Craft deliciously **grilled chicken thighs** with this speedy marinade that guarantees juicy, tasty outcomes consistently! This family-approved recipe is suitable for both bone-in and boneless thighs, ensuring it becomes a staple for your summer grilling.
## Grilled chicken thighs: boneless vs bone-in
To prepare grilled chicken thighs, you will require 8 large or 12 small for 4 servings. Numerous chefs and food enthusiasts assert that chicken thighs are the finest cut of chicken, so you’re in for a delight! They contain more fat than chicken breasts, imparting a stronger, richer flavor compared to white meat. This recipe is effective for both grilled boneless chicken thighs and bone-in, skin-on thighs:
– **Bone-in, skin-on thighs deliver superior flavor.** Cooking chicken with the bone allows the flavors from within the bone to seep into the meat, resulting in a more robust, richer taste. The skin also crisps up and becomes nicely seasoned.
– **Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are also effective, offering easier consumption.** They grill wonderfully and require slightly less cooking time.
## My transformative marinade
My **chicken thigh marinade** distinguishes these thighs from any you’ve tried before. Rather than a conventional liquid marinade that can slide off the chicken, I’ve crafted a thicker, paste-like blend that adheres to it. Here’s what enhances its uniqueness:
– **Dijon mustard** serves as both a flavor booster and natural tenderizer, aiding the other spices in adhering to the chicken.
– **Worcestershire sauce** contributes that crucial umami factor that prompts people to exclaim, “what IS that fantastic taste?”
– **Fresh lemon juice** brightens the mixture and aids in breaking down proteins for optimal tenderness.
– The spice combination of **smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme** offers multilayered flavors that enhance the chicken’s natural richness without overwhelming it.
### Pro tip
When applying the marinade to skin-on thighs, utilize your fingers to work some of the mixture beneath the skin. This guarantees the flavors permeate the meat directly, resulting in extraordinarily well-seasoned chicken.
## How long to grill chicken thighs
The grilling duration for chicken thighs depends 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 thighs take 10 to 13 minutes,** with boneless thighs cooking at the shorter end of each interval. 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 appear and they release from the grates, approximately 5 to 6 minutes for small thighs and 6 to 8 for large thighs. Flip and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 4 to 5 minutes.
3. Transfer to a platter and cover with foil. Let it rest for 5 minutes for ultimate juiciness.
## A note on organic chicken
For this recipe, you will need 8 large or 12 small chicken thighs to generously serve 4 individuals. I always opt for organic chicken when available—it not only tastes superior, but per **USDA standards**, organic chicken is reared in more natural environments and fed 100% organic feed without antibiotics or hormones.
## Serving suggestions that impress
The versatility of these grilled chicken thighs is truly remarkable. Here are my favorite serving suggestions:
For sauce options, I enjoy pairing these with **buffalo ranch** for those who prefer a bit of spice, or my homemade **honey mustard** for a sweeter choice. The **cilantro lime dressing** from my Mexican recipes also complements the smoky flavors excellently.
## Dietary notes
This grilled chicken thighs recipe is both gluten-free and dairy-free.
## Frequently asked questions
**How do I prevent grilled chicken thighs from drying out?**
Brining or marinating chicken thighs in advance helps retain moisture.
**What’s the best method for achieving crispy skin on grilled chicken thighs?**
Dry the skin before grilling and ensure the grill grates are clean. Start by grilling skin-side down over direct heat to render the fat and crisp the skin, then flip and complete cooking over indirect heat.
**What are some delectable marinades for grilled chicken thighs?**
Popular marinade choices include lemon-herb, honey-garlic, barbecue, and Asian-inspired flavors. You can also craft your own unique combinations with your favorite herbs, spices, and sauces.
## Grilled Chicken Thighs (Quick & Simple!)
Craft deliciously grilled chicken thighs with this speedy marinade that guarantees juicy, flavorful outcomes consistently! This family-approved recipe is suitable for both bone-in and boneless thighs, ensuring it becomes a staple for your summer grilling.
### Ingredients
– 8 large or 12 small chicken thighs, boneless