Description
This Juicy Grilled Chicken Thighs recipe delivers tender, flavorful chicken with a smoky, tangy marinade made from olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, and spices. Perfect for summer grilling, these boneless skinless chicken thighs are easy to prepare, marinate quickly, and grill to juicy perfection with beautiful grill marks. Serve with your favorite sides for a delicious main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Marinade
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Garnish
- Chopped parsley
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl or zip-top bag, combine olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will infuse the chicken with a smoky, tangy flavor.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into the marinade. Toss to ensure each piece is evenly coated. Cover the bowl or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours for maximum flavor absorption.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F (200°C). This will provide ideal searing conditions and grill marks.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove chicken thighs from the marinade letting any excess drip off. Place them on the grill and cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side. Grill until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken has beautiful grill marks.
- Rest and Serve: Transfer the grilled chicken thighs to a plate and allow them to rest for 5 minutes to retain juices. Garnish with chopped parsley or lemon wedges if desired, then serve.
Notes
- This marinade is versatile and works well with chicken drumsticks or bone-in thighs; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Serve with grilled vegetables, steamed rice, or a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal.
- For a deeper smoky flavor, consider adding a dash of liquid smoke or smoked sea salt to the marinade.
- Ensure the grill is clean and oiled to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe (approximately 4 ounces of cooked chicken)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 510mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
