The Best Marinated Grilled Chicken Thighs

These juicy chicken thighs include a flavorful marinade you’ll soon be obsessed with. They’re so delicious and crave-worthy! I’ll show you how easy grilling chicken thighs can be!

In my home I’m the queen of the grill (a title I have given myself because why not). If the weather is nice I prefer to do my cooking outdoors and I’m forever trying to convince everyone else to get comfortable grilling too.

While I often grill chicken breasts, chicken thighs are quickly becoming a favorite because of how juicy they are. This chicken thigh recipe is truly delicious. It’s going to give you the very best results when cooking chicken thighs every single time.

Why choose chicken thighs instead of breasts? Since they’re dark meat they have a bit more fat content so they’re harder to dry out than chicken breasts. This means every bite is just so much better. Chicken thighs also tend to have more flavor than breasts but they’re still so healthy!

The star of the show is without a double the chicken marinade. To create we’re combining simple ingredients like soy sauce or coconut aminos, dijon mustard, and honey. I’m telling you, the finished chicken has such a great flavor!

Marinated Grilled Chicken Thighs Ingredients

• Chicken thighs: I use skinless boneless thighs in this grilling recipe but chicken breasts or bone-in chicken thighs are also delicious options. You can use skin-on chicken thighs too if you’re wanting the fun of crispy skin!
• Honey: Honey adds some sweetness to this marinade and balances out the savory flavors.
• Olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil helps prevent the chicken from sticking on the grill.
• Dijon mustard: Dijon mustard is made from brown or black mustard seeds and includes white wine. It is slightly spicier than yellow mustard which is made from yellow and white mustard seeds. Dijon mustard adds another layer of flavor to these chicken thighs but does not make them spicy.
• Coconut aminos or soy sauce: You can use either coconut aminos or soy sauce in this marinade.
• Seasonings: Garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika are the only seasonings you need to flavor this easy marinade.

How to Make Marinated Grilled Chicken Thighs

Let’s make this simple recipe, shall we? Place chicken (breasts or thighs) in a gallon Ziploc bag with all ingredients for the chicken thigh marinade. Seal the bag, squeezing out any excess air. Let the chicken marinate for at least one hour and up to 12 hours. The longer you marinate, the bigger the flavor.

Oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Once the chicken has finished marinating, grill your chicken on a gas grill (my preference just because it’s so easy) or charcoal grill. To grill, remove each chicken thigh from the bag and place on a hot grill over medium heat. Grill with the lid closed 4 to 5 minutes on each side or until done. Grilling time may increase if you’re using bone-in chicken. Your chicken should be a beautiful golden brown and juices should run clear. If you find that you regularly overcook chicken I recommend getting a meat thermometer. It’s a most accurate way to make sure your chicken is the right temperature when you take it off the grill. For chicken you’re wanting the thickest part of the meat to have an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. It will continue to cook once removed from the grill so take it off at around 150/160 degrees in order to avoid it drying out.

Soy Sauce vs Coconut Aminos

Soy sauce or coconut aminos can be used in this marinade. They have a similar flavor although coconut aminos is slightly sweeter. Coconut aminos is a soy sauce substitute that has a lot less sodium and contains no soy. It has no coconut flavor! You can find it in your local grocery store on the aisle with soy sauce or in the gluten free section. Learn more about what it is and why it’s so popular in healthy recipes here.

Will this Marinade Work Well with Other Proteins?

Yes! I love this slightly sweet and tangy marinade with chicken thighs and breasts but it’s also fantastic with turkey or pork!

How Long Should You Marinate Grilled Chicken Thighs?

I recommend marinating chicken for at least an hour and up to 12 hours. The longer you marinate the more pronounced the flavor will be. I don’t recommend longer than 12 hours because your meat can start to breakdown and the texture changes if it sits in a marinade for too long. (That goes for any marinade.) If I’m grilling in the evening I think it’s a great idea to get everything marinating in the morning.

How Long Should You Grill Chicken Thighs?

Boneless chicken thighs cook fast! They only need about 8 to 10 minutes total on the grill (flip at the halfway point) at medium-high heat (between 375 to 400 degrees).

If you prefer white meat and opt for boneless chicken breasts your cook time will be just a few minutes more, around 10 to 12 minutes total.

How Do You Grill Chicken Thighs in the Oven?

While I recommend this chicken thighs recipe for grilling you can easily turn these into baked chicken thighs. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Spray or wipe oil on your oven safe grill pan. Add the chicken thighs in a single layer. Place in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through the cook time. Total time can vary based on the size of the chicken thighs. To add some color and charring to the chicken, broil for 2 to 3 minutes after baking time ends.

How to Store Leftover Grilled Chicken Thighs

Want to enjoy this easy recipe the next day or later in the week? This entree makes great leftovers and it’s perfect for meal prep! Leftover chicken thighs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a large skillet on the stovetop on low to medium-low heat until warmed through.

You can also freeze cooked chicken thighs in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve Grilled Chicken Thighs

If you’re entertaining guests I recommend plating this chicken on a large platter. You can even top with chopped fresh basil or parsley.

You can quickly grill a side dish while making this chicken. Try my Grilled Zucchini & Squash or Grilled Pineapple Slices! Other veggie sides you can make in the kitchen are my Garlic Green Beans or Spicy Roasted Broccoli. This Caprese Salad would be a gorgeous addition to your meal. If you’d like to add a carb I suggest white rice, brown rice, a baked potato, or my Easy Seasoned Roasted Potatoes.

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