Description
Juicy and flavorful grilled chicken thighs seasoned with garlic, paprika, lemon, and herbs. An easy and quick recipe perfect for a weeknight dinner or a summer BBQ gathering, offering tender, moist, and well-spiced chicken with a smoky finish.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 kg boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Marinade
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure the marinade adheres well and the chicken grills evenly.
- Make the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried oregano, onion powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper until fully combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 2–4 hours, to maximize flavor absorption.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high temperature to ensure a nice sear and proper cooking.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, discarding excess marinade. Place thighs on the grill and cook for 5–7 minutes on each side, avoiding pressing down to retain juices.
- Check Doneness: Continue grilling until the thickest part of the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) to ensure safety and juiciness.
- Rest the Chicken: Transfer grilled thighs to a plate and let them rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute for a tender bite.
- Serve: Serve the grilled chicken thighs alongside grilled vegetables, fresh salad, rice, or potatoes for a full, satisfying meal.
Notes
- Boneless thighs cook quickly, so watch them closely to prevent overcooking.
- For bone-in chicken thighs, increase the cooking time accordingly to ensure they are cooked through.
- Avoid pressing the chicken while grilling to keep the juices inside, maintaining moistness.
- Adding a little honey to the marinade can help achieve extra caramelization and a subtle sweetness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course, BBQ
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
