This Simple Grilled Chicken Thigh comes together in about 20 minutes on the grill for a quick and easy weeknight meal or lunch that your family will love! Seriously, it’s like a summer BBQ party in your own backyard, and I can’t wait to share this with you!
Ingredient Breakdown
Chicken Thighs
- 2-1/2 lbs Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: This is about 8-10 medium-sized thighs. Trust me; these beauties are juicy and tend to cook up so nicely on the grill! They’re super forgiving compared to chicken breasts, which can dry out if you look at them wrong. If you’re in a pinch, you can switch to bone-in thighs, but they’ll take a little longer to cook through.
Seasonings
- Garlic Salt: This is where the flavor magic starts! A couple of pinches will do the trick. If you’re feeling fancy, you can even use fresh garlic for that extra burst of flavor.
- Pepper: Just a dash! It adds a warm bite that complements the smoky grilled taste perfectly.
- Paprika: Optional, but I like to add this for color and a hint of sweet smokiness! Plus, it makes your chicken thighs look super appetizing.
Cooking Oil
- Canola or Vegetable Oil: Just enough to brush over the thighs so they won’t stick to the grill grates. It’s all about that golden, charred finish without any sticking disasters!
Let’s Get Cooking!
Step 1: Preheat the Grill
Heat your gas or charcoal grill over medium-high heat until it reaches at least 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Let it preheat for about 5-10 minutes. Seriously, letting it get nice and hot is key for those perfect grill marks!
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Thighs
While the grill’s heating up, go ahead and trim any excess skin and fat from the chicken thighs. Place them on a large platter. Brush the tops with a little oil, or spray them down with some nonstick spray. Then, sprinkle a couple of pinches of garlic salt and pepper all over the top.
Flip the thighs over, give them another light brush of oil, and season the other side with a couple more pinches of garlic salt and pepper. Yum! You want to make sure every bite is loaded with flavor!
Step 3: Grill Time
Now for the fun part! Place the chicken thighs smooth-side-down on the hot grill grates. Close the lid and let them grill for about 3-5 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready to flip when they are opaque around the sides, grill marks are visible, and they don’t stick to the grates when you attempt to move them (no one wants grilled chicken stuck to the grill!).
Once flipped, close the lid again and grill the second side for another 3–5 minutes until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit. If you want them super juicy, aim for about 175, there’s a little wiggle room with boneless thighs! Once they are lovely and done, remove them to a platter, cover with foil, and let those bad boys rest for 5 minutes before you dive in!
If you loved this recipe. Be sure to check out my Alice Springs Chicken for a bright side dish, my Easy Chicken dressing recipe, or my Oven Baked Thin-Sliced Chicken Breasts for some healthy crunch!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes! Perfect for those busy weeknights we all know too well. I mean, you’re probably juggling homework, chores, and maybe even some sports practice, right? This grilled chicken fits right in there seamlessly.
Minimal Cleanup Required
No mess, no fuss here! Once you’re done grilling, it’s just you, your platter, and one grilling tool. Easy peasy, clean and simple.
Budget-Friendly
Boneless skinless chicken thighs are often less expensive than chicken breasts, which is a win for your wallet. Seriously, this recipe uses affordable, everyday ingredients that won’t break the bank!
Customizable
Use whatever ingredients you have on hand! Feel like a little heat? Toss on some cayenne. Want a little sweetness? Add honey! The flavor possibilities are endless, and I absolutely love that about this dish.
Comfort Food
These thighs are loaded with tons of flavor and hit all the comfort food notes. Pair them with a favorite side, and you’ve got a meal that will warm your heart (and belly!).
Serving and Storage
What to Serve With This
Pair your Simple Grilled Chicken Thighs with some fresh vegetables or a light salad. I recommend whipping up some homemade coleslaw or serving it with Grilled Vegetable and Avocado Salad, which is always a hit in my house!
Storage
Leftovers? No problem! These grilled chicken thighs can typically be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure they’re in an airtight container.
Reheating Instructions
Reheat in the microwave or on the stove over medium heat, adding a bit of water or chicken broth to keep them juicy. You could also slice them up and toss them in a salad, making them a delicious cold leftover option!
Freezer-Friendly
Yes! If you want to make a big batch, cook everything up and freeze the extras. Just let them cool completely and wrap them tightly before popping them in the freezer. You can safely freeze them for up to 3 months!
And there you have it! This Quick and Easy Simple Grilled Chicken Thighs recipe has your back for those bustling family nights or lazy weekends. It’s simple to whip up, satisfying, and a surefire way to get everyone gathered around the table. Now, does it get any better than that? Grab those ingredients and ignite that grill; you’re about to impress your loved ones with this culinary masterpiece!
Enjoy! And for more recipes, follow us on Pinterest.
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Simple Grilled Chicken Thighs
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A quick and easy recipe for juicy grilled chicken thighs, perfect for weeknight meals or summer BBQs.
Ingredients
- 2–1/2 lbs Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
- Garlic Salt
- Pepper
- Paprika (optional)
- Canola or Vegetable Oil
Instructions
- Preheat the grill over medium-high heat until it reaches at least 400 degrees Fahrenheit, about 5-10 minutes.
- Trim excess skin and fat from the chicken thighs, place on a platter, brush with oil, and season both sides with garlic salt and pepper.
- Place the chicken thighs smooth-side-down on the grill. Grill for about 3-5 minutes until grill marks form.
- Flip and grill for another 3-5 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
These thighs can be customized with different spices and can be served with fresh vegetables or salad. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 325
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg