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Foolproof Juicy Grilled Chicken Thighs Recipe with Easy Zip-Bag Marinade

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This recipe delivers juicy, flavorful grilled chicken thighs with a simple zip-bag marinade that ensures tender meat and crispy skin every time. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or impressive BBQs.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds / 900 grams)
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, honey, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a mixing bowl until well combined.
  2. Place chicken thighs in a large zip-top plastic bag and pour in the marinade. Seal the bag, remove excess air, and massage gently to coat the chicken evenly. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, ideally 4 hours or overnight.
  3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 200°C). If using charcoal, ensure coals are glowing red with a light layer of ash.
  4. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off to prevent flare-ups. Place thighs skin-side down on the grill and cook for 7-10 minutes until skin is crispy and charred in spots.
  5. Flip chicken and cook another 7-10 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Move chicken to cooler parts of the grill if flare-ups occur.
  6. Transfer chicken to a plate and tent loosely with foil. Let rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices.
  7. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the chicken before serving.

Notes

Keep a spray bottle of water handy to manage flare-ups. Do not press down on chicken while grilling to retain juices. Let chicken come to room temperature for 20 minutes before grilling for even cooking. For best flavor, marinate at least 4 hours or overnight. If no grill is available, bake at 425°F (220°C) on a wire rack for 25-30 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken thighs, juicy chicken, zip-bag marinade, easy chicken recipe, BBQ chicken, grilled chicken, weeknight dinner, backyard cookout

Find it online: https://snappyspoon.com/foolproof-juicy-grilled-chicken-thighs-recipe-with-easy-zip-bag-marinade/