Bobby Flay’s grilled chicken thighs are juicy and full of flavor! Marinated in tasty spices, they get that perfect char when cooked on the grill.
I love how easy these are to make. You just marinate, grill, and enjoy. Honestly, they disappear fast at my BBQ, and I can’t resist sneaking leftovers for lunch!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs provide juicy flavor and tender meat. If you prefer boneless, that’s fine too; just adjust cooking time since they’ll grill faster!
Smoked Paprika: This adds a delicious smoky flavor. If you don’t have it, you can use regular paprika combined with a touch of liquid smoke or even BBQ seasoning for a different twist.
Cumin: Ground cumin gives an earthy depth. If you’re not a fan, swap it out for coriander for a brighter taste.
Fresh Cilantro: This garnish brings freshness. If cilantro isn’t your thing, parsley or green onions work well too!
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Is Grilled Perfectly?
The key to perfectly grilled chicken thighs is managing the temperature and timing. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with a well-preheated grill; medium-high heat is ideal.
- Let the chicken reach room temperature before grilling, typically 15-20 minutes outside the fridge.
- Cook skin-side down first to achieve that crispy skin; resist the urge to flip too early!
- Use a meat thermometer for reaching the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C)
- Let the chicken rest after grilling—this helps the juices redistribute, keeping it tender and moist.
Bobby Flay’s Flavorful Grilled Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
For the Marinade:
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Juice of 1 lime
For Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take around 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 1 hour for marinating (or up to 4 hours for better flavor). Grilling will take about 12-16 minutes, so overall, you’re looking at approximately 1.5 to 4 hours, depending on your marinating time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
Start by gathering all your spices and olive oil into a small bowl. Mix together the extra-virgin olive oil, smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and lime juice. This mixture is what will give your chicken its delicious flavor!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Take your chicken thighs and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the marinade stick better. Place the thighs in a large bowl or a zip-top bag, then pour the marinade over them. Make sure each piece is coated well. Once coated, cover the bowl (or seal the bag) and refrigerate. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, but if you can, leave it for 4 hours or even overnight to really soak in the flavors.
3. Preheat the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating or when you’re ready to grill, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This is important for getting that perfect sear on the skin.
4. Grill the Chicken:
When the grill is ready, take the chicken out of the marinade and let the excess drip off (but don’t rinse it!). Place the chicken thighs on the grill, skin-side down. Grill for about 6-8 minutes. Then, flip the chicken over and cook for another 6-8 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check, if you have one!
5. Rest and Serve:
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the grill and give it a rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to settle so the chicken stays juicy when you cut into it. If desired, garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
6. Enjoy!
Serve your flavorful, smoky, and juicy grilled chicken thighs with your favorite sides, like grilled veggies, rice, or a fresh salad. Enjoy the yummy flavors!
FAQ for Bobby Flay’s Flavorful Grilled Chicken Thighs
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs will work just fine. Just keep in mind they’ll cook faster, so start checking for doneness around the 5-6 minute mark per side.
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken thighs for at least 1 hour, but for the best flavor, go for 4 hours or even overnight. Just be cautious not to marinate for more than 24 hours, as the acid in the marinade can make the chicken mushy.
What Can I Serve with Grilled Chicken Thighs?
This dish pairs well with a variety of sides! Consider serving it with grilled vegetables, rice, or a fresh green salad. You can also add a dipping sauce for some extra flavor.
How to Store Leftover Chicken Thighs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on the stove over low heat until heated through. Avoid overheating to keep them from drying out!
