These Mediterranean Grille Chicken Thighs are juicy and full of flavor! Marinated in lemon, garlic, and herbs, they bring a taste of the sunny Mediterranean right to your table.
Cooking them is a breeze! I love how they sizzle on the grill, giving off a nice aroma. Serve them with a side salad for a fresh, tasty meal—perfect for warm nights! 🌞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs give the best flavor and moisture. If you prefer, you can use boneless, skinless thighs for a leaner option or even chicken breasts, but they may be a bit dryer.
Olive Oil: This is the base of your marinade and contributes healthy fats. If you’re out of olive oil, avocado oil or canola oil work well too, though they won’t carry the same flavor.
Dried Oregano: Oregano brings a beautiful Mediterranean touch. You could substitute with thyme or Italian seasoning if needed. Fresh oregano is a fantastic alternative and can be used in double the amount.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish. If you don’t have lemons, lime juice or even vinegar can work in a pinch; just adjust to taste.
Spices: Garlic and onion powders add great flavor, but you can use fresh minced garlic and diced onion if you prefer. Smoked paprika gives a nice depth—feel free to swap with regular paprika if that’s what you have.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Grilled Perfectly?
Grilling chicken thighs so they’re juicy and flavorful requires a few important steps. Follow these tips for success:
- Marinating for at least one hour allows the flavors to penetrate the meat. Overnight is even better!
- Preheat your grill to medium-high to get that nice sear. You want the skin to crisp up!
- Don’t rush the grilling! Cook skin-side down first for 6-8 minutes, then flip. This helps prevent sticking.
- Checking for doneness is key. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature hits 165°F (75°C) for safe eating.
- Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes after grilling. This keeps it juicy!
How to Make Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 1 hour for marinating (or overnight for the best flavor). Cooking on the grill adds another 15-20 minutes. So, in total, you’ll need about 1 hour and 30 minutes, including marinate time, to enjoy your tasty grilled chicken thighs!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a bowl, mix together the olive oil, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, a pinch of salt, pepper, and the lemon juice. Stir until everything is well combined. This will be your flavorful marinade for the chicken!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken thighs into a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is nicely coated. If you’re using a bag, seal it and gently massage the chicken to distribute the marinade evenly. For the best flavor, let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or overnight if you can.
3. Grill the Chicken:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, aiming for around 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 200°C). Take the chicken thighs out of the marinade and let any excess liquid drip off. Now, place the chicken thighs skin-side down on the grill. Grill them for about 6-8 minutes until the skin is crispy and nicely browned. Flip the thighs over and continue grilling for another 6-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
4. Rest and Serve:
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This helps keep the juices inside the chicken! Serve the grilled chicken thighs over a bed of couscous salad or a fresh Mediterranean vegetable salad. Don’t forget to garnish with some chopped fresh parsley to add a vibrant touch. Enjoy your delicious Mediterranean meal!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs can be used, but adjust your cooking time. They usually take about 4-6 minutes per side on the grill until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Keep an eye on them as they may cook faster than bone-in thighs!
What If I Don’t Have Lemon Juice?
No worries! You can substitute lemon juice with vinegar (like white wine or apple cider vinegar) for a similar tang. Alternatively, fresh lime juice works great too if you have it on hand! Just keep the quantity the same.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also use the microwave if you’re short on time!
Can I Marinade the Chicken for Longer?
You can, but be cautious! Marinating chicken thighs for more than 24 hours may start to break down the meat too much and cause a mushy texture. If you’re planning on marinating longer, consider only using half of the lemon juice or adding it later in the marinating process.
