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Healthy Whole30 Grilled Chicken Thighs Easy Flavorful Marinade Recipe

Whole30 Grilled Chicken Thighs - featured image

A quick, easy, and Whole30-approved grilled chicken thigh recipe featuring a flavorful marinade with fresh lemon juice, garlic, and smoked paprika. Perfect for healthy weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (60 ml)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons coconut aminos
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade by whisking together lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, coconut aminos, smoked paprika, dried oregano, sea salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using in a medium bowl (about 5 minutes).
  2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Place them in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over. Massage the marinade into the chicken to coat evenly. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 1-2 hours.
  3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 200°C). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. If using a grill pan, preheat on stovetop over medium-high heat.
  4. Grill chicken thighs skin-side down for 6-8 minutes per side, flipping once, until skin is crispy and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Total cook time is about 12-16 minutes.
  5. Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before marinating for crispy skin. Marinate at least 30 minutes, ideally 1-2 hours. Use a thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let chicken rest 5 minutes before serving. If flare-ups occur, move chicken to cooler part of grill. For stovetop, preheat grill pan well for sear marks. Leftovers keep well refrigerated up to 4 days; reheat gently in skillet to preserve crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Whole30, grilled chicken thighs, healthy marinade, easy dinner, paleo, gluten-free, dairy-free, meal prep