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Summertime and grillin’ are super easy (and delicious) with this recipe for juicy grilled chicken thighs!

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are tossed in a simple yet delicious marinade making them extra juicy and yummy.

Best of all, most of the ingredients are probably already on hand. Simply mix, marinate, and grill!

Grilled Chicken Thighs on a plate

Perfectly Grilled Chicken Thighs

  • Chicken thighs are extra juicy cooked on the grill.
  • Adding a chicken marinade makes them extra tender and adds tons of flavor.
  • It takes just minutes to prep the marinade and then only about 10-15 minutes to grill (of course time for marinating in between too). Easy peasy!
  • Grill chicken thighs on a gas or charcoal grill.

Ingredients

Chicken – This recipe uses boneless skinless thighs, but bone-in/skin-on thighs will work great too! (If using bone-in chicken, the cook time and method will change, I would suggest following the method in my bbq chicken recipe).

Marinade – Simple ingredients like vinegar, mustard, and soy sauce make up the base for the marinade.

As long as you have oil, sweetness, acid, and a bit of bold flavor, ingredients can easily be substituted. Switch it up by using ketchup, lemon or lime juice, paprika, garlic cloves, or even Italian dressing! Make a signature marinade and sauce!

chicken in marinade before mixing to make Grilled Chicken Thighs

How to Grill Chicken Thighs

This marinade comes together in a snap:

  1. Whisk marinade ingredients in a bowl or shake them up in a zippered bag.
  2. Add chicken and marinate in the refrigerator up to 4 hours, but at least 30 minutes.
  3. Grill the thighs over direct heat for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side (per the recipe below).

Serve with grilled veggies, grilled corn, and potato salad. Even garlic bread can be cooked on the grill!

close up of Grilled Chicken Thighs on a plate

Tips for Grilling Thighs

  • Boneless thighs are thin and cook a bit quicker than grilled chicken breasts.
  • Grease the grill grates by rubbing with an oiled paper towel.
  • It’s best to cook thighs at medium-high heat over direct heat, making sure to rotate the thighs in and around the “hot spots” on the grill.
  • If the chicken sticks when you try to flip it, leave it a minute or two more.
  • Look for a caramelized, golden brown color all around (and a temperature of 165°F in the thickest part with a meat thermometer).

How to Store Leftovers

  • This chicken thighs recipe makes great leftovers. Tuck them into a wrap or even on a bun or over a salad.
  • Keep grilled chicken thighs in a zippered bag or airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days.
  • To reheat, just microwave for a minute or two or reheat in the air fryer with a bit of bbq sauce.

More Grilled Chicken Recipes

Did your family love these Grilled Chicken Thighs? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below! 

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Grilled Chicken Thighs on a plate
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Grilled Chicken Thighs

These grilled chicken thighs are juicy & flavorful, perfect for a backyard BBQ!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Marinate Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 4
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Ingredients  

  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs

Marinade

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary slightly crushed
  • 1 clove garlic minced

Instructions 

  • Combine all marinade ingredients in a small bowl or a freezer bag. Mix well.
  • Add chicken thighs and allow to marinate at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
  • Preheat a grill to medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs and cook 5-7 minutes per side or until chicken reaches 165°F.
  • Rest 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. 
Reheat on the grill or in the microwave until heated through. 
Be sure internal temperature of chicken thighs reach 165°F. 
4.98 from 203 votes

Nutrition Information

Calories: 385 | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 44g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 215mg | Sodium: 498mg | Potassium: 565mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 54IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Chicken, Dinner, Entree, Main Course
Cuisine American
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About the author

Holly Nilsson is the creator of Spend With Pennies, where she creates easy, comforting recipes made for real life. With a passion for nostalgic flavors and simplified techniques, Holly helps busy home cooks create delicious meals that always work. She is also the author of “Everyday Comfort,” which promises to inspire even more hearty, home-cooked meals.
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Comments

  1. Fantastic! I very rarely cook poultry on the bbq because I hate cleaning the grill. This is worth the chore. excellent recipe! 10/105 stars

  2. I made this for dinner last night, and my husband and I both loved it. I wished I’d made more chicken. I just got a gas grill, so I’m looking for other good recipes. I’ll definitely check out others on your site.5 stars