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featured grilled chicken thighs.
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4.30 from 10 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!
Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Dinner, Spices
Cuisine: American
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