Grilled Chicken Thighs Recipe

A close up overhead image of grilled chicken thighs on a plate with lemons.

Grilled Chicken Thighs Recipe

My grilled chicken thighs recipe is your simple summer dinner solution! With an easy marinade that's made with just 3 ingredients, this dish has loads of flavor and goes with all your favorite sides!

Course Main

Cuisine American

Diet Gluten Free, Low Lactose

Prep Time 1

Cook Time 30

Resting time 10

Total Time 1 40

Servings servings

Calories 472kcal

Author Jessy Freimann

Equipment

Ingredients

3 Tablespoons olive oil
1 large lemon, juiced
2 teaspoons seasoned salt
6 chicken thighs
cooking spray

Instructions

In a large bowl, whisk together oil, lemon juice and seasoned salt until well combined.
Submerge chicken, mixing so the marinade is evenly distributed on the chicken pieces and refrigerate until you're ready to grill (or freeze).
When you're ready to grill, remove chicken from the refrigerator.
Spray grill with cooking spray and preheat grill to medium heat.
Place chicken thighs onto the grill skin-side down. Dispose of marinade.
Sear each piece for 3-4 minutes per side until the skin is nice and crispy.
Transfer chicken thighs to top rack of the grill and cover.
Cook for 20-25 more minutes or until the thickest part of the thighs reach an internal temperature of just below 165 degrees.
Remove chicken thighs from heat and rest for a couple minutes. Serve immediately.

Video

Notes

- Don't marinate the meat in a metal bowl. The acid from the lemon juice and the metal don't play well together.

- Swap the seasoned salt with garlic salt, poultry seasoning, Italian seasoning, or any of your favorites!

- Remove the chicken thighs from the refrigerator before you heat the grill. This lets them come a little bit closer to room temperature, keeping them juicy and tender.

- Before heating the grill, spray it down with cooking spray. And make sure the grates are well-cleaned.

- My secret for perfect chicken thighs on the grill: Sear them for a few minutes per side, then move them to the top rack and close the grill to finish cooking over indirect heat.

- Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes to help the juices redistribute and allow for crossover cooking.

- Ingredients to prep ahead- Marinate the thighs. For an easy freezer meal, add everything to a large Ziploc and toss it in the freezer for up to 3 months!

- Leftovers and storage- Keep grilled chicken in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

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