Go Back
Grilled Chicken Thigh Recipes with Flavorful Marinade
Emily

Grilled Chicken Thigh Recipes with Flavorful Marinade

Juicy, marinated grilled chicken thighs with bold smoky flavors and tangy balance. Perfect for quick weeknights or special occasions, these thighs stay tender and packed with umami from soy sauce, caramelized sweetness of brown sugar, and zesty apple cider vinegar.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Contemporary
Calories: 390
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Garlic 4 cloves, minced
  • Olive oil ¼ cup
  • Soy sauce ¼ cup
  • Light brown sugar ¼ cup packed
  • Apple cider vinegar 2 Tbsp
  • Dijon mustard 1 Tbsp
  • Ground cumin 1 tsp
  • Paprika 1 tsp
  • Kosher salt ¼ tsp
  • Black pepper ¼ tsp
  • Chicken thighs 2 lbs skinless
  • Cilantro/basil (optional), chopped

Method
 

  1. Whisk garlic, olive oil, soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, mustard, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl
  2. Pat 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs dry; add to a zip-top bag with marinade, seal, and massage
  3. Refrigerate 2-24 hours, flipping the bag halfway
  4. Heat grill to 450°F-500°F; scrape grates clean
  5. Remove chicken from marinade; grill skin-side down for 10 minutes or until charred and cooked through

Notes

For optimal flavor, marinate at least 4 hours
Use skin-on thighs for extra crispiness
Swap cilantro or basil with parsley, thyme, or oregano
Let chicken rest 5 minutes before serving to retain juices
Adjust paprika to smoky chipotle or regular for different flavor profiles