Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Thighs
A Fusion of Flavors from the Middle East
If you're looking for a delicious and healthy way to enjoy chicken, look no further than these Mediterranean grilled chicken thighs. Marinated in a blend of lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, and warming Middle Eastern spices, these chicken thighs are packed with flavor and guaranteed to be a hit with your family and friends.
Blending the Best of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern Cuisine
Mediterranean cuisine is known for its emphasis on fresh, healthy ingredients, such as olive oil, fresh vegetables, and herbs. Middle Eastern cuisine, on the other hand, is known for its bold flavors and use of warming spices, such as cumin, coriander, and cinnamon. When you combine these two culinary traditions, you get a fusion of flavors that is simply irresistible.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 60 minutes
Total time: 80 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 6 skin-on, bone-in thighs, trimmed of excess skin and fat
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander seed
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon Aleppo pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried Greek oregano
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon sumac
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper
- 1 whole lemon, juiced
- 1/3 cup olive oil or avocado oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
Instructions
To prepare these Mediterranean grilled chicken thighs, start by blotting the chicken skin with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This will help the chicken skin get crispy and delicious on the grill. Trim chicken thighs of any excess skin and fat, if necessary.
In a large bowl, whisk together the garlic, brown sugar, cinnamon, coriander, cumin, Aleppo pepper, oregano, paprika, sumac, thyme, sea salt, pepper, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil until well combined.
Pour marinade, into a 9x13 glass baking dish, evenly coating the bottom.
Carefully place chicken thighs into marinade, making sure to keep skin above marinade. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat and infuse it with delicious flavors. Place on bottom shelf of refrigerator uncovered for at least 4 hours, up to 8, to allow any remaining moisture to evaporate from chicken skin.
Before grilling the chicken, remove the thighs from the fridge and allow to come to room temp - at least 30 minutes.
When ready to grill, heat entire grill on high, with lid closed, for 10 minutes. Turn off two burners, and place chicken, skin side down on side with burners turned off. Close lid and maintain temperature at 375 for 30 minutes. Turn chicken skin side up, and cook until internal temp of chicken thighs hit 180°F (about another 20 to 30 minutes). We prefer 180ºF for chicken thighs, the protein texture is better than chicken safely cooked to 165ºF.
Remove chicken from grill, and allow to rest for 5-10 minutes on a rack, uncovered
Serve these Mediterranean grilled chicken thighs with a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh Greek-style salad for a complete and healthy meal. You can also pair them with some delicious tzatziki sauce or hummus for an extra kick of flavor. With their fusion of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors, these grilled chicken thighs are sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. This dish is perfect for a summer barbecue or a weeknight dinner. The marinade adds incredible flavor to the chicken, and the skin-on, bone-in thighs stay juicy and tender on the grill.
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