Description
These marinated grilled chicken thighs are packed with bold flavors from a garlic, soy sauce, honey, and red pepper flake marinade. Perfectly grilled to juicy perfection with a slightly charred skin, this easy recipe is ideal for a flavorful weeknight dinner or weekend barbecue.
Ingredients
Marinade Ingredients
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 3 Tbsp. olive oil
- 2 Tbsp. honey
- 1 tsp. red pepper flakes
Chicken
- 4 bone-in chicken thighs (~ 2 lbs.)
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a large bowl, combine minced garlic, soy sauce, olive oil, honey, and red pepper flakes. You can also mix the marinade inside a resealable plastic bag for easy cleanup.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the bone-in chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Marinate for at least 20 minutes or refrigerate and marinate overnight for deeper flavor. Occasionally stir or flip the chicken to distribute the marinade evenly.
- Preheat the grill: Remove chicken from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. Preheat two burners on the grill to medium-high heat, aiming for about 375°F.
- Start grilling: Place chicken thighs skin side down directly over the heat and grill for 6 minutes to develop a crispy skin. Flip the chicken and grill for an additional 6 minutes on direct heat.
- Finish cooking on indirect heat: Move the chicken to the cooler side of the grill (indirect heat) and cover with the grill lid. Continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 180-185°F, which typically takes an additional 8-13 minutes depending on grill heat and chicken size.
- Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Resting helps retain juices and improves the texture.
Notes
- Marinating overnight enhances flavor but a minimum of 20 minutes is needed for decent taste infusion.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 180-185°F for tender, fully cooked thighs.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your spice preference or omit for no heat.
- For crispier skin, ensure grill grates are clean and hot before placing chicken.
- Bone-in thighs cook more evenly and stay juicier than boneless.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
