Summer is finally here, and that means it’s time to fire up the grill! There’s nothing quite like the taste of a perfectly grilled chicken thigh, smothered in your favorite sauce or marinade. In this article, we’ll be sharing 20 juicy summer chicken thigh recipes that are sure to become new favorites.
From classic combinations like lemon and garlic, to bold flavors like honey sriracha and spicy mango BBQ, these recipes showcase the versatility of chicken thighs on the grill. Whether you’re a fan of sweet and sticky glazes or tangy marinades, we’ve got you covered with our collection of summer chicken thigh recipes.
So grab your apron, fire up the grill, and get ready to enjoy the flavors of the season!
Lemon Garlic Grilled Chicken Thighs
Elevate your grilling game with this flavorful and aromatic recipe that combines the brightness of lemon with the pungency of garlic. Perfect for a summer dinner party or a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Place chicken thighs in a shallow dish and brush the lemon-garlic mixture evenly on both sides of the chicken.
4. Brush grill grates with olive oil to prevent sticking.
5. Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Remove from heat and sprinkle with oregano.
Cooking Time: 12-16 minutes
Honey Sriracha Glazed Chicken Thighs
Add a tangy twist to your chicken with this simple recipe that combines the warmth of honey with the spicy kick of sriracha. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful addition to your next BBQ.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup sriracha sauce
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, sriracha, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Place chicken thighs in a shallow baking dish and brush the honey-sriracha mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
4. Drizzle with vegetable oil and toss to coat.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through, flipping halfway.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Serves: 4-6
Summer Herb Marinated Chicken Thighs
Perfect for a warm-weather barbecue or picnic, these flavorful chicken thighs are infused with the bright, refreshing flavors of summer herbs.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 1/4 cup freshly chopped basil
– 2 tablespoons freshly chopped rosemary
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, basil, rosemary, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and coat evenly.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Grilled Pineapple Chicken Thigh Skewers
These skewers combine the juiciness of grilled chicken thighs with the caramelized sweetness of pineapple, all wrapped up in a flavorful package. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a summer BBQ.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1 ripe pineapple, cut into 1-inch chunks
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 10 bamboo skewers
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, and olive oil. Add chicken thighs and toss to coat.
3. Alternate chicken, pineapple, and ginger on each skewer.
4. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
5. Grill for 8-10 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Spicy Mango BBQ Chicken Thighs
Add a tropical twist to your BBQ game with these sweet and spicy chicken thighs. Marinated in a mixture of mango puree, chili flakes, and aromatic spices, these juicy chicken pieces will be the star of any backyard gathering.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1 ripe mango, diced
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1/2 tsp chili flakes
– 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or oven to medium-high heat.
2. In a blender, combine mango, honey, cumin, chili flakes, and yogurt. Blend until smooth.
3. Place chicken thighs in a large bowl. Pour mango mixture over the top. Toss to coat evenly.
4. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
5. Grill or bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken Thighs
This recipe combines the flavors of the Mediterranean with tender chicken thighs, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. Feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and sun-dried tomatoes add a salty, savory flavor to this dish.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped Kalamata olives
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together feta cheese, parsley, olives, garlic, and lemon juice.
3. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
4. Stuff each thigh with the Mediterranean mixture, dividing it evenly among the four pieces.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and bake for 35-40 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken Thighs
Brighten up your grilling game with this zesty and flavorful recipe. Cilantro lime grilled chicken thighs are a perfect combination of tangy, herby, and savory that will leave you craving for more.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup freshly chopped cilantro
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together cilantro, lime juice, garlic, and salt.
3. Brush both sides of chicken thighs with olive oil and season with the cilantro-lime mixture.
4. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side or until cooked through.
5. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Peach and Basil Glazed Chicken Thighs
Elevate your chicken game with this unique and flavorful recipe that combines the sweetness of peaches with the brightness of basil. Perfect for a summer evening or a special occasion, these glazed chicken thighs are sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1 ripe peach, diced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh basil leaves, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a blender or food processor, combine peach, olive oil, honey, garlic, and basil. Blend until smooth.
3. Place the chicken thighs in a baking dish and brush the peach-basil glaze all over them.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Smoky Paprika Chicken Thighs with Chimichurri
Elevate your chicken game with this smoky and savory dish, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. This recipe combines the richness of paprika-spiced chicken thighs with the bright, herby flavor of chimichurri sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh oregano, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss to coat evenly.
4. Place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Roast for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
6. While the chicken cooks, combine parsley, oregano, garlic, red wine vinegar, and Dijon mustard in a bowl to make chimichurri sauce.
7. Serve the chicken thighs with a spoonful of chimichurri sauce on top.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Teriyaki Grilled Chicken Thighs with Sesame Seeds
Savor the sweet and savory flavors of Japan with this easy-to-make Teriyaki grilled chicken thighs recipe, finished with a crunchy sesame seed crust.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup Teriyaki sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 cup sesame seeds
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together Teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and ginger.
3. Place chicken thighs in a shallow dish and brush the Teriyaki mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
4. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
5. Grill chicken thighs for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the chicken during the last minute of grilling.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 12-16 minutes
Summer Veggie and Chicken Thigh Sheet Pan Dinner
Summer Veggie and Chicken Thigh Sheet Pan Dinner
A flavorful and colorful one-pan meal perfect for a warm summer evening. This recipe combines juicy chicken thighs, tender vegetables, and a hint of Mediterranean flair.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 large yellow bell pepper, sliced
– 1 medium zucchini, sliced
– 1 medium red onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp lemon zest
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss chicken thighs with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. On a sheet pan lined with parchment paper, arrange the chicken in a single layer.
4. Add bell peppers, zucchini, onion, and garlic around the chicken.
5. Drizzle lemon zest over the vegetables.
6. Roast for 35-40 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Balsamic Glazed Grilled Chicken Thighs
Savor the sweet and tangy flavors of Italy with this simple yet impressive recipe, perfect for a summer evening or special occasion. With just a few ingredients and some quick grilling time, you’ll be enjoying tender and juicy chicken thighs smothered in a rich balsamic glaze.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, and garlic until well combined.
3. Brush both sides of chicken thighs with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Grill chicken thighs for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. During the last minute of grilling, brush the balsamic glaze all over the chicken thighs.
6. Let chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley or thyme leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Coconut Lime Chicken Thighs with Mango Salsa
Brighten up your mealtime with this tropical twist on chicken thighs, infused with the creamy richness of coconut and the zesty freshness of lime. Serve with a sweet and tangy mango salsa for a flavor explosion!
Ingredients:
For the chicken:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup coconut milk
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the mango salsa:
– 2 ripe mangos, diced
– 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together coconut milk, lime juice, olive oil, ginger, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the chicken thighs and marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
4. Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, combine mango, red onion, jalapeño, and lime juice for the salsa.
6. Serve the chicken with the mango salsa spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes (plus marinating time)
Grilled Chicken Thighs with Avocado Crema
Elevate your grilled chicken game with this creamy and tangy avocado crema, perfect for warm weather gatherings or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1 ripe avocado, diced
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 teaspoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together avocado crema ingredients until smooth.
3. Brush both sides of chicken thighs with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Serve grilled chicken with avocado crema spooned over the top.
6. Garnish with cilantro leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Summer Citrus Marinated Chicken Thighs
Perfect for a light and refreshing summer meal, these citrus-marinated chicken thighs are bursting with flavor. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together orange and grapefruit juices, garlic, olive oil, and honey.
2. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, turning to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
3. Preheat grill or oven to medium-high heat (400°F/200°C).
4. Remove chicken from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Grill or bake the chicken thighs for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Jerk Spiced Grilled Chicken Thighs
Add a taste of the Caribbean to your backyard with this easy-to-make jerk spiced grilled chicken thighs recipe. The bold flavors of allspice, thyme, and scotch bonnet peppers will transport you to the islands without leaving your patio.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 tbsp jerk seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
– 1 tsp olive oil
– 1 lime, cut into wedges (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together jerk seasoning and olive oil.
3. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken thighs.
4. Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
6. Serve with a squeeze of lime juice, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Rosemary and Garlic Grilled Chicken Thighs
Elevate your summer barbecues with this flavorful recipe that combines the savory goodness of rosemary and garlic with tender grilled chicken thighs. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic, and rosemary.
3. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
4. Brush the chicken thighs with the garlic-rosemary mixture, making sure they’re fully coated.
5. Place chicken thighs on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 12-16 minutes
Grilled Chicken Thighs with Summer Corn Salad
Elevate your summer BBQ game with this simple and flavorful recipe, featuring grilled chicken thighs smothered in a sweet and tangy corn salad. Perfect for warm weather gatherings or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1 cup fresh corn kernels (from about 2 ears of corn)
– 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
– 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper. Brush mixture on both sides of chicken thighs.
3. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, combine corn kernels, red bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese in a medium bowl.
5. Serve grilled chicken thighs with summer corn salad spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Thai Peanut Chicken Thigh Skewers
Savor the bold flavors of Thailand with this addictive and easy-to-make recipe for Thai Peanut Chicken Thigh Skewers. Marinated chicken thighs, crunchy peanuts, and a zesty peanut sauce come together in perfect harmony.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup creamy natural peanut butter
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 teaspoon Thai red curry paste
– 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
– 10 bamboo skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, and curry paste. Blend until smooth.
3. Thread chicken thighs onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. Brush the peanut sauce evenly over the chicken.
5. Sprinkle chopped peanuts over the top of the chicken.
6. Grill for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
7. Serve immediately with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Grilled Chicken Thighs with Watermelon Feta Salad
Elevate your summer gatherings with this refreshing combination of smoky grilled chicken and sweet watermelon feta salad. Perfect for a light and satisfying meal or as a flavorful side dish.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Watermelon Feta Salad:
+ 3 cups diced watermelon (about 1 small melon)
+ 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
+ 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
+ Juice of 1 lime
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Add chicken thighs to the bowl and toss to coat with marinade.
4. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, combine watermelon, feta cheese, mint leaves, and lime juice in a bowl.
6. Serve grilled chicken with Watermelon Feta Salad.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Summary
Beat the heat this summer with these 20 mouth-watering chicken thigh recipes perfect for grilling! From classic flavors to international twists, you’ll find something to satisfy your taste buds. Try Lemon Garlic Grilled Chicken Thighs, Honey Sriracha Glazed Chicken Thighs, or Spicy Mango BBQ Chicken Thighs for a flavorful kick. Or go Mediterranean with stuffed chicken thighs or try Summer Veggie and Chicken Thigh Sheet Pan Dinner for a quick and easy meal. Whatever your taste, there’s a recipe here to make your summer grill game unbeatable!
