Warmer weather means BBQ-ing, and we love simple Grilled Chicken Thighs! We use a light marinade of fresh herbs, lemon zest, garlic, salt, pepper and olive oil, yielding a fresh tasting, healthy main course that is perfect for simple at home nights, or for having company over.

Grilled Chicken Thigh Recipe

Grilled chicken thighs are one of the most foolproof cuts of chicken you can cook- and they are perfect for grilling, because they remain tender and juicy even if on the grill a bit too long. They are easy to grill for a crowd because the process is not super precise.

How to Marinate Grilled Chicken Thighs

We like to use a light, simple mixture of fresh herbs, lemon zest, garlic, salt and pepper to flavor the chicken thighs for this recipe. Don’t have fresh herbs? Dried will work just fine, too.
If you want a more simple flavor, you can just use salt, pepper and a bit of olive oil.
For a sweet and savory marinade we also really love, check out our chicken thigh marinade for a deeper flavor.

How to Prepare Grilled Chicken Thighs

I like to place them in a large bowl, and then add whatever marinade I’m using, and toss them with clean hands to ensure they’re all evenly coated. Even if I’m just using salt, pepper and olive oil, I like to place the thighs in a bowl to make sure they’re evenly coated.

I prefer boneless skinless chicken thighs but you an also use bone in thighs. If using bone in, the cook time will need to be increased.

Step 1. Remove chicken thighs from package.

Step 2. Place desired marinade in bowl with chicken thighs.

Step 3. Using clean hands, mix chicken until fully coated in desired marinade.

Marinated chicken thighs are a great meal to prepare ahead of time, so all you have to do is pop them on the grill!

How to Grill Chicken Thighs

The key to perfectly grilled boneless chicken thighs is a hot grill! Preheat your grill to about about 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Place the chicken thighs on the grill for about 6 minutes on each side. Remember to leave the lid closed throughout the cooking process to allow the grill to retain as much heat as possible.
Flip the chicken, and continue to cook for another 6 minutes.
Chicken Thighs are fully cooked once they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, but they actually reach a much tender texture once they’re to about the 180 degree fahrenheit mark. You can read all about perfectly tender grilled chicken thighs here!

How to Serve Grilled Chicken Thighs

Everybody loves the classic combination of chicken & rice! The easiest way to perfect rice is our oven baked rice.
Add chicken thighs to hamburger buns for chicken burgers. Make sure to dress them up with some lettuce, tomatoes & a delicious honey mustard sauce.
Slice up chicken thighs and serve them in a big salad, or in a wrap. We love this Thai Chicken Salad in particular!

How to Store Grilled Chicken Thighs

According to the USDA, cooked chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You could also freeze any leftover chicken thighs you might have for up to 4 months (click the USDA link for more detailed information).

Have questions? Comment below! Don’t forget to like us on Facebook, and connect with us on Instagram and tag your LaughingSpatula recipes with #laughingspatula. We love to see your pics! We hope you love this recipe as much as we do. – Kathi and Rachel