These grilled chicken thighs are coated in a zesty cilantro lime marinade, then cooked until golden brown. This grilled chicken recipe comes out juicy, tender and flavorful every time!
I’m all about grilling these days, and every weekend I cook up a batch of grilled vegetables and grilled chicken, like lemon garlic chicken breasts or these cilantro lime chicken thighs.
When it comes to cooking on the grill, I often turn to a flavorful marinade to make my chicken extra delicious. These grilled chicken thighs feature a super easy marinade which takes just minutes to put together. Cook your chicken on a charcoal grill or indoor grill pan, then watch the rave reviews pour in!
How do you make grilled chicken thighs?
The star of this recipe is the cilantro and lime marinade. First make the marinade which features the flavors of soy sauce, brown sugar, cilantro and lime. Place your chicken thighs in a large resealable bag and pour in the marinade. Once the chicken is infused with flavor, grill up the chicken until cooked through. Let the chicken rest a bit after grilling, then slice and serve with a little cilantro for a garnish.
Tips for grilled chicken thighs
- Choose chicken thighs that are all about the same size and shape so that they’ll cook evenly.
- You can use chicken breasts instead of thighs if you prefer. Just be sure not to overcook your chicken breasts as they tend to dry out quicker than chicken thighs.
- The marinade can be made up to 8 hours before you plan to use it.
- You can serve your grilled chicken thighs over potatoes or rice, or make a double batch and use the leftovers in other recipes. I like to add diced grilled chicken to salads, pasta dishes and tacos.
- This chicken will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days, which makes it great for meal prep.
- It’s best to cook your chicken thighs over medium heat, as you don’t want the exterior to burn before the inside is cooked all the way through.
How long does it take to grill a chicken thigh?
You can grill chicken thighs on medium heat for 6-8 minutes per side. Cook times will vary depending on the size of your thighs. A smaller chicken thigh can cook in as little as 5 minutes per side, and a large thigh will take 8 minutes per side or possibly longer.
How do you know when chicken is done?
The best way to tell that chicken is done is by using a cooking thermometer. You want to insert the probe of the thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh. The meat should reach 165 degrees F to be sure that it is cooked through. If you don’t have a thermometer, cook your chicken on medium heat for 6-8 minutes per side. When you cut into the chicken the center should firm and not rubbery. When cut, the juices in the chicken should be clear and not pink. If the chicken is rubbery or has pink juices cook it a little longer.
The marinade in this recipe infuses chicken with a wonderful sweet and savory cilantro lime flavor which is enhanced by grilling. You’ll find yourself making this chicken every week during the warmer months!
More fabulous grilling recipes
- Grilled Chicken Breasts
- Grilled Corn on the Cob
- Salmon with Garlic and Herbs on the Grill
- Grilled Chicken Kabobs
- Grilled Chicken Fajitas on a Stick
Grilled Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 3 tablespoons cilantro leaves chopped, plus more for garnish
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
Instructions
- Place the chicken thighs in a bowl or resealable gallon sized bag.
- In a medium sized bowl, whisk together the olive oil, brown sugar, soy sauce, lime zest, cilantro, lime juice, salt, pepper and garlic.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken. Marinate for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours.
- Heat an outdoor grill or indoor grill pan to medium. Add the chicken in a single layer.
- Cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken registers 165 degrees F.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with additional cilantro for garnish, then slice and serve.
Deb says
This recipe makes the most flavorful moist chicken! I make it all the time!
Paulette says
How long to cook inside oven
Sara says
You can cook at 425 for 25-30 minutes!
Katie says
Delicious and healthy! We all loved it!
Beth Pierce says
Love all your recipes with chicken thighs! This was one of my favorites too! Can’t wait to enjoy this again tonight!
Krissy Allori says
I love the lime in this and it’s also so quick and easy!
Kellie Hemmerly says
The marinade for this chicken is so flavorful! It’s totally going on repeat for the rest of the summer!
Amy says
This chicken is fantastic. Thanks for the great recipe!
Tanya Schroeder says
That chicken could not look any more perfect! Love the flavors!
Elizabeth says
The chicken was delicious! I doubled the sauce and placed it aside to drizzle it over the cooked chicken and our rice. The recipe was a hit with the family and they used all the extra sauce (I reduced the oil and added extra lime and lime zest)
Jacquelyn Hastert says
Time to get the grill fired up! These chicken thighs look amazing I bet to come out with so much flavor. I can’t wait to throw them on the grill.
Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert says
This looks incredibly delicious!
Taylor says
Absolutely love the flavors in the marinade! So delicious!
Jade Manning says
This Chicken looks so succulent and juicy mmm!
Katerina @ diethood .com says
Oh wow, this chicken looks absolutely amazing!! I LOVE how flavorful it is!! YUM!
Beth Pierce says
What a flavorful and easy recipe! A restaurant worthy dish, indeed; my family loved it and I will definitely be making this again later this week!
Dorothy Reinhold says
I love cooking with chicken thighs. They are so flavorful. I can’t wait to try these!
Ajoke says
How delicious do these chicken look? I want to grab them off the screen. I love recipes that don’t cost you an arm and leg to make. Your pictures are stunning too!!!