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Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Thighs

Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Thighs
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These Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Thighs are quick, flavorful, and healthy, featuring a vibrant marinade of herbs, garlic, citrus, and smoked paprika that delivers juicy, smoky, and tender grilled chicken perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4–6 skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs

Marinade

  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried oregano)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: Combine olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Whisk thoroughly until well blended, creating a vibrant marinade that will infuse the chicken with Mediterranean essence.
  2. Marinate the Chicken Thighs: Place the chicken thighs in a large zip-lock bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring every piece is evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
  3. Preheat the Grill: Bring your grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F (204°C). Clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking. Proper heat setup is crucial for achieving that signature grill char and juicy texture without drying out the chicken.
  4. Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken thighs skin-side down on the hot grill. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side, turning only once or twice to develop beautiful grill marks while locking in moisture. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe, tender meat.
  5. Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the thighs moist and flavorful. Garnish with fresh herbs or lemon wedges for an added pop of color and zing.

Notes

  • Quality Ingredients Matter: Use fresh herbs and high-quality olive oil for the most authentic flavor.
  • Don’t Skip the Rest Time: Letting the chicken rest after grilling locks in juice and enhances tenderness.
  • Marinate Longer for More Flavor: While 30 minutes works, marinating up to 4 hours intensifies the taste.
  • Control Grill Temperature: Medium-high heat ensures crispy skin without burning the chicken.
  • Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to avoid undercooking or drying out the meat.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mediterranean grilled chicken, chicken thighs, healthy chicken recipe, grilled chicken marinade, quick chicken dinner, herbs and spices chicken

Find it online: https://mydishez.com/mediterranean-grilled-chicken-thighs/