– **Title**: Grilled Boneless Chicken Thighs
– **Ingredients**:
– 1.5 pounds boneless chicken thighs
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– Salt to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– **Instructions**:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, soy sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, oregano, black pepper, and salt. Whisk together until well mixed to create a marinade.
2. Add the boneless chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for better flavor).
3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
4. Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade and let any excess marinade drip off. Discard the remaining marinade.
5. Place the chicken thighs on the preheated grill. Grill for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is nicely charred.
6. Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes.
7. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your grilled boneless chicken thighs with your choice of side dishes!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Boneless Chicken Thighs: These are tender and flavorful, perfect for grilling. If you can’t find thighs, boneless chicken breasts can be a good substitute, but they may dry out more easily, so keep an eye on cooking time.
Olive Oil: A must for your marinade. It’s healthy and adds great flavor. You can swap it with avocado oil or even a flavored oil for an extra kick!
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a delicious aroma and taste. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder could work, but fresh is always best for this dish. Trust me!
Spices: Smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder bring warmth and depth. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika or even some cayenne pepper will work, but adjust based on your spice tolerance.
Fresh Parsley: This adds a pop of color and freshness. If you’re not a fan, feel free to use cilantro or omit it entirely.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Well-Marinated?
Getting your chicken well-marinated is key for delicious flavor! Follow these simple steps:
- Mix your marinade ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
- Add the chicken and ensure it’s fully coated. You can use your hands or tongs for this.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap or a lid, and let it marinate in the fridge. The longer, the better—try to aim for at least 1 hour, but overnight is fantastic.
Remember, pressing the chicken gently into the marinade can help the flavors soak in better! After marinating, let any excess drip off to avoid flare-ups on the grill.
How to Make Grilled Boneless Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time plus at least 1 hour for marinating. If you can, marinate the chicken overnight for the best flavor! Cooking on the grill will take about 15 minutes. So, get ready to enjoy your delicious grilled boneless chicken thighs in around 1 hour and 30 minutes, including prep and cook time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and fresh lemon juice. Stir everything well to create a tasty marinade that will soak into the chicken.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the boneless chicken thighs to the bowl with the marinade. Make sure every piece is well coated. Once done, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour, or if you have time, overnight for even more flavor!
3. Prepare the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. It’s a good idea to oil the grill grates lightly with some cooking oil to prevent the chicken from sticking.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Take the chicken thighs out of the marinade and let any excess marinade drip off. Place the thighs on the preheated grill. Grill them for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and its internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Look for those beautiful grill marks too!
5. Let it Rest and Serve:
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the chicken juicy. Finally, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a lovely garnish before serving. Enjoy your grilled boneless chicken thighs with your favorite side dishes!
Can I Use Bone-In Chicken Thighs Instead?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken thighs! However, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Bone-in thighs generally take longer to cook, about 10-12 minutes on each side. Just make sure to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
What Can I Substitute for Olive Oil?
If you don’t have olive oil on hand, you can substitute it with avocado oil or canola oil. Both will provide a similar texture and flavor for your marinade, and they also have high smoke points suitable for grilling!
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for as little as 1 hour, but for optimal flavor, marinating overnight is recommended. If you marinate for more than 24 hours, the acidity can begin to break down the meat and affect the texture, so try to stick within that timeframe.
How Do I Store Leftover Grilled Chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the grilled chicken thighs. Just wrap them tightly and they can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!
