Grilled boneless chicken thighs are juicy and full of flavor. They’re marinated to make them extra tasty and then cooked on the grill until perfectly charred!
I love how easy they are to make—just toss them on the grill and relax. They’re great for family dinners or BBQs. Plus, who can resist that nice smoky flavor? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Boneless Chicken Thighs: Juicy and full of flavor, boneless chicken thighs are a great choice here. If you can’t find them, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but they’ll cook quicker and may be less tender.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is my go-to for marinades. If you need a substitute, avocado oil works well too—it has a high smoke point for grilling and a mild flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a sharp flavor that enhances the dish. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can be used, just use about 1/2 teaspoon for each clove.
Smoked Paprika: This adds a wonderful smoky flavor. If you can’t find it, regular paprika will work but will lack the depth. You could also use chipotle powder for some extra smokiness.
Cumin and Chili Powder: These spices bring warmth to the dish. If you’re out of cumin, curry powder can be a good alternative, and feel free to adjust chili powder based on your spice preference.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Thighs Are Flavorful and Juicy?
The key to juicy, flavorful chicken thighs is the marinade. It’s important to let the chicken soak up those spices. Aim for at least an hour in the fridge, but if you can marinate overnight, that’s when the magic happens! Here’s how I do it:
- Mix all the marinade ingredients in a bowl, ensuring the olive oil coats everything evenly.
- Add the chicken thighs, turning them to ensure they’re covered well. Cover with plastic wrap.
- Let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least one hour, or overnight for the best flavor.
How to Make Grilled Boneless Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Juice of 1 lemon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 1 hour (or overnight) for marinating. The cooking time on the grill is around 15 minutes, making the total time approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. But don’t worry, most of that is hands-off time while the chicken is marinating!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, pour in the olive oil. Add the minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together so that all the spices and oil are well combined. This will create a flavorful marinade for your chicken.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Take the boneless chicken thighs and place them in the bowl with the marinade. Make sure each piece is thoroughly coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, or for the best flavor, overnight is great!
3. Preheat the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures that the chicken will cook evenly and get those nice grill marks.
4. Grill the Chicken:
After marinating, take the chicken thighs out of the fridge. Discard any leftover marinade. Place the chicken on the preheated grill. Cook them for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). You want them to have beautiful grill marks and be juicy!
5. Rest and Garnish:
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken tender. After resting, squeeze fresh lemon juice over each piece and sprinkle with chopped parsley for a lovely presentation.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Your grilled boneless chicken thighs are now ready to enjoy! Serve them with your favorite sides for a delicious meal. Bon appétit!
Can I Use Bone-In Chicken Thighs Instead?
Yes, you can! Just be aware that bone-in chicken thighs will take longer to cook. Grill them for about 10-12 minutes per side, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What If I Don’t Have All the Spices?
No problem! You can substitute with your preferred spices. For example, if you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika or Italian seasoning can work in a pinch. Just adjust the quantities to fit your taste!
Can I Marinate the Chicken for Longer Than Overnight?
While marinating overnight is great, avoid marinating for more than 24 hours. The acid in the marinade can start to break down the chicken too much, leading to a mushy texture. Stick to 1-12 hours for the best results!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any grilled chicken leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven or on the grill to retain their juiciness. You can also slice and use them in salads or sandwiches!
