Grilled Honey Lime Glazed Chicken Thighs for Maximum Flavor

An Introduction to Grilled Chicken Thighs

Why Choose Chicken Thighs for Grilling

Chicken thighs are perfect for grilling because they stay moist and tender even with the high heat. Thighs have more fat and collagen than breasts, which keeps them from drying out. The rich flavor of dark thigh meat is ideal for absorbing spices and sauces.

Benefits of Grilled Chicken

Grilling imparts delicious smoky barbecue flavor. The high heat caramelizes sugars on the outside, forming a lovely browned exterior with crispy edges. Grilled chicken thighs make tasty meals with less guilt than fatty cuts of meat.

Flavorful Marinades for Grilled Chicken Thighs

Jerk Chicken Marinade

Traditional Jamaican jerk flavors come from habanero pepper, garlic, scallions, thyme, allspice, and lime juice. It infuses spicy, herby flavor into the chicken.

Tandoori Chicken Marinade

Indian tandoori chicken uses a marinade of yogurt, lemon juice, ginger, garlic, spices, and chili powder for mouthwatering grilled flavor.

Gochujang Chicken Marinade

For a Korean twist, marinate chicken in spicy fermented gochujang chili paste, garlic, sesame oil, and rice vinegar before grilling.

Grilled Chicken Thigh Recipes with Sweet Glazes

Honey Lime Glazed Chicken Thighs

Grilled chicken takes on an irresistible sweet and tangy flavor from a quick glaze of fresh lime juice, honey or maple syrup, chili powder and cumin.

BBQ Chicken Thighs

Your favorite barbecue sauce makes an easy pre-made glaze for grilled chicken. Brush on the sauce in the last 5 minutes of grilling to caramelize it.

Thai Peanut Chicken Thighs

Whisk together peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, ginger and cilantro for an amazing Thai-inspired glaze on the grill.

Grilled Chicken Thigh Meals and Side Dishes

Chicken Thigh Tacos

Chopped spicy grilled chicken thighs are delicious stuffed into warm corn tortillas with avocado, lettuce, pico de gallo and queso fresco.

Grilled Chicken Salad

Sliced grilled chicken thighs served over a fresh greens salad with your favorite veggies and dressing makes a healthy, protein-packed meal.

Chicken and Rice Bowl

For an easy one-bowl meal, serve sliced grilled chicken thighs over cauliflower rice or quinoa with roasted vegetables and your choice of sauce.

Grilling Tips and Serving Suggestions

Get the Grill Ready

Preheat your grill on high for 10-15 minutes first. Clean and oil the grates. Have all tools and marinades ready before cooking.

Get the Perfect Char

Cook thighs over direct high heat about 6 minutes per side. Move to indirect heat if flaming occurs. Rotate for even charring.

Check for Doneness

Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165F at thickest part. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing for juicy results.

Conclusion

Grilled chicken thighs have tons of advantages over breasts or other cuts. They stay moist on the grill and absorb flavorful marinades wonderfully. A sweet glaze in the last minutes of grilling caramelizes into a tasty, charred exterior. Follow these tips and recipes for your best grilled chicken thighs yet!

FAQs

What are good marinade times?

At least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator allows the flavor to really permeate the meat.

Can you grill chicken thighs from frozen?

Yes, just add a few extra minutes to the cook time. Thaw first for the juiciest results.

Is grilled chicken healthy?

Yes, chicken thighs are a lean protein choice. Look for skinless thighs or remove skin after grilling. Go easy on salty marinades.

What sauce goes well with grilled chicken thighs?

BBQ sauce, chimichurri, tzatziki, salsa, teriyaki, peanut sauce, ranch, etc. Lots of choices for drizzling.

What are the best woods for grilling chicken?

Fruit woods like apple and cherry add mild sweet flavor. Oak, hickory and mesquite provide deeper “smoky” taste.