How to Grill Chicken Thighs (Juicy Every Time!)
Recipe Snapshot
PREP + COOK TIME: 30 minutes
METHOD: Grill
OTHER TOOLS: Tongs, basting brush, meat thermometer
TOTAL INGREDIENTS: 3
Don’t let the grill intimidate you – these seasoned, grilled chicken thighs turn out juicy and tender every time! This easy method will be a meal prep or cookout staple, and you can customize with plenty of delicious marinades and flavors.
What’s To Love About This Recipe
- This is a simple, no-fail method for juicy and flavorful grilled chicken thighs fresh off the grill.
- With only 3 ingredients, the prep is easy, and you can customize the flavors however you like with marinades and seasonings.
- Once the grill is preheated, the chicken cooks quickly and makes an excellent option for weeknight dinners or meal prep on an outdoor grill or indoor grill pans!
- Serve the seasoned thighs as-is or slice the leftovers to use in other recipes such as salads, wraps, and bowls.
- Grilling isn’t just for steaks! This budget-friendly chicken cut is full of flavor and a perfect choice for entertaining or making larger quantities at summer cookouts.
Ingredients Needed
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs – Chicken thighs cook quickly and evenly on the grill and stay juicy and tender. These are a healthy option for meal prep or dinner anytime, and this cut is usually economical too! You can substitute bone-in chicken thighs, but they will require slightly longer cooking time.
- Olive oil – Brush the chicken thighs with olive oil to prevent sticking to the grill and help the seasoning adhere to the meat.
- Seasoning blend – Customize the chicken with your favorite seasoning blend depending on the meal or cuisine you’re serving for dinner. For this recipe, I used a flavorful taco seasoning. Add more or less seasoning to taste.
How To Make Grilled Chicken Thighs
- Preheat the grill to 350-400 ℉.
- Brush the chicken with olive oil and sprinkle generously with seasoning.
- Place the thighs on a preheated grill and flip after 5 minutes or when grill marks develop.
- Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature and remove the chicken from the grill when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 ℉.
Pro Tips
- Chicken thighs are fully cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165 ℉. Use a meat thermometer for best results (I love and use this instant-read thermometer).
- Preheat the grill and oil grates well to prevent sticking.
- Grill over medium heat for best control. Chicken thighs can have more fat which can cause flare-ups from drippings. The outdoor temperature can also impact grill temperatures, so use the exact temperatures as a guide.
- Allow the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing or serving to preserve the juices.
- If you marinate the chicken ahead of time, avoid sugar-heavy marinades to prevent burning on the grill.
Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- Try different chicken cuts with this same method on the grill! Bone-in thighs, chicken drumsticks, or chicken breasts are all simple swaps. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to reach doneness (165 ℉) in the thickest part of the meat.
- It’s easy to customize the recipe with various seasonings. These are classic blends that create delicious results:
- BBQ rub
- Cajun seasoning
- Lemon pepper seasoning
- Taco seasoning
- Italian herbs
- Flavor the chicken thighs with these tasty marinades for deeper flavor:
- Balsamic vinaigrette
- Greek yogurt & lemon
- Soy sauce & garlic
- BBQ sauce marinade
Chicken Thighs in the Oven
- Prepare the chicken as directed with olive oil and seasoning.
- Bake at 425 ℉ for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165 ℉.
How To Serve Grilled Chicken Thighs
Chicken thighs on the grill make for a simple yet delicious main protein, perfect with yummy sides. With chicken hot off the grill, serve up some homestyle favorites such as Creamy Instant Pot Mac and Cheese or Air Fryer Corn on the Cob. Add a fresh summery Watermelon Salad with Basil or Wedge Salad with Herbed Buttermilk Dressing.
As long as you are grilling out, experiment with other additions such as a Baked Potato on the Grill or Grilled Pineapple Salsa.
Add sliced leftover chicken to salads, sandwiches, or shred over nachos or in quesadillas. The leftover chicken is so versatile for serving throughout your week!
Storing and Reheating
How To Best Store Leftovers
Fridge
Store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Chicken thighs will also freeze well in an airtight container or zipper bag for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before reheating.
How To Best Reheat Leftovers
Gently reheat thighs in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
How to Grill Chicken Thighs (Juicy Every Time!)
Equipment
- Grill
- Meat thermometer
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons seasoning blend or more to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to 350-400 ℉
- Brush chicken with olive oil and sprinkle generously with seasoning
- Place thighs on preheated grill and flip after 5 minutes or when grill marks develop
- Use thermometer to monitor temperature and remove chicken from grill when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 ℉
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen chicken before reheating in a skillet or in the microwave in short bursts.
- Be sure to preheat the grill and oil grates well to prevent sticking.
- Grill the chicken over medium heat for better control of cooking time, and watch for flare-ups from fat drippings.
- Avoid sugar-rich marinades for grilling since they can lead to burning on the grill.
- Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165 ℉. Allow the thighs to rest for 5-10 minutes to seal in the juices.
Lots of great tips here. Chicken thighs always taste better when grilled.
I haven’t made chicken thighs in forever. Now I know what I’m getting for the grocery store for dinner! Great grilling tips!
I love chicken thighs and I’ve made them on the grill coated with olive oil and powdered ranch in a packet! It’s delicious
I never make chicken thighs so these are great tips – will have to try them t his summer!
Great instructional blog post. Chicken thighs are ever present on our menu, so you’ve taken the mystery out of grilling. Thank you!
I love chicken thighs! this is a great tutorial & simple grilled recipe. thanks for sharing
We own a Webber gas grill so the heat control in all weather is great. I grill them off of the flame in the center of the three burner grill with front & back burners on medium and the center shut off eliminating flare ups and blackened thighs. I rub a little Olive oil on them and then season with Lawrey’s All Season which has a nice blend for chicken. The amount depends on you but I’m fairly liberal with it. The digital thermometer also is a must for perfect chicken, especially breasts. Adding a few hickory chips to the smoker box completes the wonderful flavor. Unfortunately my wife doesn’t like smoked meats.
Hi John!! I’ve heard great things about the Weber grills! Your chicken recipe sounds great!!
Tried it! Thank you!