What’s in Chicken Thighs on the Grill?
Chicken thighs are coated in a sweet, savory, and slightly smoky spice blend that goes well with any and every style of cuisine. Get the grill out for summer and make this recipe in just 20 minutes!
Chicken: Thighs are perfectly juicy for grilling! We like bone-in, skin-on for maximum moisture retention and flavor. Brown Sugar: Adds just a touch of sweetness to the thigh seasoning, and helps the chicken to brown beautifully. Salt: Enhances the flavors of the spices. Chili Powder: Adds just a touch of heat. Smoked Paprika: Adds smokiness and enhances that fresh-from-the-grill flavor. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular will also work. Cumin: Earthy, warm, and slightly citrusy. Onion Powder: Adds super-concentrated onion flavor. Garlic Powder: Adds super-concentrated garlic flavor. Oregano: Adds an herbal, peppery flavor.
Variations on Grilled Chicken Seasoning
We think this grilled chicken thigh seasoning is absolutely perfect as is! However, if you’re looking to change it up a bit, there are a few things you can try. If you’re watching your sugar or sodium, you can leave out the sugar and/or salt, but the rub won’t be as flavorful. To make it a bit spicier, add more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper. You could also try using ground coriander instead of cumin for a slightly different flavor profile! And this dry rub is so versatile, great to use on seasoned chicken breast or Air Fryer chicken thighs as well.
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover grilled chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a wire rack set in a rimmed baking sheet in a 400°F oven for about 15 minutes. You can also make up a batch (doubled, tripled, or more) of the chicken thigh seasoning ahead of time, and store it in an airtight container, Jair, or resealable bag. Store it in your spice cabinet or pantry until you’re ready to use it.
How to Freeze
Freeze chicken thighs in an airtight container or Ziplock bag for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
These seasoned grilled chicken thighs go well with just about anything you can think of! We love to serve them with a starch and a veggie. They’re perfect with creamy mashed potatoes or quick mac and cheese. Add a vegetable, like roasted Brussels sprouts or air fryer broccoli for a balanced meal. They’re also delicious sliced on top of a fresh salad!
Notes from the Test Kitchen
Tender, juicy, bone-in chicken thighs are made so flavorful with this unique chicken thigh seasoning blend. We start with sugar and salt, then add chili powder and smoked paprika to enhance that just-grilled flavor, and cumin, onion powder, and garlic powder for warmth. Finish it off with some fragrant dried oregano, and you’ve got one succulent seasoning!
How to Make Grilled Chicken Thighs Step by Step
Make the Seasoning: Combine 1½ tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon of ground cumin, ½ teaspoon of onion powder, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon of dried oregano in a small bowl. Season the Chicken: Heat the grill to medium-high heat (about 400-450°F). Rub the seasoning and 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil over 2 pounds of bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs to evenly coat. Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken on the grill and grill for around 8-10 minutes total, flipping the chicken halfway through. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
More Grilled Chicken Recipes We Love
Grilled Marinated Chicken Breast Grilled Chicken Wings Huli Huli Chicken Beer Can Chicken Grilled BBQ Chicken See all of our Grilled Chicken Recipes!
