Easy Broiled Chicken Thighs Recipe (Juicy Perfection)

Dredged in a chili-powder-based dry rub and coated with a tasty honey glaze, the combination of flavors and textures makes this broiled chicken an irresistible and satisfying main dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Whether it’s a busy weeknight or an impromptu gathering with friends, these boneless, skinless, broiled chicken thighs, like my lemon pepper chicken thighs, offer a hassle-free cooking experience without compromising taste or quality.

This recipe is a favorite recipe at my house, and I guarantee it will be a winner at yours, too! Next time, treat yourself and your loved ones to the delightful experience of Broiled Chicken Thighs cooked in the oven – your taste buds will thank you!

Why this recipe is a keeper!

Every bite is a flavor explosion in your mouth. Broiling caramelizes the honey/apple cider vinegar glaze, creating a tantalizing combination of savory, sweet, and spicy notes that will make you want to return for more.

Broiling chicken thighs is the best way to cook them because it locks in the natural juices of the thighs, and this chicken recipe delivers a moist and tender texture that’s simply unbeatable.

This recipe comes to the rescue when you’re short on time but still crave a delicious and wholesome meal the whole family will love. Unlike time-consuming cooking methods, such as baking or frying, broiling requires minimal preparation, and this great recipe delivers maximum results in just minutes.

Advantages of broiling as a cooking method for chicken:

• Broiling is a fast cooking method with high heat that allows meat to cook quickly and evenly. It helps retain the natural juices, resulting in moist and tender meat.
• The direct heat caramelizes any seasonings, marinades, or glazes applied, enhancing its taste and creating a delightful contrast of textures.
• Broiling is a healthier alternative to frying since it requires little or no added fat.

Ingredient notes and substitutions:

• Boneless, skinless thighs – are the star of this dish. You can also broil different cuts, including bone-in chicken thighs, skin-on chicken thighs, legs, quarters, and chicken breasts, but you will have to adjust the cooking time.
• Chili powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, ground cumin, paprika, and ground red pepper – combine to make the dry rub. The spices act as a marinade to add complexity and depth, elevating the taste from ordinary to extraordinary while retaining natural juices, ensuring a moist and tender texture.
• Honey and apple cider vinegar – combine to add a sweet and tangy flavor to the broiled chicken.

Complete measurements are in the printable recipe below.

Serving suggestions:

I like to serve this recipe with simple side dishes such as Broccoli Salad, Southern Potato Salad, Sautéed Spinach, White Acre Peas, Field Peas, Purple Hull Peas, and Southern Fried Corn,

Twice Baked Mashed Potatoes, Creamed Corn, Parmesan Smashed Potatoes, Broccoli Cheese Casserole, Hasselback Potatoes, or Baked Sweet Potato Slices are also delicious.

A slice of crusty bread, Old-Fashioned Southern Cornbread, Texas Toast Garlic Bread or some Hoe Cakes would round out the meal nicely.

For dessert, it’s hard to beat my Strawberry Trifle with Angel Food Cake, Strawberry Sherbet, Orange Sherbet Ice Cream, Key Lime Mousse, or Strawberry Pie.

If you need more menu ideas for sides, here is a link to all of my side dish recipes.

Recipe variations:

There are countless recipe variations for this recipe. Here are some ideas:

• Create a glaze using a combination of fresh citrus juices (lemon, lime, or orange) mixed with minced garlic, honey, and a hint of soy sauce. Brush the glaze over the thighs before broiling.
• Mix together a blend of Mediterranean herbs such as oregano, thyme, rosemary, and minced garlic with olive oil and lemon juice. Coat the thighs with the herb mixture and broil.
• Whisk together a teriyaki glaze using soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic. Marinate the thighs in the glaze and broil until the sauce caramelizes.
• Mix balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and a touch of thyme to form a glaze. Brush the glaze over the thighs and broil.
• Keep things simple, either coat with olive oil or melted butter and lemon juice, season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, and broil.

Leftovers, storage, and reheating:

Leftovers are delicious and can be used to make Chicken Salad with Cranberries and Pecans, Wild Rice Chicken Salad, and Chicken Teriyaki Stir Fry. They can also be added to salads and used to make quesadillas, wraps, and soup.

Leftovers should be covered and stored in the fridge in an airtight container for 3-4 days.

Individual pieces can be reheated in the microwave for about 30 seconds or wrapped in foil, placed on an oven rack, and reheated in a 350°F oven for about five minutes.

Recipe FAQs:

Expert tips and tricks:

• Start with fresh, high-quality chicken thighs and trim off any excess fat.
• This recipe assumes that your chicken pieces are about five ounces each. They will take more or less time to cook if they are larger or smaller.
• Ensure your broiler is preheated before adding the meat. This ensures that it starts cooking immediately.
• Line the broiler pan or baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking, or spray with a non-stick cooking spray. I do not recommend using a glass baking dish or a cast iron skillet for this recipe.
• Don’t crowd the pan; arrange the pieces in a single layer, ensuring enough space between them so they will cook evenly.
• Keep a close eye on the thighs while broiling to avoid overcooking. Since broiling is a quick cooking method, the meat can go from perfectly cooked to overdone in seconds.
• Use an instant read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of each piece to ensure the meat is done. The internal temperature should read 165°F for safe consumption.
• Be sure your baking rack is ten inches below the heating element. If it’s higher, the thighs could burn; if it’s lower, it will take longer to cook.

More crispy chicken thigh recipes:

For more menu ideas, you can find all of my chicken recipes here

⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐⭐If you make this easy chicken thigh recipe, please leave a comment and give this recipe a star rating. I would love to know how you liked it!

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