These grilled boneless chicken thighs are juicy, tender and full of flavor. Their easy prep makes them perfect for outdoor entertaining. Serve them with anything you like!
If you are looking for an easy marinade for grilled chicken thighs, then you are at the right place. This simple blend of every-day ingredients adds a ton of flavor to the meat and when grilled to perfection, it turns these grilled boneless chicken thighs into a finger-licking dinner.
My recommendations for side dishes would definitely be Greek salad or cucumber tomato salad, Parmesan roasted potatoes or garlic smashed potatoes. But the best side dish is the one you like so if you have a favorite one, go ahead and make it!
How to make grilled boneless chicken thighs
First, get a bowl that is large enough to hold all the thighs. You can also use a Ziploc bag, if you like.
Then, add the ingredients for the marinade and mix well.
For these grilled boneless chicken thighs, I made a simple marinade with paprika, garlic, salt, pepper, olive oil and finely chopped parsley.
Then, add the thighs in and coat them in the mixture. Make sure all the thighs are well coated before covering the bowl with cling film or closing the Ziploc bag.
Let the meat rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before grilling. The longer you leave it in the fridge the better.
You can also make the prep for these chicken thighs ahead of time and marinate the meat overnight, if you like.
How long to grill boneless chicken thighs?
It takes about 10-12 minutes for these boneless chicken thighs to be ready. Now bear in mind that the time may vary slightly. This will depend on how thick the pieces are and also, on your grill.
If in doubt, please use a food thermometer to check if the thighs are ready. The internal temperature has to reach 165°F (75°C). Always make sure you check the thickest part of the meat.
Tips for making grilled boneless chicken thighs
Marinade – at first, it may seem to you that there is not enough marinade. However, this amount is plenty for 1.5 up to 1.8 pounds (800 grams) of thighs. This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled, if needed!
Make sure to use all the ingredients for the marinade – there are only a few of them so it’s important to follow the recipe for the best flavors.
Marinating – even though the prep takes literally minutes, you can still make it ahead and keep the meat in the fridge overnight. Also, the longer you marinate, the more intense the flavor.
To keep the thighs warm until ready for serving wrap them in a tin foil (aluminum foil).
If the grilling season is over but you still would like to enjoy these grilled thighs, throw them onto an electric indoor grill (also a panini press might do the trick)!
More recipes for grilling
- Grilled Turkey Kabobs
- Yogurt Marinated Grilled Chicken
- Honey Lemon Grilled Chicken
- Grilled Whole Fish
- Mediterranean Grilled Vegetables
Grilled Boneless Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
Recommended Products
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl (or a Ziploc bag), combine paprika, crushed garlic cloves, finely chopped parsley, salt, pepper and olive oil. Give everything a good mix.
- Add the chicken thighs and coat each one of them with the mixture. Make sure they are all well coated before covering the bowl with cling film (or locking the Ziploc bag). Refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
- Grill on both sides until they are nice brown and cooked through (see note 4).
- Best served right away!
Notes
- Paprika – either smoked or sweet can be used.
- I used 4 garlic cloves which was about 1 tablespoon of crushed/pressed garlic. It was the perfect amount but every garlic is different so you might like to adjust this the next time you make the marinade.
- Parsley – I use about 4 tablespoons of finely chopped parsley, but you can use slightly less or more, if you like.
- The time does not include marinating – count with at least 30 minutes.
- Please note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the thighs you use and on the heat in your grill. If not sure, always check with the food thermometer first. Mine were ready in about 10-12 minutes.
- I used skinless chicken thighs. You can also use thighs with skin. If you do, I recommend grilling them the skin-side down first.
Sara says
Hi! Will this marinade work for chicken breast?
Julia | Happy Foods Tube says
Hi Sara. Yes it will. However, they might not be as juicy as the thighs as they dry out easily. Perhaps cut them in half lengthwise so they grill evenly. Hope this helps.
Gloria says
Very easy marinade resulting in great flavour. I found the paprika very over-powering, so the next time I tried the recipe I used only 1 tsp and enjoyed it much more! Great recipe Julia!
Julia | Happy Foods Tube says
Thank you so much for your feedback, Gloria!
Libby says
Delicious! I made these for Sunday dinner last weekend and they were devoured. Served with brown rice pilaf and bacon wrapped asparagus. I’m a huge fan of chicken thighs and this will be my go to. Thanks so much for sharing, Julia!
Julia | Happy Foods Tube says
Thanks so much for finding time to leave the feedback, Libby. I am so happy to hear you loved this recipe! Hope you find some more recipes on our blog that you like. Happy Cooking!
Brian says
Fantastic, everyone loves it.
Julia | Happy Foods Tube says
Thanks for your feedback, Brian! Happy Grilling!
Jan says
Loved this recipe. I followed exactly. Easy, tender and so flavorful. Have you ever tried baking it?
Nicole F. says
Really, really good. Simple, too. I think I would add heat next time. Thank you!
Liz Anne says
Love this recipe and my guests fo too!
Julia | Happy Foods Tube says
Thanks so much for your feedback, Liz Anne!
Michelle says
This recipe was magical! I am not a great cook but my family went wild over this, even my toddler who rarely eats chicken, and my kindergartner who called it “moms best homemade chicken in the world” I rarely leave comments but felt the need to say thank you for the tasty recipe and for making me look so good!
Julia | Happy Foods Tube says
Thanks so much for your feedback and rating, Michelle! Hope you’ll find some more recipes to try on our blog!
Allyson says
Very easy marinade. Delicious flavor. Will definitely make again.
Julia | Happy Foods Tube says
Thanks so much for your feedback, Allyson!
Shawna McCaghren says
Family are the ENTIRE thing dashing my leftover hopes for tomorrow. Excellent marinade
Julia | Happy Foods Tube says
That’s so good to hear, Shawna. Thanks so much for your feedback!
Helen says
Can I put the chicken in the marinade and freeze it?
Julia | Happy Foods Tube says
Hm, I have never tried it but I don’t see why not! Happy Grilling!
Christine says
We made this just the way it is. It was very good and quick. We will be making it again. Thank you
Julia | Happy Foods Tube says
Thank you for your feedback and rating, Christine!
Barb says
I am having a big group. Could you precook in the oven and finish on the grill. If yes, how?
Made them on the grill and they are delicious.
Julia | Happy Foods Tube says
Hi Barb, I haven’t tried it so not sure. Sorry!
Robert says
Tried your recipe and about to do it again. My boneless skinless chicken thighs turned out awesome.
Thanks so much
Robert
Julia | Happy Foods Tube says
Thanks so much for your feedback, Robert. Happy Grilling! :)
W Benjamin says
Followed the recipe and it turned out to be delicious, tender and everyone loved it!
Julia | Happy Foods Tube says
That’s so good to hear! Thanks for your feedback!
Sharon says
Just WOW! My husband went crazy for these and so did our 19yo son. Hubby said that was the best chicken he’s ever eaten! I used a gas grill and it flared a little extra, but did not burn or hurt the flavor. Breasts were on sale today, so I’m trying them as well. Thanks for a simple, delicious recipe that is actually foolproof! I added extra garlic because we prefer and I only had dried parsley flakes. If anyone is not wanting to run to the store :)
Julia | Happy Foods Tube says
Hi Sharon. Thanks so much for finding time to write the feedback and rating! Happy Grilling!
Geno D says
I personally love grilling these, but if you heat up the oven to 400 while the chicken marinates, you can then lower the oven to 225 and then cook for a least two hours. Game changer.
Julia | Happy Foods Tube says
Thanks for your comment and rating, Geno D. Thanks for letting our readers know your way of cooking them!
Sherri B says
Best darn chicken thighs! And so easy
Julia | Happy Foods Tube says
Thanks so much for your feedback, Sherri B! Happy Grilling! :)
Chuck says
This recipe was amazing! I made some Indonesian peanut sauce and fried rice to serve it with. It was delicious!
Julia | Happy Foods Tube says
Thanks so much for your feedback, Chuck!
Wayne says
Didn’t want to waste the yummy marinade so mix in some chicken stock, Dijon, mustard and honey. Reduced it in a pot to make a very versatile basting/dipping sauce. Thanks for the great recipe 👍🏻.
Julia | Happy Foods Tube says
Hi Wayne! Thanks so much for the feedback! Happy Grilling! :)
Shelley says
Outstanding! I make this on a regular basis and have given the recipe to many people, all of whom love it. Thanks so much for this!
Julia | Happy Foods Tube says
Thanks a lot for your feedback and rating, Shelley!
Lily says
Omg, I’m literally obsessed with this recipe! My husband and I made it for dinner last night and it was so delicious. The flavors are amazing and the chicken comes out so juicy and tender. Definitely a new favorite in our household. Thanks for sharing!
Julia | Happy Foods Tube says
Thanks a lot for your feedback, Lily!
Tracey says
I’ve cooked and grilled nearly 50 years and this simple recipe is the absolute best recipe I’ve ever tasted. You can’t beat it for ease, using simple on hand ingredients, and the taste is perfection! I marinated the skinless thighs all day in the fridge, removing them an hour before grilling.
Julia | Happy Foods Tube says
Thank you so much for your comment, Tracey. It means a lot! Happy Grilling! :)
Trisha says
Love this recipe! I made it for dinner last night and it was a huge hit with my family. The boneless chicken thighs were so tender and juicy. I’ll be making it again soon!
Julia | Happy Foods Tube says
Thanks so much for finding time to leave the feedback, Trisha!