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Savory Grilled Chicken Thighs

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A quick and easy grilled chicken thigh recipe that is juicy, flavorful, and perfect for budget-friendly meals at home. This recipe uses simple ingredients and a marinade that locks in moisture while creating a crispy, smoky char.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds / 900g)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium optional)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade by combining olive oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, smoked paprika, brown sugar, lemon juice, black pepper, and salt in a mixing bowl. Whisk until sugar dissolves and mixture is uniform (about 5 minutes).
  2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Place them in the bowl or a resealable plastic bag and pour in the marinade. Toss to coat thoroughly. Cover or seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 2 hours. (Minimum 15 minutes if short on time.)
  3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F (200°C). For charcoal grills, wait until coals are covered in white ash.
  4. Place chicken thighs skin-side down on the grill. Cook undisturbed for 6-7 minutes until grill marks appear and skin crisps up. Flip and grill the other side for another 6-7 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
  6. Serve whole or sliced with your favorite sides.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before marinating for crispy skin. Use indirect heat if skin chars too quickly. Flip only once to maintain sear. Rest chicken after grilling for juicy results. If grilling isn’t available, use a grill pan or oven bake at 425°F for 25-30 minutes and broil 3-4 minutes to crisp skin. Avoid over-marinating overnight to prevent soggy skin.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken thighs, easy chicken recipe, budget meals, savory chicken, grilled chicken, quick dinner, family meal, smoky chicken

Find it online: https://daintydine.com/savory-grilled-chicken-thighs-recipe-for-easy-budget-meals-at-home/