Grilled chicken thighs are a game-changer for any barbecue, and trust me, you don't want to miss out on these five mouthwatering recipes. From the sweet and sticky Honey Garlic to the spicy kick of Cajun, each one packs a flavor punch that'll have your taste buds dancing. Not to mention, they're juicy and tender, making them the perfect crowd-pleaser. So, which flavor are you craving to fire up next? Let's find out!
Honey Garlic Grilled Chicken Thighs
Honey garlic grilled chicken thighs are a delectable choice for any barbecue or weeknight dinner. The combination of sweet honey and savory garlic creates a mouth-watering marinade that infuses the chicken with fantastic flavor while keeping it juicy and tender.
Whether you're cooking for family or friends, these chicken thighs are sure to impress with their glossy finish and tantalizing aroma.
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
Place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, making certain they're fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and grease the grates to prevent sticking. Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the skin is crispy.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving, garnished with fresh parsley.
Extra Tips:
For the best results, make sure to marinate the chicken thighs for at least 1 hour, but overnight is ideal. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat more effectively.
If you prefer a thicker glaze, reserve some of the marinade before adding the chicken and bring it to a boil in a saucepan for a couple of minutes before brushing it on the chicken towards the end of grilling.
Additionally, keep an eye on the chicken while grilling to avoid flare-ups from the dripping marinade; adjusting the heat as necessary will help make certain even cooking.
Enjoy your flavorful honey garlic grilled chicken thighs!
Spicy Cajun Grilled Chicken Thighs

Spicy Cajun Grilled Chicken Thighs are a delightful dish that brings the bold flavors of Cajun cuisine right to your grill. The juicy, tender chicken thighs are marinated in a zesty blend of spices, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. Ideal for summer barbecues or an easy weeknight dinner, these thighs can be served alongside your favorite sides, like coleslaw or grilled vegetables, for a complete meal that will delight your family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in chicken thighs, skin on
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1 lime
Cooking Instructions:
In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and lime juice to create a marinade.
Add the chicken thighs to the bowl, ensuring they're well coated in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight for maximum flavor.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once heated, place the marinated chicken thighs skin-side down on the grill. Cook for about 6-8 minutes until the skin is crispy and browned, then flip and continue cooking for another 6-8 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Extra Tips:
To improve the smoky flavor, consider adding wood chips to your grill while cooking.
If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or use a milder Cajun seasoning.
For a touch of sweetness, add a tablespoon of honey to the marinade.
Always let the chicken rest after grilling; this helps to retain the juices and keep the meat moist.
Serve with a dipping sauce, like a creamy ranch or spicy remoulade, for an extra layer of flavor. Enjoy your spicy Cajun grilled chicken thighs!
Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Thighs
Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Thighs are a delicious and zesty way to enjoy tender, juicy chicken packed with flavor. The combination of fresh lemon juice, aromatic herbs, and olive oil creates a marinade that infuses the chicken with a bright, invigorating taste.
Perfect for a summer barbecue or a weeknight dinner, these grilled thighs are sure to impress your family and friends with their mouthwatering aroma and delectable taste.
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Juice and zest of 2 lemons
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
Place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring they're well coated.
Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, and place them skin-side down on the grill.
Cook for about 6-7 minutes, then flip and grill for an additional 6-7 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
Extra Tips:
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken thighs overnight if possible; this allows the herbs and lemon to penetrate the meat more thoroughly.
When grilling, avoid pressing down on the chicken to keep the juices inside.
If you find the skin is browning too quickly, move the thighs to a cooler part of the grill.
Serve these lemon herb grilled chicken thighs with a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Enjoy!
Teriyaki Grilled Chicken Thighs

Teriyaki grilled chicken thighs are a delicious and easy dish that brings a taste of Japan to your backyard barbecue. The rich, sweet, and savory teriyaki marinade perfectly complements the juicy, tender chicken thighs, making for a meal that's certain to impress family and friends.
With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a flavorful dish that pairs wonderfully with steamed rice and grilled vegetables.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish
Instructions:
In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger to create the teriyaki marinade.
Place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, making sure the chicken is fully coated. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for more flavor.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off, and grill for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
For a thicker glaze, you can simmer the leftover marinade on the stove with cornstarch until it thickens, then brush it over the chicken during the last few minutes of grilling. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.
Extra Tips:
For the best flavor, let the chicken marinate longer than the minimum time suggested; overnight is ideal if you have the foresight.
If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute low-sodium soy sauce and reduce the amount of honey.
Keep an eye on the chicken while grilling, as the sugars in the marinade can cause it to caramelize and brown quickly.
Additionally, consider using a meat thermometer to guarantee perfect doneness without overcooking the chicken.
Finally, serve your teriyaki grilled chicken thighs with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to round out the meal beautifully.
BBQ Bourbon Glazed Chicken Thighs
BBQ Bourbon Glazed Chicken Thighs are a mouthwatering dish that combines the rich flavors of bourbon with the smoky sweetness of BBQ sauce. This recipe is perfect for grilling enthusiasts looking to enhance their chicken game at summer cookouts or casual weeknight dinners.
The combination of the marinade and glaze infuses the chicken with a delightful depth of flavor while keeping it juicy and tender. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this deliciously sticky and savory dish!
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your choice)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Cooking Instructions:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the bourbon, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt until well combined.
Place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring they're well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for maximum flavor.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, then remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Grill the chicken thighs skin-side down for about 6-8 minutes until they're nicely charred.
Flip the thighs over and brush with additional BBQ sauce; continue grilling for another 6-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Extra Tips:
For the best results, marinate the chicken thighs overnight to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply.
If you prefer a less intense bourbon flavor, you can reduce the amount of bourbon or use a milder variety. Always keep an eye on the chicken while grilling to prevent flare-ups from the rendered fat; move them to a cooler side of the grill if needed.
Finally, feel free to experiment with different BBQ sauces to customize the dish to your taste preferences!