Description
Juicy and flavorful grilled chicken thighs marinated in a savory blend of olive oil, brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, lemon pepper, rosemary, and garlic. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue, delivering tender, perfectly cooked chicken with a deliciously charred exterior.
Ingredients
Marinade Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (slightly crushed)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: In a small bowl or freezer bag, combine olive oil, brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, lemon pepper seasoning, dried rosemary, and minced garlic. Mix thoroughly to blend all flavors.
- Marinate Chicken: Add the boneless skinless chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or for deeper flavor, up to 4 hours refrigerated.
- Preheat Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high, ensuring it is hot enough to sear the chicken and create grill marks.
- Grill Chicken: Place the marinated chicken thighs on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F for perfectly cooked and juicy chicken.
- Rest Chicken: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken more tender and flavorful before serving.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken longer enhances the flavor and tenderness, but avoid marinating for more than 24 hours to prevent texture changes.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure safety and avoid overcooking.
- For an indoor option, you can cook the chicken on a stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat.
- This recipe is easily doubled or halved to accommodate different serving sizes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American