A super simple Grilled Chicken Thighs recipe that you’ll want to make all summer long! Boneless skinless chicken thighs are soaked in a citrusy, garlic herb flecked marinade and cooked over a hot grill until bold grill marks line the exterior and the interior finishes tender and juicy.

Marinated grilled chicken thighs shown on a white oval platter from above. Platter is resting on a green and blue checked cloth and a pear cranberry spinach salad is shown to the side.

Grilled chicken is a summertime staple — easy to prepare, and cooking outside on the grill keeps the heat out of the kitchen.

The first choice of cut here is grilled chicken thighs. They stay tender and juicy, they brown up beautifully, and they have more flavor than other cuts. When you add a lemon and vinegar marinade, they take on a bright taste that really enhances the chicken.

This recipe includes a blended herb mixture — Herbs de Provence — but it is a super versatile recipe and you can use nearly any herb blend in its place to suit your taste and the type of meal you’re making.

It’s a great base recipe you can make exactly as is, or build off of, to create the ideal grilled boneless chicken thighs every time.

Close up photo of grilled chicken thighs.

Grilled Chicken Thighs and Marinade Ingredients and Substitutes

  • Chicken thighs: Chicken thighs produce the most juicy, tender results, but chicken breasts will work great too if that’s what you prefer (use an equal weight).
  • Olive oil: Regular refined olive oil or extra virgin olive oil both work well here.
  • Red wine vinegar: Brightens the flavor of the chicken. You can substitute white wine vinegar, sherry vinegar, or apple cider vinegar.
  • Lemon juice: Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor. Lime juice works fine too.
  • Dijon mustard: A little goes a long way with this ingredient since it has bold flavor.
  • Herbs de Provence: This is a French herb blend. Italian seasoning or another herb blend can be used in its place.
  • Honey: Only a touch is added to help the chicken brown nicely and balance the tartness of the marinade. Maple syrup or white sugar works too.
  • Garlic: For best flavor, use fresh garlic.
  • Salt and black pepper: Essential for balanced flavor.

Ingredients used to make grilled chicken thighs and marinade shown.

Chicken marinade ingredients in a glass mixing bowl shown before mixing.

How to Make the Chicken Marinade

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Herbs de Provence, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper.
  2. Add chicken thighs to the bowl and toss to evenly coat.
  3. Transfer to the fridge and let marinate 1 to 6 hours.

Chicken marinade shown in glass mixing bowl after whisking ingredients.

Chicken thighs shown soaking in marinade in glass mixing bowl.

With just a handful of pantry staples and a short marinating window, these grilled chicken thighs are an easy, flavorful option for any weeknight dinner or weekend cookout.