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Juicy Grilled Chicken Thighs Recipe 20-Minute Easy Dinner Idea

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A quick and easy grilled chicken thigh recipe that delivers juicy, tender, and flavorful results in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds / 900g)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Optional: chopped parsley or cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon honey, minced garlic, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt. This takes about 5 minutes.
  2. Marinate the chicken: Place 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds / 900g) in the bowl and toss to coat evenly. Cover with plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes or refrigerate for up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
  3. Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium-high (around 400°F / 200°C). Clean the grates using a grill brush and oil them lightly to prevent sticking.
  4. Grill the chicken: Place the chicken thighs skin-side down on the grill. Cook for 6-7 minutes without moving them to develop a char and crispy skin. Flip and grill for another 6-7 minutes on the other side. Total grilling time is about 12-14 minutes.
  5. Check doneness: Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh without touching bone. When it reads 165°F (74°C), the chicken is cooked. Alternatively, cut into one piece to check that juices run clear and meat is no longer pink.
  6. Rest the chicken: Transfer the chicken to a plate and tent loosely with foil. Let it rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices.
  7. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or cilantro over the grilled chicken thighs and serve with your favorite sides.

Notes

Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for best juiciness and flavor. Pat chicken dry before marinating for extra crispy skin. Avoid flipping chicken too often to develop grill marks and prevent skin tearing. Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness. Rest chicken after grilling to keep it moist. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari. If no grill is available, use a grill pan, cast iron skillet, or bake at 425°F for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken thighs, easy dinner, quick chicken recipe, juicy chicken, barbecue chicken, weeknight dinner, chicken marinade

Find it online: https://sunnysavory.com/juicy-grilled-chicken-thighs-recipe-20-minute-easy-dinner-idea/