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Juicy Grilled Chicken Thighs

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A straightforward and forgiving grilled chicken thighs recipe that delivers juicy meat with irresistibly crispy skin, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or weekend BBQs.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs / 700 g)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
  2. Coat the chicken lightly with olive oil using a basting brush or your hands.
  3. Mix salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using) in a small bowl.
  4. Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly on both sides of the chicken thighs.
  5. Preheat the grill to medium heat (about 350°F / 175°C). For charcoal grills, wait until coals are glowing with a light ash coating.
  6. Place the chicken thighs skin side down on the grill grates and cook undisturbed for 12-15 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crisp.
  7. Flip the thighs and cook for another 8-10 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
  8. Transfer the grilled chicken to a plate or tray and cover loosely with foil. Let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
  9. Optional: For extra crispy skin, sear the chicken skin side down over high heat for 1-2 minutes after resting, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Notes

Patting the skin dry before seasoning is key to crispy skin. Use medium heat to avoid burning the skin while cooking through the meat. Rest the chicken for at least 5 minutes after grilling to keep it juicy. For extra crispiness, finish with a quick high-heat sear. If using boneless thighs, reduce cooking time and watch closely to prevent drying out. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently to maintain crisp skin.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken thighs, crispy chicken skin, easy grilled chicken, smoky chicken, BBQ chicken, juicy chicken thighs

Find it online: https://daintydine.com/juicy-grilled-chicken-thighs-recipe-perfect-crispy-skin-easy-steps/