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featured grilled chicken thighs.
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4.37 from 11 votes

Grilled Chicken Thighs Recipe

A simple seasoning rub adds the perfect flavor to chicken thighs, and they'll be ready off the grill in just 20 minutes!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Dinner, Spices
Cuisine: American
Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 6 people
Author: Becky Hardin

Equipment

  • Grill or Indoor Grill Pan

Ingredients

For the Chicken Thigh Seasoning

  • 1½ tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano

For Grilling

  • 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Lime wedges optional, for serving
  • Chopped fresh cilantro optional, for serving

Instructions

For the Chicken Thigh Seasoning

  • Combine the brown sugar, salt, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, and oregano in a small bowl.
    1½ tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon chili powder, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon ground cumin, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon dried oregano
    overhead view of ingredients for grilled chicken thighs.

For Grilling

  • Heat the grill to medium-high heat (about 400-450°F).
  • Rub the seasoning and olive oil over the chicken thighs to evenly coat.
    2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
    overhead view of seasoned raw chicken thighs on a white plate.
  • Place the chicken on the grill and grill for around 8-10 minutes total, flipping the chicken halfway through.
  • Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
    Lime wedges, Chopped fresh cilantro
    overhead view of grilled chicken thighs on a white oval serving platter with lime slices.

Video

Notes

  • If you'd like to use boneless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts), you'll need to reduce the cooking time.
  • To prevent sticking, grease the grill plates with an oiled paper towel before adding the chicken.
  • Properly cooked chicken should read 165°F internally.
  • Let the chicken thighs rest for 5-10 minutes before enjoying to lock in the juices.
  • Nutritional information does not include optional ingredients.
Storage: Store grilled chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.3333pounds | Calories: 317kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 126mg | Sodium: 494mg | Potassium: 288mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 286IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 1mg