My Grilled Boneless Chicken Thighs are an easy protein that can be served with any meal. Juicy, flavorful and perfectly cooked.

Barbecue is one of the smells of the summer. My family loves a grilled dinner, so I had to share our recipe for grilled chicken thighs.
Grilled boneless chicken thighs can be tricky because they can easy char on the outside, while being undercooked in the middle. Although chicken thighs are more juicy than chicken breast, it can still end up being bland if you don't season it right.
This recipe has my signature marinade for grilled boneless chicken thighs that is easy, flavorful and pairs well with many dishes. We love enjoying this protein with orzo pesto salad, a leafy green salad, or grilled veggies. It's also a tasty option for meal prep proteins.
Why This Recipe Is Dietitian Approved
- Easy proteins. I find that protein is the hardest part of any meal to plan, but these grilled boneless chicken thighs are so simple and versatile.
- Meal prep friendly. Having these chicken thighs ready to go in the fridge makes meal planning during the week super streamlined. I love using these chicken thighs in other meals, or shredding to add to salads and chicken caesar wraps.
- Juicy and delicious. This is not going to be a dry, bland piece of chicken. We use a marinade packed with flavour to ensure this chicken is perfectly seasoned.
Ingredients
Chicken thighs. For this recipe we are using boneless, skinless chicken thighs. The thighs of a chicken are a source of dark meat, which contains nurients like iron that are lower in the breast.
Orange juice. Using 100% citrus juice adds flavour and moisture without adding additional refined sugar. Look for 100% pure orange juice.
Soy sauce. To add some salt and umami! I find soy sauce and orange juice pair well to create the perfect marinade.
Olive oil. For our fat of choice! Look for extra virgin olive oil for best results.
Garlic. Fresh garlic is always best.
Spices. Black pepper, paprika and dried oregano are the only spices you are going to need!
The complete ingredient list with measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Instructions
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, olive oil, pressed garlic, dried oregano, black pepper and paprika.
Add chicken thighs. Give the chicken a good massage to ensure it is fully coated. Cover the bowl and place in the fridge to marinate for at least 1 hour to overnight.
To cook the chicken, preheat the grill to 400 degrees. Once the grill is hot, place the chicken directly on the grill and reduce the heat to medium. Keep a close eye on the chicken, making sure you are moving it around with grill tongs if there are any flames directly on the chicken. Grill for approximately 6-8 minutes per side, or until chicken is fully cooked and a meat thermometer reads 165 degrees F.
Once the chicken is done, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and eating.
Substitutions and Variations
To make gluten-free: swap the soy sauce for coconut aminos or tamari.
To make dairy-free: this recipe is naturally dairy-free.
To make nut-free: this recipe is naturally nut-free.
Equipment
- Barbecue or grill
Storage
These grilled chicken thighs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge once cooked and cooled for up to 3 days.
To reheat, I recommend microwaving them for about 1 minute.
Top Tips for Success
The key to cooking the perfect grilled chicken thighs is cooking at a lower temperature for a longer period of time. By reducing the hat after adding the chicken to the grill it helps create crispy outer edges and a super moist interior.
Try not to open the BBQ lid while the chicken is cooking (unless needed). We want to create a closed environment to lock in the heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
No! One of my favourite things about using orange juice in marinades is that it helps tenderize the meat without overpowering the flavour. I find in this recipe, the soy sauce and spices blend together to create a subtly salty marinade that can be paired with all your favourite side dishes.
So many things, they're incredibly versatile. We love salads like my chickpea feta quinoa salad and orzo pesto salad. They're also great with cheesy smashed potatoes!
More Staple Proteins Recipes
Meal prep proteins make my life so much easier. Try these next:
- Oven Baked Thin Sliced Chicken Breast
- Sticky Orange Tofu
- Baked Panko Crusted Cod
- Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders
See you in the kitchen!
PS. I love seeing my recipes in action! If you decide to make these grilled boneless chicken thighs, don't forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram- @nourishedbynic or leave a comment and rating below letting me know how you liked it!
📖 Recipe
Grilled Boneless Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- ½ cup 100% orange juice
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves pressed
- ½ tablespoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
Instructions
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, olive oil, pressed garlic, dried oregano, black pepper and paprika. Add chicken thighs. Give the chicken a good massage to ensure it is fully coated. Cover the bowl and place in the fridge to marinate for at least 1 hour to overnight.
- To cook the chicken, preheat the grill to 400 degrees. Once the grill is hot, place the chicken directly on the grill and reduce the heat to medium. Keep a close eye on the chicken, making sure you are moving it around with grill tongs if there are any flames directly on the chicken. Grill for approximately 6-8 minutes per side, or until chicken is fully cooked and a meat thermometer reads 165 degrees F.
- Once the chicken is done, remove the chicken
Cori Tippetts says
WOW! Really…. WOW!! My whole family is now obsessed with this chicken! It was such a hit I made it for a party shortly after our first time trying it, and I found that it is so great for mass producing! Here is what we did: Clean out a cooler well with hot water and dish soap, then put chicken thighs right in it. Make sure that if the cooler has a drainage hole it is plugged. Combine the marinade (amounts below) and pour it over. Then set a block of ice on top, still in its bag. Close the cooler and set in the shade. Let marinade for 8 hours or so, then put it straight on the smoker.
For 24-26 thighs, here is what you need:
3 packages thighs with 8 each
1 whole 64 oz jug of 100% orange juice
1 whole 32 oz jug of liquid aminos
1 whole 16 oz container of olive oil
1 whole 4.5 oz jar of minced garlic
½ c. oregano
1 T. pepper
¼ c. paprika
1 block of ice
That’s it!! ENJOY!!
Patti says
I cook the chicken in the oven. Tasted Amazing
Corinne Beenfield says
Loved it! Will definitely make it again. Trying to decide what veggies and sides will pair best with it, because this is going in the regular rotation. 🙂
Rose Nelson says
Hello I was wondering if you could cook this in an oven ? I don't have a barbecue or grill. If you can what temperature ? Thank you.
Nicole Addison says
Hi Rose, yes you can! I usually cook my chicken thighs in a 9x11" casserole dish in the oven at 400F for about 30-40 minutes!
Nicole Addison says
A summer staple! These chicken thighs have become a new staple in my family when we are looking for a recipe that doesn't use the oven! I hope you enjoy it!