Flavorful Overnight Marinated Chicken Thighs Grilled Perfectly in 8 Minutes
Juicy, smoky chicken thighs marinated overnight in a simple, flavorful blend and grilled in just 8 minutes for a quick, delicious meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 18 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, dried oregano, honey, salt, and black pepper (about 5 minutes).
- Marinate the chicken: Pat dry chicken thighs with paper towels. Place in a large resealable plastic bag or airtight container. Pour marinade over chicken, seal tightly, and massage gently to coat evenly. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight.
- Preheat the grill: About 15 minutes before cooking, heat grill to medium-high (around 400°F). Clean and oil grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the chicken: Remove thighs from marinade, letting excess drip off. Place skin-side down on hot grill. Grill for 4 minutes without moving, then flip and grill for another 4 minutes. Check internal temperature; cook 1-2 minutes more if needed.
- Rest the meat: Transfer chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil. Let rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices.
- Serve warm with your favorite sides.
Notes
Do not press down on the chicken while grilling to keep juices inside. Resting the meat after grilling is essential for juicy thighs. If flare-ups occur, move chicken to indirect heat briefly. For boneless thighs, reduce grill time to about 6-7 minutes total. If no grill is available, bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes or broil for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 14
- Carbohydrates: 2
- Protein: 22
Keywords: grilled chicken thighs, overnight marinade, quick chicken recipe, summer grilling, smoky chicken, easy dinner, juicy chicken