Best Grilled Chicken Thighs

If there's one thing that's always a hit in our house, it's these grilled chicken thighs. We love how simple yet flavorful they are! The soy sauce, honey, and Dijon mustard create the perfect balance of sweet and savory, and the rosemary adds just the right touch of earthy flavor.

This recipe comes together effortlessly! Just whisk the marinade together, toss in the chicken, and let it sit for an hour (or overnight if you have the time). Grilling them brings out the most delicious, crispy edges while keeping the inside perfectly juicy.

These juicy chicken thighs are great for busy weeknights when you need something quick and satisfying, but they're also perfect for family get-togethers or BBQs. Plus, they pair with pretty much anything from Grilled Potatoes to Cheddar and Carrot Mac and Cheese! Honestly, this recipe has become a go-to in our home because it's so easy, full of flavor, and always a crowd-pleaser.

The Only Grilled Chicken Recipe You'll Need

This is our favorite grilled chicken thighs recipe for a reason! Here's why you'll love it:

• Easy flavor: The marinade does all the heavy lifting, bringing together tangy soy sauce, sweet honey, and zesty Dijon mustard. It's so simple but so packed with flavor.
• Quick and simple: Not counting the marinating time, you can have this recipe on your dinner table in 10 minutes!
• Customizable: Feel free to play around with the spices! You can add a pinch of cayenne for a little heat or swap the honey for maple syrup if you want to change it up.
• Versatile: This chicken works for any meal! Serve it with a side of grilled veggies, toss it on a salad, or pair it with rice for an easy weeknight dinner.
• Meal prep: Make a double batch and enjoy leftovers the next day! You can use the chicken in wraps, bowls, sandwiches, salads, or anything else you like!
• No grill? No problem: Don't have a grill? Pop it in the oven at 400°F for a perfectly juicy alternative! You can also use a grill pan on the stovetop to get that nice char.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Here's a brief list of what you'll need to make the juiciest chicken thighs ever. Don't forget to check the recipe card for the full list:

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Boneless chicken thighs are easier to eat, but bone-in chicken thighs work, too, if you prefer. Just make sure to increase the grilling time since bone-in thighs take longer!
• Soy sauce: Low-sodium is recommended, but regular soy sauce works if you prefer it saltier. If you need a gluten-free option, try tamari or coconut aminos.
• Balsamic vinegar: The acid helps to break down the muscle fibers in the chicken for a tender result! If you don't have it, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar.
• Honey: Sweetness that balances the savory soy sauce and caramelizes as the chicken cooks. You can use maple syrup if you're out of honey.
• Dijon mustard: A tangy kick that helps balance flavors. You can swap with yellow mustard if you prefer less sharpness.
• Sweet paprika: Gives a mild smokiness. Smoked paprika is a great substitute if you want more smokiness in the flavor!
• Dried rosemary: If you have fresh rosemary, use it instead! Just make sure to chop it finely and use 3x more than the required amounts. For example, the recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary, so you'd need 3 teaspoons of fresh chopped rosemary. You can also swap this with thyme or oregano, depending on your preferences.

How to Make Grilled Chicken Thighs

Once the thighs are marinated, the rest is a breeze! Here's how to make this recipe:

Step One: Make the Marinade

Whisk together soy sauce, vinegar, olive oil, honey, mustard, and spices. Add garlic and mix everything until smooth.

Step Two: Marinate the Chicken

Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and let them sit for at least an hour or longer if you've got the time.

Pro tip: For maximum flavor, marinate overnight.

Step Three: Grill the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill over medium-high heat for a few minutes per side. Let the chicken rest before serving.

Alternative cooking methods: You can also bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes if you don't have a grill. You can also use a grill pan on the stovetop if you have one!

What type of grill can I use?

You can use either a gas grill or a charcoal grill for this recipe. Both options work great, and each will give the chicken that delicious grilled flavor. A gas grill offers more control with temperature adjustments, while a charcoal grill adds a smoky, charred flavor. Both will allow you to achieve perfectly grilled chicken thighs.

Storage

Store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can pop the chicken in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just make sure it's fully cooled before storing.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the chicken in the microwave for a couple of minutes, or you can heat it up in a skillet over medium heat to maintain the crispy edges. If it's frozen, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Leftover Ideas

Use the leftover chicken for Healthy Grain and Chicken Bowls with Mediterranean Salsa or Chicken Cobb Salad for a fresh take on leftovers!

Serving Suggestions

These grilled chicken thighs practically pair with anything, but these are our favorites:

• With rice: Serve the grilled chicken thighs over a bed of brown rice or quinoa for a wholesome meal. If you want to keep things low-carb, serve the chicken with Cauliflower Rice instead!
• With coleslaw: Serve these chicken thighs with a side of Coleslaw for a classic BBQ side dish!
• On a salad: Slice the chicken and place it on a Greek Salad or Wild Rice Salad for a light lunch or dinner!
• With grilled veggies: Pair the chicken with some grilled vegetables, like Garlic Grilled Zucchini, Grilled Yellow Squash, or Easy Grilled Asparagus, for a well-rounded meal full of flavor.
• In a bowl: Make Grilled Chicken Bowls or Chicken Quinoa Bowls your favorite grains, topped with vegetables and a drizzle of your favorite dressing or sauce for a healthy, filling meal!