce pairs well with numerous dishes, so I always keep a container in my refrigerator. Here are my favorite ways to enjoy it:

– Mediterranean mezze platter: I serve it with classic hummus, marinated olives, and warm pita bread for an authentic Greek appetizer spread.
– Grilled meats: It’s fantastic for summer grilling—try grilled chicken, grilled chicken thighs, grilled salmon, or my blackened chicken.
– Falafel and gyros: Essential for authentic falafel or falafel sandwiches.
– Vegetable dip: Fresh cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, cherry tomatoes, and carrots all taste fantastic dipped in this sauce.
– Burger condiment: I love spreading it on chickpea burgers or salmon burgers as an alternative to mayo.
– Fish cakes and fritters: It’s the ideal pairing for salmon cakes, tuna cakes, vegan crab cakes, corn fritters, or zucchini fritters.

Storage and preparation tips

Store this homemade tzatziki in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.