These grilled chicken thighs are made with boneless, skinless chicken thighs tossed in sweet and tangy simple marinade. They are juicy, tender and perfect for summertime!
Love grilling recipes? Make grilled chicken breasts, grilled steak kabobs or grilled pork chops, next!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Tender and flavorful: These grilled chicken thighs are extra juicy due to a simple chicken marinade! Marinate for 30 minutes or up to 12 hours for maximum flavor.
- Easy to make: Just prep the marinade in minutes and grill chicken thighs in about 10-12 minutes! It’s so easy. You can use a gas grill, charcoal grill or even grill pan.
Substitutions and Variations
- Switch up the marinade: Experiment with your blend of an oil, an acid (like vinegar or citrus juice), and herbs or spices for seasoning. You can also use Italian dressing!
- Add a sauce: During the last few minutes, baste with BBQ sauce for a quick grilled BBQ chicken. Add tropical flair and make huli huli chicken!
- Oven baked: If the weather isn’t conducive to grilling, make these baked chicken thighs instead!
How to Grill Chicken Thighs
Combine all of the marinade ingredients in a large zip-top bag or large bowl. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel, place in the marinade and seal the bag or cover the bowl. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes up to 12 hours.
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat to prevent sticking. Place the chicken on the grill for 5 – 6 minutes per side until cooked through or until a digital thermometer reads 160°F to 165°F. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes then serve.
Storage
- Store: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Reheat: To reheat, place the grilled chicken thighs in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
More Grilled Chicken Recipes
HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to my newsletter and follow on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for all the newest recipes!
Grilled Chicken Thighs
Video
Ingredients
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar , or lite soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons Kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Juice from 1 lemon , optional
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Instructions
- In a zip-top bag or large bowl, mix together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and lemon juice, if using.
- Add the chicken to the marinade and seal or cover. Marinate in the refrigerator at least 30 minutes or up to 12 hours.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Place chicken on the grill 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until a digital thermometer reads 160°F to 165°F and the center is no longer pink. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Categorized as: 4th of July, American, Chicken, Dairy-Free, Dinner, Gluten-Free, Grilling, Low Carb, Meal Prep, Nut-Free
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook and shares easy family-friendly recipes and desserts for every occasion.
These grilled chicken thighs are the best! They were perfectly marinated and cooked so they turned out so tender and juicy. Love to have it with rice!
My family and I really enjoyed this recipe! It turned out so flavorful and delicious, thank you!
So glad you enjoyed the grilled chicken thighs!
This is one of our go-to summer meals!! It’s easy & tastes amazing! It also goes with just about anything!
Perfect marinade! Actually used both 1/4 cup soy sauce and 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar and thought they were perfect that way!