Summer is here, and with it comes the perfect excuse to fire up your grill! There’s nothing quite like the taste of juicy, char-grilled chicken thighs on a warm sunny day. In this article, we’ll be exploring 20 mouth-watering grilled chicken thigh recipes that are sure to become new favorites. From sweet and tangy flavors to spicy and savory, there’s something for everyone.
Whether you’re in the mood for a classic BBQ-style dish or something more adventurous like Korean-inspired gochujang chicken, we’ve got you covered. Our list includes a variety of marinades, glazes, and seasonings that will take your grilled chicken thighs to the next level. So grab your apron, preheat that grill, and get ready to indulge in some seriously delicious summer eats!
Honey Garlic Grilled Chicken Thighs
Savor the sweetness of summer with these Honey Garlic Grilled Chicken Thighs! A simple yet flavorful recipe that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or weekend barbecue.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup honey
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, garlic, and paprika.
3. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken thighs.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spicy Korean Gochujang Grilled Chicken Thighs
Elevate your grilled chicken game with this sweet and spicy Korean-inspired recipe, featuring gochujang, a fermented soybean paste that adds depth and heat.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 1 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– 1/4 cup rice vinegar
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar.
2. Place chicken thighs in a large ziplock bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over the chicken and massage to coat evenly.
3. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
4. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Brush with vegetable oil during the last minute of grilling.
7. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Lemon Herb Marinated Grilled Chicken Thighs
Brighten up your grill game with this refreshing and flavorful recipe, perfect for a summer evening or anytime you need a citrusy kick.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, turning to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
4. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Smoky Paprika Grilled Chicken Thighs
Elevate your grilled chicken game with this smoky paprika recipe that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a summer BBQ. This flavorful dish is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1 lemon, cut into wedges (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken thighs.
4. Place chicken on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
6. Serve hot with lemon wedges, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Teriyaki Glazed Grilled Chicken Thighs
Sweet and savory, this teriyaki glazed grilled chicken thighs recipe is a flavorful twist on classic grilled chicken.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup Teriyaki sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp grated ginger
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together Teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar until well combined.
3. Add vegetable oil, garlic, and ginger to the bowl and whisk until smooth.
4. Place chicken thighs in a shallow dish and brush with half of the teriyaki glaze.
5. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Brush remaining glaze on chicken during last minute of cooking.
7. Let chicken rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Cajun Spiced Grilled Chicken Thighs
Add a kick of spice to your summer grilling with this easy and flavorful recipe. Perfect for a backyard BBQ or a quick weeknight dinner, these Cajun spiced grilled chicken thighs are sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (such as Tony’s or Zatarain’s)
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, Cajun seasoning, paprika, and garlic powder.
3. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken thighs.
4. Season with salt and pepper as desired.
5. Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F.
6. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Maple Mustard Grilled Chicken Thighs
Elevate your backyard BBQ game with this simple and flavorful recipe that combines the richness of maple syrup and the tanginess of mustard. Perfect for a summer gathering or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
– 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, mustard, and garlic powder.
3. Brush both sides of chicken thighs with the maple-mustard mixture.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Greek Yogurt Marinated Grilled Chicken Thighs
Elevate your grilled chicken game with this simple and flavorful recipe! Marinating the chicken thighs in a mixture of Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs creates a tender and juicy result.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1 cup Greek yogurt
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil.
2. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, making sure they are fully coated.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
4. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
5. Remove chicken from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
6. Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
7. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
BBQ Ranch Grilled Chicken Thighs
Add a tangy twist to your grilled chicken with this easy recipe. Juicy chicken thighs smothered in a creamy BBQ ranch sauce are sure to please!
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup BBQ ranch dressing
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together BBQ ranch dressing, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken thighs.
4. Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Brush with olive oil during the last minute of grilling.
6. Let rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Garlic Butter Grilled Chicken Thighs
Elevate your grilled chicken game with this simple yet impressive recipe that combines the richness of garlic butter and the tenderness of chicken thighs. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a summer cookout.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together garlic, butter, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken thighs.
4. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and slightly charred.
5. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
6. Garnish with parsley leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-16 minutes
Chimichurri Grilled Chicken Thighs
Elevate your grilled chicken game with this Argentine-inspired recipe that combines the bold flavors of chimichurri sauce with succulent grilled chicken thighs.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh oregano, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine parsley, oregano, garlic, vinegar, and olive oil. Blend until smooth.
3. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
4. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. During the last minute of grilling, brush chimichurri sauce all over the chicken.
6. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Pineapple Soy Glazed Grilled Chicken Thighs
Elevate your grilled chicken game with this sweet and savory recipe, featuring a sticky pineapple-soy glaze that’s perfect for summer gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup pineapple juice
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, grated ginger, and garlic powder to make the glaze.
3. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides.
4. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. During the last minute of grilling, brush the pineapple-soy glaze all over the chicken.
6. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Jerk Seasoned Grilled Chicken Thighs
Add some Caribbean flair to your grilled chicken with this simple and flavorful recipe.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 tbsp jerk seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
– 1 tsp olive oil
– 1 lime, cut into wedges (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together jerk seasoning and olive oil.
3. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken thighs.
4. Place chicken on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Tips:
– Let the chicken marinate in the jerk seasoning mixture for at least 30 minutes to an hour for even more flavor.
– Serve with lime wedges on the side for a burst of citrus freshness.
– Pair with your favorite sides, such as grilled vegetables or Caribbean-style rice and peas.
Balsamic Glazed Grilled Chicken Thighs
Elevate your backyard BBQ game with this simple yet impressive recipe for Balsamic Glazed Grilled Chicken Thighs. The perfect combination of sweet and tangy, these chicken thighs are smothered in a rich balsamic glaze that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, and garlic until well combined.
3. Brush both sides of chicken thighs with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. During the last minute of grilling, brush the balsamic glaze all over the chicken thighs.
6. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Thai Peanut Grilled Chicken Thighs
Experience the bold flavors of Thailand with this quick and easy recipe for grilled chicken thighs smothered in a creamy peanut sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup creamy natural peanut butter
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Brush both sides of the chicken thighs with the peanut sauce.
4. Grill the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Rosemary Lemon Grilled Chicken Thighs
Elevate your grilled chicken game with the bright, herbaceous flavor of rosemary and the tangy zing of lemon. This simple recipe yields juicy, aromatic thighs perfect for a summer cookout or quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1/4 cup freshly chopped rosemary leaves
– 2 lemons, juiced (about 2 tbsp)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: garlic powder, paprika, or other herbs/spices of your choice
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, rosemary leaves, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken thighs.
4. Place chicken on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F).
5. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Buffalo Style Grilled Chicken Thighs
Spice up your summer with this classic Buffalo-style grilled chicken thighs recipe, featuring bold flavors and a crispy char.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup Frank’s RedHot sauce
– 1/4 cup butter, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: celery sticks and blue cheese crumbles for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together butter, hot sauce, garlic, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken thighs.
4. Place chicken on the grill and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes total
Herbed Buttermilk Grilled Chicken Thighs
Elevate your summer barbecues with this flavorful and tender recipe. Moist chicken thighs are infused with the freshness of herbs and a tangy buttermilk marinade, perfect for grilled to perfection.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1 cup plain buttermilk
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Vegetable oil for grilling
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, parsley, dill, garlic powder, and paprika.
2. Add chicken thighs and marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (375°F).
4. Remove chicken from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Brush grates with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
6. Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
7. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Sriracha Lime Grilled Chicken Thighs
Brighten up your summer BBQ with this flavorful and refreshing twist on traditional grilled chicken thighs. A zesty combination of Sriracha, lime juice, and garlic creates a marinade that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup Sriracha sauce
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together Sriracha, lime juice, garlic, and olive oil.
2. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and season with salt and pepper.
4. Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Garlic Parmesan Grilled Chicken Thighs
Elevate your grilling game with these flavorful chicken thighs smothered in a rich garlic parmesan sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together garlic, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush both sides of the chicken thighs with olive oil.
4. Sprinkle the garlic-Parmesan mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
5. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes total
Summary
Beat the heat this summer with these mouthwatering grilled chicken thigh recipes! From sweet and sticky to spicy and savory, we’ve got 20 juicy options to tantalize your taste buds. Try Honey Garlic Grilled Chicken Thighs for a classic combination or Spice things up with Spicy Korean Gochujang Grilled Chicken Thighs. Or maybe you’re in the mood for something bright and citrusy like Lemon Herb Marinated Grilled Chicken Thighs? Whatever your craving, we’ve got you covered with these simple and delicious grilled chicken thigh recipes.
Sophia Brennan is the cook and writer behind Go Jack Rabbit Go. She spent years working in Portland’s restaurant world before bringing that same warm, unfussy approach into her home kitchen. These days, she focuses on simple, comforting recipes inspired by real life, family routines, and the rhythm of cooking without overthinking it.
