Get ready to transform your ordinary grilling routine with these mind-blowing Mayo Marinated Grilled Chicken Thighs that will have your family and friends begging for seconds! This surprisingly simple recipe turns basic chicken thighs into a flavor-packed masterpiece that's crispy on the outside, incredibly tender on the inside, and packed with a creamy, tangy marinade that'll make your taste buds dance. Whether you're a grilling novice or a backyard BBQ champion, this recipe is about to become your new summer sensation.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the marinade is smooth and well-combined.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the marinade adhere better to the meat.
- Place the chicken thighs in the marinade, ensuring each piece is completely coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally 2-4 hours for deeper flavor penetration.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375-400°F. Clean and oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Remove chicken thighs from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Discard the remaining marinade to prevent cross-contamination.
- Place chicken thighs on the preheated grill, skin-side down if using bone-in, skin-on thighs. Grill for 6-8 minutes until nice grill marks form.
- Flip the chicken and continue grilling for another 6-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Remove chicken from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or green onions.
Tips
- Always pat your chicken dry before marinating to help the marinade stick better and promote excellent caramelization.
- Don't rush the marinating process - while 30 minutes works, letting the chicken sit for 2-4 hours develops deeper, more complex flavors.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F without overcooking.
- Let the chicken rest after grilling to redistribute juices, preventing dry meat and ensuring maximum tenderness.
- If you don't have a grill, this recipe works beautifully with a grill pan or even oven roasting - just adjust cooking times accordingly.
- For extra flavor, try adding smoked paprika or dried herbs to your marinade for a personalized touch.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 140mg
