Easy Grilled Chicken Thighs with Cumin, Cayenne & Citrus
A little garlic, a squeeze of fresh citrus, and a bold blend of warm spices can turn everyday chicken thighs into a dinner worth looking forward to. These Easy Grilled Chicken Thighs combine earthy cumin, fragrant oregano, a touch of cayenne, and bright orange and lime juice for a savory, citrusy marinade. The grill adds a deliciously browned exterior while the naturally juicy thighs stay tender inside.
This easy chicken thigh recipe gets its flavor from a simple sauce blended with garlic, quartered onion, oregano, cumin, cayenne pepper, ground cloves, oil, orange juice, and fresh lime juice. The combination is punchy rather than bland, with citrus balancing the deeper spice notes. You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for quicker cooking or bone-in thighs if you prefer the extra flavor and don’t mind allowing more time on the grill.
The preparation is uncomplicated. Blend the garlic, onion, herbs, spices, and oil until fairly smooth, then add the orange and lime juices. Coat the chicken generously with the mixture. If your schedule allows, let it marinate for about 30 minutes so the flavors have time to develop. Grill over moderately high heat, turning as needed, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Bone-in pieces generally take longer than boneless thighs.
For reliable results, keep an instant-read meat thermometer close to the grill. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part, avoiding contact with the bone when checking bone-in pieces.
Finish the chicken with chopped fresh cilantro for a burst of color and freshness. Serve these grilled chicken thighs with a baked potato, sautéed spinach and garlic, or creamy kale for a satisfying weeknight dinner. With a short ingredient list and a vibrant homemade marinade, this recipe is an easy way to bring more flavor to your regular chicken rotation.
Serve with a baked potato and Quick Southern-Style Baked Beans from Pioneer Woman, Sauteed Spinach & Garlic or Creamed Kale.
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Easy Chicken Thighs
- Total Time: :50
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1 small onion, quartered
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, or 1 teaspoon dried
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne, or to taste
- Pinch ground cloves
- Salt and pepper
- 1 tablespoon peanut or other oil
- 2 tablespoons orange juice, preferably freshly squeezed
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
- About 1 1/2 pounds boneless chicken thighs, or 2 pounds thighs with bones
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat a gas grill, start a wood or charcoal fire or preheat a broiler; the fire should be moderately hot, and the rack should be about 4 inches from the heat source.
- Combine the garlic, onion, oregano, cumin, cayenne, cloves, salt, pepper and oil in a blender or small food processor, and blend until fairly smooth. Add the juices, taste and adjust seasoning; the flavors should be powerful.
- Smear sauce over chicken; if time allows, marinate 30 minutes or so. Grill 6 to 8 minutes a side, or until meat is nicely browned and cooked medium or better on the inside. (Thighs with bones will take longer, about 20 minutes total.) Serve, garnished with the cilantro.
- Prep Time: :30
- Cook Time: :20
- Category: Entree
- Method: Grilled