Get ready to fire up your grill and indulge in a culinary journey around the world with these 18 mouth-watering grilled chicken thigh recipes. Whether you’re a spice lover, a flavor seeker, or just looking for a quick and easy dinner solution, we’ve got you covered.
From classic BBQ-inspired flavors to international twists like Korean BBQ and Mediterranean-style marinades, our collection of grilled chicken thigh recipes is sure to satisfy your cravings. With a range of flavors to choose from, you’ll never run out of ideas for a delicious and juicy meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
In this article, we’re going to explore the world of grilled chicken thighs like never before, with recipes that showcase the versatility and flavor-packed potential of this popular protein. So grab your apron, preheat your grill, and get ready to discover new flavors and inspiration for your next meal.
Spicy Honey Glazed Grilled Chicken Thighs
Elevate your grilled chicken game with this sweet and spicy glaze! Perfect for a summer BBQ or a quick weeknight dinner, these Spicy Honey Glazed Grilled Chicken Thighs are sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, hot sauce, garlic, and salt.
3. Brush the glaze evenly onto both sides of the chicken thighs.
4. Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Garlic Herb Marinated Grilled Chicken Thighs
Elevate your grilling game with these flavorful chicken thighs marinated in a mixture of garlic, herbs, and spices. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a summer barbecue.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, parsley, garlic, lemon juice, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
4. Grill chicken thighs for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Lemon Pepper Grilled Chicken Thighs
Brighten up your dinner plate with this flavorful recipe that combines the tanginess of lemon and the warmth of pepper. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a summer BBQ, these grilled chicken thighs are sure to please!
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 lemons, juiced (about 2 tablespoons)
– 1 tablespoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon lemon zest
– 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, black pepper, and lemon zest.
3. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken thighs.
4. Season with salt and garlic (if using).
5. Place chicken on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 12-16 minutes
Teriyaki Glazed Grilled Chicken Thighs
Savor the sweet and savory flavors of Japan with this simple yet impressive recipe for Teriyaki Glazed Grilled Chicken Thighs. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion, these glazed chicken thighs are sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
3. Brush the glaze all over the chicken thighs, making sure they’re fully coated.
4. Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
BBQ Smoked Grilled Chicken Thighs
Elevate your backyard BBQ game with this mouthwatering recipe that combines the richness of smoking and grilling for tender, flavorful chicken thighs.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/4 cup BBQ rub (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 cup wood chips (hickory or apple)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill to medium-low heat (275°F). Soak the wood chips in water for at least 30 minutes.
2. In a small bowl, mix together BBQ rub, brown sugar, and smoked paprika.
3. Pat dry the chicken thighs with paper towels. Apply the spice mixture evenly, making sure each thigh is coated.
4. Place the chicken thighs on the grill, away from direct heat. Close the lid and smoke for 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
5. Remove the thighs from the grill and brush with olive oil. Increase the grill temperature to medium-high (400°F).
6. Grill the chicken for an additional 10-15 minutes on each side, or until it reaches your desired level of crispiness.
Cooking Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Mediterranean Style Grilled Chicken Thighs
Elevate your grilling game with these flavorful and aromatic chicken thighs infused with the essence of the Mediterranean.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Place chicken thighs in a large bowl and brush the marinade evenly over both sides of the chicken.
4. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
5. Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-16 minutes
Cajun Spiced Grilled Chicken Thighs
Add a kick of flavor to your grilled chicken with this simple and delicious recipe. The combination of Cajun spices, garlic, and lemon will transport your taste buds to the bayou.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning blend
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together Cajun seasoning blend, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. Brush chicken thighs with lemon juice and sprinkle both sides with the spice mixture.
4. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Remove from grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Maple Mustard Grilled Chicken Thighs
Elevate your grilled chicken game with this simple recipe that combines the richness of maple syrup with the tanginess of mustard. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend BBQ, these Maple Mustard Grilled Chicken Thighs are sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, mustard, and salt.
3. Brush both sides of the chicken thighs with olive oil.
4. Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. During the last minute of grilling, brush the maple-mustard mixture evenly onto the chicken.
6. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Chili Lime Grilled Chicken Thighs
Get ready to fire up your grill with this flavorful and spicy recipe! Chili lime grilled chicken thighs are a perfect combination of bold flavors and tender meat.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup chili powder
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: sliced avocado, sour cream, or cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together chili powder, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Place chicken thighs in a large bowl and brush the chili-lime mixture evenly over both sides of the meat.
4. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes
Pesto Marinated Grilled Chicken Thighs
Elevate your grilled chicken game with this flavorful pesto marinade, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a summer BBQ. This recipe yields tender, juicy chicken thighs smothered in a rich and tangy pesto sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup freshly made pesto (see note)
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large ziplock bag, whisk together pesto, olive oil, and garlic.
3. Add chicken thighs, seal bag, and massage to coat evenly.
4. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
5. Remove chicken from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
6. Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
7. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Korean BBQ Grilled Chicken Thighs
Korean BBQ Grilled Chicken Thighs Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Fusion
This recipe combines the bold flavors of Korean chili paste (gochujang) with the smoky sweetness of honey to create a sticky, caramelized glaze for grilled chicken thighs. Perfect as an appetizer or main course, this dish is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 1 tbsp honey
– 1 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp garlic, minced
– 1 tsp ginger, grated
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together gochujang, honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar.
3. Add chicken thighs to the marinade and toss to coat. Let sit for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
4. Remove chicken from marinade and brush with vegetable oil. Season with salt and black pepper.
5. Grill chicken for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Jerk Seasoned Grilled Chicken Thighs
A classic Caribbean-inspired recipe that adds a bold and aromatic flavor to grilled chicken thighs. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a summer BBQ.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 tbsp jerk seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 tsp olive oil
– 1 lime, cut into wedges (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together jerk seasoning and olive oil.
3. Place chicken thighs in a shallow dish and brush with the jerk mixture on both sides, making sure they are evenly coated.
4. Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Remove from heat and let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
6. Serve warm with lime wedges on the side, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Balsamic Glazed Grilled Chicken Thighs
Elevate your grilling game with this sweet and savory recipe that combines the rich flavors of balsamic glaze with succulent grilled chicken thighs.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup balsamic glaze (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic glaze, olive oil, garlic, and thyme.
3. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
4. Brush both sides of the chicken with the balsamic glaze mixture.
5. Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes
Curry Spiced Grilled Chicken Thighs
Elevate your grilled chicken game with this flavorful and aromatic curry-spiced recipe, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or outdoor gathering. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll be on your way to savoring the rich and tangy taste of Indian-inspired cuisine.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp curry powder
– 1 tsp garam masala
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together cumin, curry powder, garam masala, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush chicken thighs with olive oil and sprinkle with spice mixture, making sure to coat evenly.
4. Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. If desired, serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt mixed with minced garlic.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Smoked Paprika Grilled Chicken Thighs
Elevate your grilled chicken game with this flavorful and aromatic recipe that combines the richness of smoked paprika with the tender juiciness of chicken thighs.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
3. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken thighs.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme, if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-16 minutes
Tips:
– Make sure to pat the chicken dry with paper towels before grilling for crispy skin.
– Adjust cooking time based on your desired level of doneness.
Rosemary Garlic Grilled Chicken Thighs
Elevate your grilling game with this flavorful recipe that combines the earthy taste of rosemary and the pungency of garlic. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a summer barbecue.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush chicken thighs with olive oil, then rub the garlic-rosemary mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken.
4. Place chicken on the grill, skin side down (if it has skin).
5. Cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F.
6. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Asian Zesty Grilled Chicken Thighs
Elevate your grilling game with this flavorful and aromatic recipe that combines the boldness of Asian spices with the juiciness of grilled chicken. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend BBQ.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Add chicken thighs to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly.
4. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
5. Grill chicken thighs for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 12-16 minutes
Sweet and Tangy Grilled Chicken Thighs
Sweet and Tangy Grilled Chicken Thighs
A classic summer favorite gets a flavor boost with this simple recipe that combines the sweetness of brown sugar, honey, and Dijon mustard with the tanginess of apple cider vinegar. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a backyard barbecue.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar.
3. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken thighs.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Summary
Get ready to elevate your grilled chicken game with these 18 mouth-watering recipes! From classic BBQ to international twists, each recipe is packed with flavor and guaranteed to impress. Try Spicy Honey Glazed Grilled Chicken Thighs for a sweet and spicy kick, or opt for Garlic Herb Marinated Grilled Chicken Thighs for a savory take. With a range of options from Teriyaki to Mediterranean and everything in between, you’re sure to find the perfect recipe to satisfy your cravings.
Leave a Reply